
SOPRARNO SUITES: A HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN OLTRARNO, FLORENCE
Located in the heart of Oltrarno, the artisanal epicentre of the city, lies a well-appointed sixteenth century palace Rezidenca d’epoca (historic residence), known as Soprarno Suites.
Soprarno Suites is a thirteen room individually designed abode, consisting of the most exquisite fittings, meticulously sourced antique furniture, art works and artefacts imaginable to the creative mind. These have been eloquently fused with bespoke pieces, modern artistry and a discrete grace to create a unique living experience in the heart of this Renaissance City’s district of Oltrarno.
SOPRARNO SUITES
Soprarno Suites is the partnership of three creatives, an architect, a lawyer and a graphic designer who have injected their passion from their respective personalities and interests into this beautiful residence.
Architect Francesco Maestrelli looked after the architectural restructure of this historic building, whilst much of the interior design is the vision of lawyer, Matteo Perduca, who has more than a penchant for vintage furniture and antiques. The female touch and on going design is delivered by Matteo’s Florentine born, English raised, wife Betty Soldi, a graphic designer and calligrapher, who has put her stamp on the interior details of the abode flawlessly.
The property is entered via two large doors at ground level on Via Maggio, a few minutes walk from the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge. A secure code is granted to each guest along with their keys for entry of the property out of the hours, which is manned 08:00-16:00. A beautiful courtyard before you adorned with little fairly lights, invites you to your new residence for your time in Florence.
The concierge desk is located on the first floor and check-in is taken care of swiftly and before you know it you’ll be whisked off to your uniquely created haven, leaving you overwhelmed and in awe.
THE SUITES
Soprarno Suites consists of thirteen suites, four superior and nine deluxe suites, which are noticeably larger and more spacious. Soprarno collaborated with Ac’M design for one of the superior suites with the very talented Simone and Helene of Steller Edition Poshetter. The rooms are creative extensions of ongoing design projects with Betty Soldi.
We opted for a Deluxe Room and were assigned the beautiful Room No 21, which faces the characterful street, Via Maggio. It was on the second floor and just oozed charm, history and elegance from the moment we stepped in.
Stunning 1800’s frescoes (some of which are originals in the rooms), that bought back fond memories of art history at school; adorned a beautiful corniced ceiling. From the corner of my eye I spotted the Devon & Devon roll top bath and the gorgeous over-sized king bed with red headboard was the focal point. As I put one foot in front of the other, the sound of wooden flooring echoed memories of long summers in Tuscan villas.
The chairs, lamps, dark wood antique wooden bookcase and wardrobe were worked beautiful in this large space. Lets also mention the strategically chosen and placed works of art adorning the walls, the almost floor to ceiling curtains and the mirrors placed carefully so as to make the room appear even larger than it would appear to the naked eye.
Worry not, the rooms come equipped with all the latest mod cons one may need for business or pleasure. WIFI, Nespresso Machines, teas, a fridge a kettle and HD flat screen TVs featuring Apple TV.
The room is entered via a single door, which has a small hallway and opens into the living and sleeping space as well as a perfectly formed bathroom featuring large showers, more art work, storage, fluffy towels, dressing gowns, slippers and toiletries by Bigelow, which are restocked daily.
Dr C and I stayed during our anniversary and we received a lovely bottle of Prosecco from the concierge to toast the occasion.
Guests are gifted a limited edition bag, which has been designed by Betty. During our stay we had a denim tote bag, which comes in handy when shopping and taking away a little memento of your stay at the suites.
BREAKFAST
Prepare your senses to be awakened on your first morning at Soprarno Suites. The seductive allure of freshly baked croissants will guide you to the breakfast room, which is located on the ground floor at the SottArno Commestibili deli.
Between the hours of 08:00-10:00 this cutesy café featuring many menu collectables from around the globe, displayed on its walls, serves up an Italian breakfast of cold meats, cheese, breads, conserves, mouth watering tarts and breads as well as cereals, fruits, coffees and teas of your choice with the sound of the morning street commotions in the street outside.
The café is open to the public from 10:30 onwards should you not resist the coffee.
OTHER AMENITIES
Just in case your fix of vintage eclecticism is left unsatisfied, there are communal areas on each floor, featuring comfy seating and contemporary spaces to hangout.
