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It might be getting il cappello vecchio by now but every visitor owes it to themselves to demand a room with a view in Firenze.

The beauty of a classic novel, of course, is that characters are locked into that moment in say, asking for an upgrade.

Lucky them, you say, to get to stay in the Renaissance City eternally.

But then you’ll be looked after just fine too and get a view too at La Gemma.

Your Grand Tour

Now while Firenze is timeless it’s 40 years since the iconic A Room With A View dazzled us with its celebration of Tuscany.

A good reason then to channel our inner Forster and live the Grand Tour for ourselves.

Explore the iconic landmarks such as the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The enchanting Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with jewellery shops.

And Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance palace and modern art gallery.

One of the finest examples of Florentine culture is Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Which features high-end boutiques and designer ateliers.

Along with the Palazzo Spini-Ferroni, which houses the Ferragamo Museum.

La Gemma gem

Seeing A Room With A View is our entry point here a bit more about our featured hotel, La Gemma.

It’s an exquisite boutique property located within the 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti overlooking La Via Calimala.

The interior reflects the beauty of the cathedral, using a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories.

Complemented by bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles, and bespoke furnishings.

Suite getaway

The rooms and suites exude an air of relaxed luxury with a touch of old-school glamour with Art Deco references.

Seen in the handcrafted king-size beds, finished in muted shades of green and pink velvets.

A silk feature wall adds warmth and interest to the space.

The impeccably presented rooms are adorned with vibrant textiles, Italian bed linens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani.

The marble bathrooms, furnished by Devon & Devon, feature ceramics by Gio Ponti.

A Tuscan romance

For a truly romantic experience, choose a Room with a View overlooking the historic streets of Florence below.

La Gemma boasts many unique and elegant options, with some featuring private balconies.

Truly a room with a view in Firenze.

And we found a room for £505 per night with flights from our airport here in Edinburgh with British Airways for £533.04.

Double-booked or double-named… Florence or Firenze?

The artistic treasure that is Tuscany’s largest city has loomed back on the radar.

Because of the generosity of Dimora Palanca who sent out an invitation to a three-night culinary trip to the city of the Medici.

Dimora Palanca is billed as the coolest new boutique hotel in town.

I’ll go, for sure, although unfortunately not just yet as as is the way of it I’m double booked.

And I have already got my ski gear together for a few days in France. Merd!

Double-booked

We’ve all been there when there are two big dates on our calendar, both on the same day.

For me you can add this to the list that already reads Seattle for Denver and Nashville for South Africa.

But back to the jewel of the Renaissance and a word to the wise to make sure you’re going to the right destination.

Not that you would but some unprepared English-speaking tourists have been known to drive past because the sign says Florence.

Gli Inglesi

Florence has in fact a shared history with England, going back to the Romantic poets, from Shelley to the Brownings.

All of which is addressed in the portrayal of the Scorpioni in the Franco Zeffirelli semi-autobiographical film Tea With Mussolini.

It’s an oldie but a goodie and not to put a spoiler on it..

But the tea-drinking English-speaking expats are put under house arrest.

When the Second World War breaks out.

Boutique living

Their original billet is down at heel but they are upgraded to a hotel which the late British ambassador’s widow believes is because of her connections.

And a meeting she had with Il Duce, her Tea With Mussolini.

The upgraded hotel is befitting the ladies but a bit stuffy, although probably not for the times.

The Dimora Palanca has the all mod cons of a modern boutique hotel, and in a Fiorentine setting which is the best, the historic Via della Scala.

Art of food and wine

We know, of course, about the fine art of the city but this being Il Bel Paese, the Beautiful Country, fine food and wine is always at hand.

You will be spoiled at the Mimesi restaurant and ask too about classes at the city’s famous Cordon Bleu cooking school and mixology classes back at the hotel.

While get on board the vineyard tour and wine tasting at organic winery Monterosola.

The Beautiful North

Tea with Mussolini addresses too the conflicts between the North and the South of Italy, but we don’t have to take a side.

If you’ve dipped your toe in the Venetian lagoon and its environs in Padova and also gone high and low in Bergamo alta and bassa…

Then you’ll have got a taste of the Beautiful North.

Spread your wings then to the jewel of the Renaissance.

You may ask if it’s Florence or Firenze? And if you’re not sure, do, because you won’t want to miss this.

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A room with a view in Firenze