ADASTRA HÔTEL PARTICULIER FLORENCE: A LUXURY HOTEL REVIEW

The French inspired, AdAstra Hôtel Particulier is set in Europe’s largest private walled garden, ‘intra moenia’ known as the Giardino Torrigigani, only a short walk from the famous Ponte Vecchio, accessed via a labyrinth-like street in the artisanal neighbourhood of Oltrarno.

AdAstra is most definitely a secret hideaway-like abode, which is bought to us by the same creative trio that delivered the Florentine residence known as SoprArno Suites.

Have a read of my review of SoprArno Suites for an introduction behind the inspiration and interior design of the properties.

SOPRARNO SUITES: A HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN OLTRARNO, FLORENCE

A SHORT HISTORY

AdAstra exuberates the feel of a private aristocratic apartment and that really is not a million miles away from the truth. During the sixteenth century, this was the home of some botanical gardens and later when the Marquis of Torrigiani inherited the property, he commissioned a neo-gothic tower to be built in the garden to be served as an observatory to look at the twinkling stars. Hence the name AdAstra, which translates to ‘to the stars’ in latin. The current Marquis still resides on the ground floor of the property and the Hôtel Particulier extends over the first and second floor of the mansion house.

A GRAND ENTRANCE

AdAstra Hôtel Particulier is accessed by the Via del Campuccio, behind tall gates leading into a courtyard and up a grand palatially adorned staircase dominated by huge framed paintings and plush red fabrics and tones, you arrive at reception but not before you gaze to your left and you see a life-size chandelier glisten against the sun from the corner of your eye.

THE SALON

Entering the salon is a complete feast for the eyes. The beautiful crystal chandelier hangs from a vastly frescoes ceiling. Stucco work, original parquet floors and the fine clever blend of period features with antique and quirky meets vintage, reclaimed artefacts from bygone decades presents a homely atmosphere rather than a stuffy luxury upmarket Bed & Breakfast.

A home away from a home with comfy sofas, throws and delicately placed soft furnishings.

Finally the French doors of the salon open up onto a stunning wrap around terrace with views of the Torrigiani tower and gardens.

THE ROOMS

The property accommodates 12 rooms on the first and second floor of the mansion with two private hidden annexes in the garden. Some of the rooms on the first floor boast a balcony, which feeds into the magnificent terrace. Every room is finished and decorated uniquely so no two rooms look the same but all have a claw foot roll top bath, which is fully functional. It’s evident that each room has been hand-picked on a theme by the owners and kept very individually, giving you the sense of feeling that it was designed just for you!

Our elegant home for six nights was the King Room with Balcony on the first floor, also known as Room three. The room is entered via double doors off the main Salon and it is a complete gem.  Stepping onto creaky Parquet flooring with a stunning chandelier taking centre stage above the bed, as well as accents of Italian styled dark wood, white finishes with lamps scattered around the room, original moulding, a stunning fireplace, oh and let’s not forget about the vintage Apple Mac on the desk for Mac lovers like myself!

The king bed is comfortable with bright white linen and the scatter cushions in duck egg blue, which work perfectly with the long drop of the curtains that provide the exact amount of splash to this inviting room.

Well, of course, the roll-top bath steals the eyes for more than a moment as it has Betty Soldi written all over it with the white arrangement, it’s no wonder she admitted this is her favourite room in AdAstra. It’s fair to say I’m also a little in love with Room three!

All the mod cons that any guest would want, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player available from reception to watch the large scattering of DVD’s available at the property, not to mention the array of books, from short stories, to design magazines and TinTin collections, there is lots to keep you occupied. You’ll also find coffee and tea making facilities, a fridge and a safe.

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If a bath is not your bathing style of choice, worry not there’s a beautifully finished bathroom with a white suite, with a very comfortable double rain shower and all the usual bathroom amenities including Bigalow toiletries. Additionally, the rooms and communal spaces have been filled with beautiful artworks, which stop you in your tracks to admire.

The large French doors open up onto a private part of the terrace, which incidentally does a wrap around the property, so every morning you can step out in your fluffy white robe and slippers and enjoy your morning coffee with a direct view of the Torriagiani tower and gardens.

Alternatively, you can sit on the garden furniture on your balcony with a glass or two of the red Torrigiani wine (from their estate), which is gifted in the room upon check-in.

THE STYLISH CORRIDORS

THE TERRACE

The terrace is simply beautiful. It wraps around the first floor of the property and is furnished with potted plants, lavender and Fermob chairs and tables.

Definitely one of the best features of the property is the sun as it fills the terrace rooms with beautiful light in the late afternoon. Considering AdAstra has a city centre location with the old wall boundaries I defy you not to imagine that you’re staying at a country estate in the middle of nowhere.

THE BREAKFAST

A deliciously continental breakfast is served in the salon daily from 08:00-10:00 and comprises of a medley of fresh fruit salad, free range boiled eggs, prosciutto, local cheeses, fresh from the oven pastries and croissants, cakes, flans. Not to mention coffees, teas and juices and one of the first places I tried cotognata or quince jam!

During the warmer weather, the terrace outside is set up for breakfast with the large French doors opened in the salon. An idyllic spot for the most important meal of the day.

TORRIGIANO GARDENS

These gardens are utterly stunning, especially if you chose to visit during the summer. You are not permitted to enter the gardens alone, however (there is a sharp drop to the city walls at the back) upon request the staff can arrange a tour of the garden for you if you’re interested.

THE EXTRA TOUCHES

I’ve said it before and I’ll happily say it again. AdAstra like its sister is most definitely a home away from home. The breakfast counter is stocked all day with facilities to help yourself to hot drinks and pastries or fruit should you need a quick snack. There is the genius idea of an honesty bar where you can help yourself to a tipple from the fridge.

PURE SHEER UNADULTERATED PERFECTION FOR

City breaks, romantic getaways, small families, anniversaries, honeymoons/minimoons

BE-LAVIE’S VERDICT

I feel like the cat that just got the cream! My thoughts on AdAstra, well you know sometimes you just can’t find enough adjectives to describe a place. It’s a complete hideaway tucked away on the tranquil Via del Campuccio in my favourite part of Florence and is as beautiful and as quirky as it gets.

With all its mansion grandeur, AdAstra quite literally is pretty homely. It’s comfortable, doesn’t make you feel uneasy and the staff including the concierge are immensely helpful with recommendations and restaurant bookings at local restaurants, so you’re kept away from the tourist traps. If it’s your first time in Florence, insider knowledge is key and AdAstra delivers a personal, elegant memorable stay in one of my favourite cities in the world. Walk the same streets as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and chose to sleep underneath the stars at AdAstra.

For competitive rates and offers please contact AdAstra directly via their website

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So tell me folks, what did you think of AdAstra Hôtel Particulier? Has it got you looking to the stars to visit?

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À bientôt

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