Hotel Calimala to open in Florence in October
Located in Florence’s Centro Storico, Hotel Calimala is set to open its doors in October 2019.
Originally a 19th-century palazzo, the building has been transformed into a 38-key boutique hotel designed by architect and interior designer Alex Meitlis. The design is influenced by Florence’s rich cultural traditions whilst remaining contemporary in style. Meitlis paid respect to the history and age of the building by retaining original architectural characteristics both inside and out.
The hotel features a specially curated art collection by Carmel Ilan and signature branding elements and statement pieces by artist and designer Ivo Bisignano. Every aspect of the hotel seeks to celebrate the building’s history and age, including the restored exterior etched sgraffito motifs and the original exposed stone walls. Each room is furnished with Meitlis’ custom-designed furnishings and light fixtures and a tri-coloured terrazzo bathroom that has been modelled after the design of the Battistero Di San Giovanni.
“The interiors of Hotel Calimala are inextricably linked to the city,” says Meitlis. “Our mission was dictated by the building’s history and age and it was important to us that every stone, crack and crevice that could be salvaged would remain within the final design. When guests wake up in their room, they will instantly know that they are in Florence and not anywhere else in the world.”
The hotel restaurant and bar Angel – complete with a floral garden patio and pool – is a 3-storey dining destination sitting atop the hotel, serving a unique interpretation of Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern cuisine.
