My Creative Cup of Tea

September 28, 2026

#MCCOTPlacetoStay {31}

Stella d'Italia

Florence

Italy

Nestled in the historic heart of the Magnificent Florence, at number 7 on the glamorous Via Tornabuoni, there is a little Italian hospitality gem, recently awarded one MICHELIN Key,where it is resolutely nice to stay if you are in town.

An exclusive 24-room (two suites and 22 rooms) boutique hotel opened in 2024, and located within the prestigious 16th-century Palazzo del Circolo dell’Unione- a private members club in Florence established in the 19th century and set on the first floor of the building -designed by Giorgio Vasari who was the most renowned architect at the time and inhabited by the noble Corsi family,

A very special place, called Stella d'Italia, where to experience the true essence of this charismatic city, capital of the Italian Renaissance, but also to delve into the essence of Italy’s cultural and historical legacy and enjoy its unique beauty.

The Romans referred to the Italian peninsula as the “star of the west”, inspired by Venus, the goddess of beauty and the first bright star of the evening. This vision of a star represents endless beauty and the eternal Italian spirit of pursuing one’s dreams – hence the famous saying, ‘segui la tua stella – follow your (true) star’.

Stella d'Italia is the property of local hotelier and Interior designer Matteo Perduca and her partner Betty Soldi, a talented wordsmith, calligrapher and designer, both already co-founders and co-owners of a curated collection of Florentine luxury bed and breakfast establishments including Ad Astra, Soprarno Suites, Oltrarno Splendid, and Regina Bistecca (an award-winning steakhouse by the Duomo).

Alongside the architect Francesco Masìestrelli, the close-knit and passionate creative duo has turned the second and third floors of this iconic building into an historical residence that looks like a kind of extraordinary, cozy and eclectical private little living museum.

More than 500 paintings in original frames, celebrating Italian Art from 1900s glances to landscapes and ‘natura morta/still life’ by way of marine scenes and the history of mapmaking – adorn the walls of the bedrooms and, unexpectedly, also the ones of the bathrooms.

Every uniquely-designed single room has its own story to tell, and every corner whispers tales of Italy’s diverse and vibrant heritage through the furnishing and ornamentation.

Common areas like the Breakfast Salone, the Bar Salone or the furnished Roof Loggia terrace are especially designed for each guest to feel lucky, happy and relaxed, and can enjoy a Florentine Dolce vita and create unforgettable memories with his/her special ones or alone, to cherish.

Stella d'Italia is the ultimate welcoming arty 'home sweet home' away from home to fully enjoy Florence and its precious architectural and cultural treasures.