Collegio alla Querce Hotel Review: Best Luxury Hotel in Firenze

I stayed at Collegio alla Querce with my husband and our 2 year old daughter and this is a hotel I would absolutely recommend!

If you want the beauty of Florence without staying directly in the busy historic center, this feels like a peaceful retreat just above the city. It gave us the best of both worlds with easy access to Florence, but a calm place to come back to each day which makes all the difference (especially with little kids)!

We chose it because we wanted something that felt special, design-forward, and still worked well for a young family. We also wanted space to slow down a bit on this part of our trip after Lake Como, before heading into Tuscany.

From the moment we arrived, the first impression was honestly unforgettable. The setting is beautiful, but it’s the design that really hits you first. They did an incredible job renovating the facility and it is full of history in a way that has been so thoughtfully restored.

This is a luxury hotel in Firenze that works for a lot of different travelers. It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic stay, luxury travelers who care about design and service, and families like us who want something elevated but still genuinely welcoming for kids.

I can also help you book this hotel with VIP perks and make sure you get the best room for your stay, which makes a big difference here given how many room types and views there are! Anyways, I’m excited to tell you all about the hotel below!

This site participates in affiliate programs. When you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support allows me to continue providing this free content. Thank you!

It’s the kind of place that really works for luxury family travel, especially if you want space, comfort, and easy access to the city while still feeling like you’re somewhere special.

What Makes This Hotel Special

This is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio and you can feel that level of detail throughout the property. If you’re researching where to stay in Firenze or comparing best hotels, this one stands out for how thoughtfully it’s been restored.

• Originally a historic school and they share touches throughout the design
• Incredible restoration that keeps the soul of the building intact
• Modern luxury layered into centuries-old architecture
• You feel like you’re constantly discovering new hidden courtyards, corridors, and quiet spaces

It doesn’t feel like a typical hotel layout. It feels like exploring a small historic village in the hills above Florence, which is part of what makes it so memorable.

The Design & Atmosphere at Collegio alla Querce

I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful Collegio alla Querce is. This is one of those places where the design really stays with you long after you leave. It’s been a year since our trip and I’m still thinking about it! If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Firenze that feels thoughtful and layered in every way, this is it.

From the moment we arrived, it felt clear that every detail had been considered. The historic architecture is still very present, but it’s been brought back to life in a way that feels warm and intentional. It still has that Italian elegance, just softened and livable.

What I loved most is how much there is to discover as you move through the property. It’s not a hotel you take in all at once. You notice more each day. The preserved floors, the old-school details, the framed photographs from when it was a school, the styled bookshelves and quiet sitting areas… it all tells a story. Nothing feels random.

There are these little moments that really stood out to me too. Walking through the beautifully decorated hallways (I mean just look at them in that picuture above!!). Looking up at these dramatic staircases that almost feel cinematic. Stepping into courtyards that open up in the most unexpected way. Even just sitting with a coffee and realizing how many textures and layers are around you! It is outstanding.

It feels immersive in a way that’s hard to explain. Almost like you’re staying inside a beautifully restored piece of history, but still with all the comfort and ease of a modern luxury hotel.

And then there are the views. Every time you catch a glimpse of Florence through a window or terrace, it reminds you where you are, but it still feels peaceful and removed from it all.

Location & Proximity to Florence

One of the things I really appreciated about staying at Collegio alla Querce is that it’s just outside the historic center of Florence. You still feel completely connected to the city, but the experience at the hotel itself is calm, quiet, and honestly a really nice reset after a busy day exploring. I could not believe how crowded Florence was during our September trip.

I personally loved not being right in the middle of the crowds. Florence can be incredibly busy, especially in peak season, and it was such a treat to come back to a property that feels peaceful and removed from all of that. It gave the whole trip a slower rhythm that I really enjoyed especially with our 2 year old in tow!

Getting into the city is easy. The shuttle into Florence is about 10 minutes, which makes it feel super accessible for sightseeing, dinners, and wandering around during the day. You’re close enough that you never feel like you’re “commuting,” but just far enough away that it feels like you’re staying somewhere special outside the chaos.

Complimentary Shuttle Service

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle into Florence, which is such a helpful perk. It does operate on a first come, first served basis, so I would recommend planning a bit ahead, especially during busy times of day. Seating is limited, and it can fill up quickly. There were people mad that they didn’t make the mid-morning shuttle.

