The 25Hours Hotel San Paolino is the latest masterwork of the German hotel chain, which has chosen the city of Florence for its first hotel in Italy. Located in the picturesque Piazza San Paolino complex, it is just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station.
Offering spacious interiors, with 117 rooms and several common areas, it is strongly rooted in the urban fabric. In fact, the complex that houses the hotel, which used to be a so-called “Monte dei Pegni”, i.e. a pawnshop, includes the former convent and a church. Recently, thanks to extensive restoration work by GLA (Genius Loci Architettura), new life has been breathed into these fascinating spaces.
This is not the first time that the German chain of concept hotels has embarked on such a project. It has implemented projects in Paris, Munich, Dubai, Cologne and other cities, which are all different, original and have their own unique style. Such focus on research goes hand in hand with the creative vision of Studio Otto – Paola Navone, the designer entrusted with the task of designing the 25Hours Hotel San Paolino. The project was sure to be a success and even caused a sensation in the city, mainly because of its concept.
The Divine Comedy comes to life between virtues and vices
Paola Navone drew inspiration from the Divine Comedy and, as a way of paying tribute to Dante and his city, recreated a setting that looks like something out of Dante’s Inferno and Paradiso (Hell and Paradise). The 25Hours Hotel has two room concepts to choose from: Inferno and Paradiso.
Red in colour, like passion and the flames of hell. The warm ambience of the “Inferno” rooms is filled with an eclectic mix of details, which are enveloped in a lively and vibrant shade of red. In these spaces, where red is the dominant colour, the washbasin made of SM Marble – Palladio Moro stands out from the rest. With its textured appearance, the two-tone washbasin is eye-catching and matches the colours of the room.
Paradiso
A night in paradise? You can experience it here. The rooms are furnished to reflect the concept of Paradise and have an ethereal charm, conveying a sense of peace and tranquillity. The light-coloured furnishing accessories, fabrics and objects chosen by Paola Navone for the Paradiso rooms are combined with elements inspired by the sky. They are the ideal choice for those who want to relax and feel as if they are sleeping on a cloud.
Let’s move on to the common areas, since there are plenty more surprises to come.
A restaurant and much more
Like an urban jungle, framed by large windows and with a dome ceiling, the restaurant is decorated with elements in different shades of green. The green of the plants and furnishings dominates the colour scheme of the hotel’s restaurant, which is also open for breakfast or a quick break, welcoming and pampering guests.
Credits Marta Grasso
In this area, you can sit on vintage chairs, chosen by the architect, and enjoy lunch at an elegant table made of SM Marble – Palladio Fenice, i.e. the other SM Marble of the Palladio Santamargherita product line that was selected for this important project.
But the restaurant is not the only area to spend time with others. The 25Hours Hotel San Paolino also has a relaxation area, a fitness area, a shop, a bakery, a grocery shop and a cocktail bar. Last but not least, the true highlight is the cinema. “Cinema Paradiso” is a retro-style film lounge with a screening schedule, which can also be booked for events and private parties.
The 25Hours Hotel San Paolino is a place worth exploring and experiencing both day and night.
Credits
Dario Garofalo Ph
Materials
https://www.25hours-hotels.com/it/hotels/firenze/piazza-san-paolino