Set on a quiet street in central Florence, The James Suite Hotel 1564 occupies a 16th-century palazzo near Santa Croce and within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi, with Sant’Ambrogio Market close by for a more local rhythm. The building’s convent past still shows in its sober façade, barrel-vaulted interiors and an inner courtyard that has survived the centuries, now paired with a design-led refurbishment by architect James Cavagnari. Accommodation centres on 14 suites, each conceived as a distinct, curated space with custom furnishings, chosen objects and calibrated lighting; expect a dialogue of vintage pieces, contemporary art and tactile materials. For food and drink, the 1564 Lounge Bar and James Restaurant keep things on-site for evenings when you’d rather stay in than chase another reservation.