Grand Hotel Minerva
Mid-century modernist meets Florentine grandeur. Carlo Scarpa's DNA runs throughout: clean lines, art on every wall, a Japanese garden visible through a glass wall in the breakfast room. Feels like a design museum you actually sleep in. Works by Emilio Greco, Renato Guttuso, and Giuseppe Chiari hang alongside original frescoes. Not stuffy — the rooftop draws a lively local cocktail crowd in the evenings.
Non-guests can access the rooftop cocktail bar from 7:30pm to midnight — book a table there even if you're not staying
Why It Matters
One of very few Florence hotels with a rooftop pool — and the views here are straight at the Duomo. The Carlo Scarpa 1957 interior is a legitimate design landmark, with original furnishings still in place. Frescoed suites and a 13th-century palazzo structure give it genuine historic depth. Listed in the Michelin Guide 2025 and part of Virtuoso and Amex The Hotel Collection networks.
The Grand Hotel Minerva sits directly on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence's most storied squares, with the cathedral's green-and-white marble facade so close you could practically touch it. The hotel dates to the 19th century but was redesigned in 1957 by Venetian modernist architect Carlo Scarpa (alongside Edoardo Detti) — and his original bar stools are still at the bar. The most recent renovation, by Piera Tempesti Benelli, layered fresh contemporary Italian design over that mid-century glamour, resulting in 97 rooms inside a 13th-century palazzo where some rooms have original frescoes and coffered ceilings from the 1300s. And then there's the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of the Duomo — a genuine rarity in Florence.
Where You'll Stay
15 room types available
103 + 104 2-Bedroom Frescoed Suite
The two frescoed suites combined into a single 120sqm two-bedroom apartment with original frescoes throughout and panoramic views. Easily the most extraordinary accommodation option in the hotel — sleeps up to six adults.
120 sqm103 Open Space Frescoed Suite
A 55sqm open-plan suite with original frescoes and panoramic city views — one of the most coveted rooms in the hotel. The open-space layout makes the frescoes feel like they wrap around you. Exceptional for design lovers.
55 sqm104 Frescoed Suite
At 65sqm, this frescoed suite is even larger than Room 103, with original frescoes and panoramic views. A proper suite format (not open-plan) with generous space for three adults.
65 sqm
106 Terrace Junior Suite
A 40sqm junior suite with a large private terrace — useful for anyone who wants outdoor space of their own. Internal view rather than panoramic, but the terrace compensates. Up to three adults.
40 sqm111 Red Duplex Suite
An 80sqm two-level suite with bold design and panoramic city views. The largest of the unique rooms, sleeping up to five adults. The red design theme makes it stand apart from the more classically styled rooms.
80 sqm
402 The Romantic Room
A 35sqm guest room with a romantic design concept and panoramic views. Larger than most guest rooms, with details that lean into the 18th-century-romance idea the hotel plays well.
35 sqm428 The Romantic Suite
A 50sqm suite with views of the Cloisters of Santa Maria Novella and a romantic design sensibility. Luxurious and intimate, for up to three adults.
50 sqm
Deluxe Double Florence View
Deluxe comfort at 26sqm with the panoramic city view. Good balance of space and view at the mid-tier price point. Popular choice for couples doing a city break.
26 sqmDeluxe Junior Suite
Starting at 30sqm with panoramic views, this is the entry point into suite life at the Minerva. Panoramic outlook and a step up in finishes and space over the standard guest rooms.
30 sqmDuplex Suite
A two-level, 70sqm suite with panoramic views — one of the most dramatic rooms in the hotel. Accommodates up to four adults, with art and architecture at every turn. The split-level layout gives it real wow factor.
70 sqmPremium
Entry-level smart comfort with an internal courtyard view. Compact but well-designed, with curated Italian furnishings. Good for guests who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.
22 sqmPremium Comfort
Entry level with a bit more breathing room — 26sqm of internal-facing comfort, suitable for up to three adults. Practical choice if you need the extra space without the premium view price.
26 sqmPremium Executive
Entry-level comfort with a dedicated living area added in — at 30sqm it starts to feel genuinely spacious. Internal view but great for those who want a place to sit that isn't the bed.
30 sqmPremium Florence View
The smallest room in the house at 18sqm, but with panoramic views of Florence. A cozy, budget-conscious way to wake up looking at the Duomo. Not for anyone with lots of luggage.
18 sqmSuite
Luxury comfort starting at 40sqm with panoramic views and elegant furnishings. Up to three adults, making it workable for a family or a couple wanting a proper living space. Tall ceilings, artistic décor, marble-wrapped bathrooms.
40 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel is itself a small art museum. Works by Emilio Greco, Renato Guttuso, and Giuseppe Chiari hang throughout. Frescoes dating to the 14th century are visible in certain rooms, along with the landmark Carlo Scarpa 1957 interiors. Guests can explore it all.
Staff arrange personalized tours, museum tickets, and reservations throughout Florence. The hotel promotes curated local experiences including leather crafting workshops, perfumery visits (Aquaflor), and family pizza and gelato making.
A private outdoor dining experience on a dedicated terrace — ideal for special occasions. Available on request.
Heated rooftop pool on top of a 13th-century palazzo with 360° views of Florence and direct sightlines to the Duomo. Open seasonally April–October, 9am–7pm, for hotel guests only.
Watch the sun set over the Florentine rooftops from the pool bar while sipping the signature Terrace Negroni. One of the better-positioned sunset spots in the city — with the Duomo dome in view.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dedicated meeting and events facilities available. Details on request from the hotel.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel and in all rooms.
Private parking available at a nearby location. No reservation needed. Approximately €45/day. Valet parking also available.
Open seasonally April–October, 9am–7pm for hotel guests. 360° panoramic views of Florence including the Duomo from a 13th-century palazzo rooftop.
Minibar available in rooms.
In-room safe available in all rooms.
All rooms and public areas are air conditioned.
Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply. Pet bowls and baskets available.
In-room dining available. Suite & Unique Privileges guests receive breakfast in bed with no delivery charge.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available. Suite & Unique Privileges guests receive complimentary ironing service.
Round-the-clock front desk and concierge service. Staff advise on local attractions, tours, and make reservations.
Roman-style hot plunge bath with large Jacuzzi, available for exclusive hourly hire by hotel guests. Service charge applied. Currently temporarily closed.
Panoramic gym with latest equipment from premium brands. Accessible by reservation only. Open daily 6am–10pm.
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