For us, this worked really well. We just made a point to go down a little early when we knew we wanted to head into the city, and it was seamless. It’s especially convenient for families or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with taxis or navigating parking in Florence. We did actually just grab a taxi back from exploring though.

They were also very accommodating with families, including having a car seat available if needed, which made things even easier for us.

Overall, it feels like the best of both worlds. You get the full Florence experience during the day, but you come back to a retreat-like setting in the evenings that feels quiet, spacious, and restorative.

Rooms & Suites at Collegio alla Querce

We originally booked the Collegio Double room at Collegio alla Querce, but were upgraded to the Firenze View King room during our stay. It had two large windows that opened up with beautiful views over Florence and the gardens, which I loved so much.

The room itself felt incredibly spacious and comfortable. One thing I immediately noticed throughout the hotel is that no two rooms really feel exactly the same. There are so many room categories here and each one feels thoughtfully designed with its own personality.

Our room had gorgeous painted walls, beautiful wood details, and really elegant furniture that still felt cozy and livable. It felt luxurious without being overly formal. The ceilings, textures, lighting, and overall design all tied back into the rest of the hotel so seamlessly.

The bed was also unbelievably comfortable. One of those hotel beds where you immediately think about how well you’re going to sleep after a long day walking around Florence.

The bathroom was very spacious with both a soaking tub and a large walk-in shower. I especially loved the Tuscan marble finishes and heated towel racks, which made it feel extra luxurious after showering. There was also a separate water closet with a bidet, which helped the whole layout feel really functional.

The room setup worked surprisingly well for us as a family too. The hotel provided a crib that fit comfortably in the room, and we actually ended up moving it into the large bathroom area at night so we could still use the bedroom after our toddler went to sleep. We would just sneak downstairs to brush our teeth so we wouldn’t wake her up. It ended up working out nicely.

There was also a spacious entryway with luggage storage, which made settling in feel much less cramped with suitcases and baby gear everywhere.

I also appreciated the minibar setup, which included an espresso machine along with locally curated drinks and snacks that felt more elevated than the standard hotel minibar options.

One thing worth knowing before booking is that there are a lot of room types at this hotel. You’ll find everything from standard guest rooms to suites, grand suites, and even two-bedroom suites that would be amazing for larger families or longer stays.

If room selection matters to you, I would definitely prioritize rooms with terraces or Florence views if available. Since every room feels a little different, this is also one of those hotels where booking with a travel advisor can really help you choose the best fit for your trip.

Dining, Restaurants & Bars at Collegio alla Querce

The dining at Collegio alla Querce was excellent and felt very aligned with the rest of the hotel. Every space had its own atmosphere, but everything still felt cohesive and thoughtfully designed.

La Gamella

La Gamella is the hotel’s main restaurant and one of the most beautiful spaces on the property. The design feels elegant but still relaxed and welcoming.

One of my favorite details was the open kitchen setup. This is where breakfast is served on display each morning and was so good. The setting was so lovely! We had lots of breakfast and late lunches here. There’s a great outdoor patio and green space that our daughter ran around in.

Il Bosco

We spent a lot of time at Il Bosco, the poolside restaurant set among the gardens and olive trees. This was our go-to spot after mornings exploring Florence.

The menu focuses on seasonal dishes, salads, grilled fish and vegetables, pizzas, and pastas. We ordered the pizzas multiple times during our stay because they were so good and easy for a relaxed pool lunch.

I was pregnant during this trip and the mocktails were surprisingly great. They clearly put real effort into the nonalcoholic drinks instead of treating them like an afterthought.

Bar Bertelli

Bar Bertelli was probably the moodiest and most unique space at the hotel. It’s located in the former headmaster’s office, and the cocktail program pulls inspiration from science, chemistry, and exploration.

We loved the drinks and the light bites that we actually made into a full meal here!

The space feels intimate and very atmospheric at night. There’s also a cigar room and occasional entertainment like magicians and mentalists in the evenings.

Conservatorio

Conservatorio was one of my favorite quieter spaces at the hotel. It’s filled with natural light and greenery and is a great place to relax during the day with coffee or a light bite.

Il Bosco Social Table

On select evenings, the hotel hosts Il Bosco Social Table, a communal outdoor dinner experience beneath the olive trees. It looked incredibly special and very fitting for the atmosphere of the hotel.

👉 check rates on Booking.com

Pool Experience at Collegio alla Querce Auberge

The pool was an absolute highlight of our stay at Collegio alla Querce. Florence gets very hot in the summer, so coming back here after sightseeing each day felt like such a luxury.

