Casa Howard Florence

Casa Howard was established in 2000 with the opening of 5 rooms in Rome. In 2004 the second site opened in Florence with 11 bedrooms and 2 suites. This chic guest house (not a boutique hotel) continues the formula of location, privacy, personal service, high comfort and excellent value.

A boutique guest house just steps away from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, this outpost is a charming and relaxing retreat in the heart of the historical centre. The building is decorated with character: a collection of antique furniture and artwork reflecting the international tastes of the owners. The quirky décor and comfy common areas will make you feel as though you're staying at the home of a cherished friend rather than a hotel, and the discreet but helpful concierge team is always on hand to provide recommendations and assistance. Just minutes from the central station and within walking distance of a host of landmarks, it's the ideal place for weekend breaks in magnificent Firenze.

A continental breakfast is served daily in the privacy of your room. There are several restaurants close to the hotel that are perfect for more substantial meals, whether you're looking for hearty pastas or the legendary bistecca Fiorentina. The helpful team at Casa Howard will help recommend their favourite spots and assist with reservations. Florence is full of wonderful shops and bistros, most of which are within easy walking distance of Casa Howard.

Casa Howard Florence is spread over three floors of a magnificent Palazzo in the centre of the city. The famous 'Officina de Profumi di Santa Maria Novella' is nearby and provides the guest house with its world-famous toiletries. Many of the rooms have working fireplaces, some have private terraces with cityscape views, and it's possible to combine some of the space to create a large private suite.

Bedrooms and en-suites are individually designed and are bursting with character, and evoke Florence’s long history of elegance and luxury, with details ranging from Renaissance-era headboards to belle époque influences. The 2-bed family suite comes complete with a climbing wall and a fully-stocked collection of Disney films.

Casa Howard has many comfortable nooks to cosy up in, including a well-stocked library and a winter garden. For an indulgent treat, take advantage of the hotel’s Turkish bath, perfect for relaxing in after a day spent exploring (extra charge applies).

The property is located in the shadow of Santa Maria Novella, an impressive green and white marble Gothic church. Enjoy the fine artwork within, featuring many of the big names of the Renaissance art scene. Many of Florence’s most famous sites are within walking distance, from the Ponte Vecchio and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Uffizi Gallery.

By car: from the A1 motorway (Milan>Rome or vice versa) exit at Firenze Sud if you're coming from Rome, or Firenze Nord if you're travelling from the north). Whether you're arriving  from Firenze Sud or from Firenze Nord (or from Firenze Certosa if coming from west Tuscany), look for signs indicating the ‘centro’ and S.M.Novella train station (they are everywhere). You’ll find yourself on the VIALI (a long internal ring road around the inner town, starting from the Arno river and going back round): proceed into the traffic restricted area which will lead to S.M.Novella train station Square (Piazza). If the train station is to your left, continue past it and follow the stream of traffic back around the roundabout, down Piazza della Stazione road so that you pass the station (now on your right) and follow the road as it bears left by Bar Diana into a very short road. At the traffic lights you can't go straight; you can only turn left or right. TURN LEFT onto Via della Scala (the restricted area starts there). If the train station is to your right, drive past it and follow the stream of traffic ahead down the Piazza della Stazione road as it bears left by Bar Diana into a very short road. At the traffic lights you can't go straight; you can only turn left or right. TURN LEFT onto Via della Scala (the restricted area starts there). Casa Howard is 50 metres down the road on the left-hand side, just opposite the Sandro & Claudia bar. Leave your luggage and then park: the guest house suggests the Garage Internazionale, 150 metres from the property – ask the housekeepers how to get there. Whereever you choose, make sure the car park is one that removes the ticket fee you automatically get when passing through the restricted area.

Florence: 15 minutes away by car and just slightly longer by tram.

Pisa: 1.5 hours away by car and the same by train (there's a direct train from the airport to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which is a 5-minute walk from Casa Howard).

Free parking is available.

Free Wi-fi is available.