As a traveler in search of extraordinary experiences, I’ve always sought out hotels that do more than just offer a bed—they tell a story. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to stay at Italy’s oldest hotel, NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa, on a recent trip to Florence.

NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a living piece of Italian history. The hotel traces its history back to a letter dated 1386. Its building was constructed in the heart of Florence, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, around the year 1500 and has been rented out to hoteliers for centuries.

Today, NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa weaves the elegance of the Renaissance with modern comforts, allowing you to not only explore the city’s past but to live in it—if only for a few nights. Here’s what I loved about this historic hotel and why it’s one of the best places to stay in Florence.

A peek inside the pretty dining room. (NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa)

It makes a jaw-dropping first impression

The moment you step into the lobby of NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa, you feel like you’ve time-traveled into a regal moment in history.

The grand lobby features checkered marble floors, striking red velvet furniture, pillared archways, and a magnificent ceiling adorned with stained glass and antique frescoes. Lingering in this lobby is akin to stepping into a Renaissance painting.

From the elegant decor to the timeless colors, every detail nods to Florence’s artistic splendor.

Historic frescoes crown some guest rooms at this hotel in Florence. (NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa)

Historic frescoes crown guest rooms

The accommodations at NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa capture the same elegance as the lobby, but in a more intimate and cozy setting.

The property offers 72 guest rooms and suites—and no two are identical. Expect an airy atmosphere from lofted ceilings, spacious and well-lit bathrooms made from marble and granite, plush beds with your choice of pillows, and pops of red in the furniture.

Some rooms also have an extra special touch: lovingly restored frescoes on the walls and ceilings, each more than 300 years old.

This unique feature, rarely found in other properties, highlights the hotel’s deep connection to Florence’s artistic heritage and makes a stay at Italy’s oldest hotel truly exceptional.

Soak up incredible views of Florence in the Torre Monalda Suite, located in a 13th-century tower at NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa. (NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa)

Its 13th-century tower showcases amazing views of Florence

When the building that houses NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa was constructed in the 16th century, it incorporated a Medieval tower that was already 300 years old.

Now known as the Torre Monalda Suite, this space is the crown jewel of Italy’s oldest hotel. The three-floor suite oozes romance with a claw-foot bathtub and spectacular views of the Duomo.

It’s the perfect retreat for a honeymoon in Italy—or if you just want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime stay in Florence.

Sip a glass of prosecco at NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa’s pretty wine bar. (NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa)

A charming wine bar completes the experience

Just off the lobby, you’ll find one of my favorite spaces at NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa: the wine bar.

This space echoes the lobby’s design with its luxurious red velvet stools and checkered marble floor, while adding its own unique charm with an intricately carved wooden bar and Renaissance-style paintings.

Natural light pours in from the near floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a glass of crisp prosecco.

The guest relations team at NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa can arrange exclusive experiences, like a hands-on gilded painting workshop. (Joni Sweet)

The guest relations team curates exclusive experiences

NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa’s commitment to providing an unforgettable stay goes beyond the walls of the hotel.

Its guest relations team can arrange exclusive experiences to immerse you Florence’s rich artistic heritage, such as a visit to the Foglia D’Oro Workshop at Bottega d’Arte Maselli. Established in 1955, this family-run workshop is considered an expert in the art of gilding and frame restoration.

They’ll teach you the meticulous process of applying real gold leaf to a painting. This hands-on experience offers a rare glimpse into traditional Florentine craftsmanship and allows you to create a personal piece of art—a perfect souvenir to remember your stay at Italy’s oldest hotel.

Joni Sweet is a seasoned travel writer who covers adventure and wellness experiences around the world.

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