Behind the concierge desk there is a kitchen room where guests can help themselves to hot and cold drinks throughout the day and snacks such as croissants, fruits, lattice tarts and the like. There is also an honesty bar for guests with a cute little piggy bank on top for your smalls.
For avid readers, there are a plethora of books for your perusal including a library of reads for the travellers amongst us as well as classic books and design copies.
CONCIERGE
The concierge desk is open from 08:00-16:00 and by special arrangement of check-in, out of these hours. The staff are on hand to provide real local knowledge on hidden gems, in the area and the city of Florence. Their recommendations give you a flavour of the real Florentine life, the artisanal and artistic perspective that makes this city a walking outdoor museum.
BE-LAVIE’S VERDICT
Awaking each morning in a spacious room with frescoes as your first view of the day. Experiencing authentic Florentine hospitality. Returning to a vintage lovers dream in the guise of a retreat after a day of exploring this Renaissance city. Soprarno Suites is hip, bohemian and does not look one iota out of place in its historic Oltrarno location. This is boutique hotel creativity, hospitality and simplicity at its best. There is no lack to the utmost of attention to minutia but in an unstuffy non-pretentious means.
You simply have to experience the charm and avant guard nature of Soprarno Suites on your next visit to Florence.
PURE UNADULTERATED PERFECTION FOR
Couples, Romantic getaways, honeymoons, city breaks, Special occasions and families
Fancy a recap folks? Hit the slideshow below…
Soprarno Suites
Via Maggio, 35
50125 Firenze
Italy
Tel. +39 055 046 8719
Bookings can be made directly via Soprarno Suites’ Website
Tell me, have you every stayed in a hotel room, which has left you in complete awe?
Á Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Kerry LifeandLoves
Ohhh I knew this was a post I was desperate to read after seeing this place on your social media. It is everything I love about a hotel. Quirky, has a back story, beautiful, and all with a touch of luxury. I have pinned this one for later! Gorgeous
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesAwww it’s most definitely a special boutique abode Kerry! I knew you’d like it and I do hope you can pay a visit when you’re in town.
Simply Rasha
What a charming place Be! I love the interiors of the room and they look so spacious as well…wish I could swap the office for that bath…
Bejal
Simply RashaThankyou Rasha! You and me both, it’s stunning and if you’re ever off to Florence, you have to stay and experience the beauty yourself.
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
What a lovely boutique hotel, Be! If I ever go back to Florence, now I know where to stay. I love the classical decor and the art work
Bejal
Cristina – Memories of the PacificYes Cristina, if you do go back SoprArno is the place to stay. It is simply beautiful and the service is excellent.
Tori Chiarello
Looks like an amazing time was had there. The room you stayed in definitely doesn’t look like it was a disappointment! I love the tub! Now I have another place to add to my ever growing travel bucket hotel stays! Great post.
Bejal
Tori ChiarelloOh absolutely! The roll top bath is gorgeous and when you’re in Florence, you’ll have to stay for sure! Thanks for stopping by reading and commenting Tori 🙂
Neha
A beautiful boutique hotel. You always pick the best. What amazing touches it has too and who doesn’t love a free standing bathtub
Bejal
NehaIt’s a stunner right? Oh thankyou Neha. It makes it easier as I go every year so always have my eye on teh next quirky thing. Exactly we all love a roll top bath, especially one as beaut as this one. Add it to that list!
Lara Olivia
I just love boutique hotels like this! I would definitely stay here 🙂 Amazing photography as always Bejal x
Bejal
Lara OliviaI think you would actually love this place if you’re a fan of boutique hotels.So quirky yet so classy and stylish. Thankyou Lara xx
thetravelsofmrsb
What a great hotel, your room is stunning, especially that bath!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbSoprArno Suites are simply gorgeous! I cannot wait to stay at their other properties next year! watch this space!
whatever74
Someone here definitely knows what they’re doing behind the camera. What a pleasure to view; a rapturous attention to detail. So rare these days. You are the exception.
Bejal
whatever74Thankyou very much for reading and your lovely compliments. I am indeed the photographer behind these images unless captioned otherwise. I am so glad you enjoyed this post as SopArno Suites is one of my favourite hotels in Florence (the other being Ad Astra which I believe you have also read about!