The setting is beautiful with views over the gardens. It feels calm and well designed, with plenty of space to spread out.

The lounge chairs were very comfortable and service around the pool was excellent throughout the day. This is also where Il Bosco is located, so it was easy to order lunch, drinks, or snacks without leaving the pool area.

Our toddler absolutely loved the pool, and one detail I especially appreciated were the smaller hot tub-style pools nearby. They were shallow and a great size for little kids to splash around in safely. And don’t worry, they weren’t overly hot.

The atmosphere was relaxed. People were reading, eating lunch, or resting after a morning in the city. It never felt crowded or loud.

If you’re visiting Florence in summer, having a pool like this makes a big difference. It gives you a true break between city time and hotel time! Plus it is just so hot in the summer.

Spa & Wellness at Collegio alla Querce Florence

I didn’t personally use the spa at Collegio alla Querce since I had just come from another hotel in Lake Como where I did, but I really loved what they offer. If we had more time, this is definitely something I would have booked.

The spa, Spa Aelia, feels very focused on calm, privacy, and intentional wellness. The design is quiet and restorative, and it fits the overall feel of the hotel really well.

They offer a couple-focused wellness experience that stands out. It includes a 90-minute personalized massage, a 90-minute facial using Furtuna Skin products, and private time in a steam shower and Jacuzzi set in a garden space. It feels very complete and designed as a slow, reset-style experience.

There are also wellness offerings beyond standard treatments, including yoga and activities for kids. I love that detail. They even offer a children’s yoga session while you go to the spa, which makes this feel like a family friendly hotel that still prioritizes adults and couples!

There is also a gym and standard wellness facilities on site if you want something more low-key or fitness-focused during your stay.

Even without using the spa, it felt like a space I would have really enjoyed. If you’re staying here for more than a couple nights, I would absolutely make time for it.

Family Friendly Amenities at Collegio alla Querce

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Auberge Resorts Collection is how naturally family-friendly the properties feel, without ever turning into a “kids resort.” Collegio alla Querce is a great example of that balance.

Our daughter was only 2 during our stay, so we didn’t use every kids program, but there was still so much in place that made traveling with a toddler easy.

The property itself feels spacious, with gardens and open areas where kids can move around without it feeling restrictive. The pool setup also works really well for families, especially the shallow areas that are safe and easy for little ones.

Getting around with a child was also simple. The shuttle into Florence was helpful, and they had a car seat available, which made transfers much easier.

In the room, they provided everything we needed for a toddler stay. A crib was set up for us, and they also offered small details like kid-friendly toiletries, a diaper pail, and even swim diapers. We also had a high chair in the room, which was surprisingly helpful for meals and kept things much cleaner and easier during our stay (especially when she was having pasta!)

The staff also made family travel feel very easy. They were accommodating with food, and the kitchen will adjust pasta and sauces for kids without any issue. Kids under 10 also dine complimentary, which is so nice so you don’t pay $20 for a plain pasta they won’t even eat! Kids meals really add up and can be ridiculously pricey for what it is.

For older kids, there is a dedicated program called La Piccola Querce. It includes wellness-focused and creative activities like yoga, storytelling, treasure hunts, reading programs, and nature-based experiences in the gardens and spa spaces. It feels thoughtful and calming, not overly structured.

Overall, it really does feel like a family friendly hotel that still works for couples and luxury travelers. Nothing about it feels watered down, which is what makes it such a strong option for luxury family travel in Florence.

Service at Collegio alla Querce Florence

Service at Collegio alla Querce was one of the strongest parts of our stay. Everything felt smooth, personal, and very well organized without ever feeling overdone.

From the start, the arrival process was easy. The concierge arranged our transfer from the train station and sent a clear photo of exactly where to meet our driver, which made everything stress-free after traveling.

Housekeeping was very attentive and kept the room in perfect condition without being intrusive. Everything always felt refreshed and well cared for when we returned.

What stood out most were the small hospitality touches. At turndown, we often came back to little surprises like chocolates, a small spa gift, or biscotti paired with their signature amaro aperitif. These details made the stay feel personal and memorable in a simple way.

The staff overall were warm and professional. It felt like everyone we interacted with genuinely cared about the guest experience, which is something I always notice at true luxury hotels.

It’s the kind of service that feels effortless on the guest side, which usually means a lot of thought is happening behind the scenes.