Casa Howard: an opulent and eclectic Florentine Residenza d’Epoca

Stepping through the doors of Casa Howard, there isn’t a typical “hotel reception” area. It feels more like walking into the stylish home of one of Italy’s most fashionable families – which is exactly what it is. To reinforce the familial vibe, guests are given their own key so they may come and go as they please.

Each of the 13 rooms has its distinct personality, from the romantic to the downright eccentric. Resplendent in an intriguing mix of vintage touches, the 60s and 70s memorabilia and high-end antique furniture: every corner of the typical Florentine Palazzo has been totally refurbished then decked out in carefully selected artworks and opulent fabrics, from sofas in sumptuous green velvet to zebra-print armchairs.

Bonifacio is the third-generation owner and is bringing a modern touch to this luxury boutique hotel which is perfectly located to explore the old town of Florence.

AuriAuri
09:24 25 Jun 24
Prepare to be whisked away to a world of pure magic and beauty at Casa Howard.5 minutes walking from the train station this extraordinary haven boasts an amazing design that will leave you breathless. Every corner is adorned with exquisite details and timeless elegance. The ambiance is simply enchanting but what truly sets Casa Howard apart is the feeling it evokes - the feeling of being right at home. It embrace you with warmth and love, making you feel like a cherished guest in a dear friend's home.And let's not forget my favourite part the delicious breakfast that was a true delight. The homemade yogurt, the jams, and the eggs.. oh my god!Casa Howard truly is a unique place, so if you're seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary, I highly recommend this place.
Gina SlomanGina Sloman
15:28 13 Nov 23
Though I was most excited for our stay at Casa Howard, upon check in we were placed in the "hidden" room, which is apparently a standard sized room. The room itself is miniscule and much to our surprise, the fully-glass shower is in the middle of the room (which, again, is extremely tiny, so it really is RIGHT in your face.) This was not acceptable and we asked to be switched. Because there were no other rooms, we had to leave. We kindly requested reimbursement, even if it was partial, several times in-person and via email and were denied. Almost $1,000 USD down the drain. Nowhere on Casa Howard's website does it list this insane feature nor were we told about it in advance to decide if we wanted to follow through with the booking.
S CS C
21:02 30 Sep 23
We booked in Casa Howard (house converted to apartments) based on a recommendation from a friend. For the most part, it was a nice stay but an incident during checkout left us with a negative impression. Overall the staff was friendly and service was good with the exception of 1 person. When we checked out and went to the elevator, it was not working. The person who checked us out clearly knew this and said nothing. After trying for few minutes, we went back to speak to him when he notified us that it's broken. That's fine and things happen. Yet he made zero effort to help us with 2 large suitcases and simply shrugged us off. My wife and I had to hand carry 2 suitcases down from the 2nd floor without any attempt by this person to even remotely offer any help as he simply looked away. We did pay premium rates (over $1100 for 3 nights) for our room and I thought the included breakfast was rather ordinary and bare bones. The rooms are nice and the place is conveniently located. However, we will not be returning based on our experience.
Dan CorseDan Corse
08:26 17 Sep 23
Our hostesses Christy was exceptional. As was our host, Antonio. The hotel was very close to the train 🚆 station and near many places of interest by a short walk. We will stay here again, in the future.
Sonja Swahn LindstromSonja Swahn Lindstrom
08:22 09 Sep 23
We had a lovely stay here! Florence was very hot so the AC in our ”studio” really helped us be comfortable. And we slept great in the comfy bed.Our large bathroom had a bath tub and products from the amazing Profumo-farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella, which is located right next to the hotel. I highly recommend a visit.The rooms, reception and terrace have impeccable details in an American ivy league and glamorous Italian style mix. A branded ”newspaper” with information about the hotel and recommendations is a great touch. So is the wax sealed welcome letter and branded bottles of water.The small team is super helpful and lovely. Check in, breakfast and check out was seamless. Thanks again!
Matthias BoutryMatthias Boutry
14:25 17 Aug 23
Casa Howard is a unique place in Florence filled with original and tasteful furniture / decorations. The service was incredible and the place was very clean.I recommend booking a suite to enjoy the experience to the fullest, we had the « Library » room based on traveling and stories and it was so beautiful and full of details.If you like design, interiors, fashion and good taste i would recommend this hotel 100%Ps : yes it has AC and it was working very well, in this Florence heat 🥵
Stephanie VitzthumStephanie Vitzthum
17:11 28 Jun 23
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa Howard. From the location to the train station, Concierge who was extremely helpful , beautiful room and delicious breakfast- we were sorry to leave! When we return, we will surely stay at Casa Howard.
Poh RaggattPoh Raggatt
06:00 13 Jun 23
Very glad we stayed here. Everything about it is great! Location, the helpful and kind staff, the beautiful decor, the little breakfast terrace, the fresh flowers everywhere! Will definitely stay here again when in Firenze.
Christine Marie MasonChristine Marie Mason
02:38 18 Jul 22
This is an artists dream, detailed and sophisticated design choices, great lighting, rich color. And such exquisite attention to service- from breakfasts in bed to rented bikes to cruise the city to reservations at the best tables in town. Loved the owner, what a gem. Location a block from Santa Maria Novella was 100%.
Marc HavaMarc Hava
11:40 14 Jul 22
Regardless of what I write, words won't do justice to the service that was provided at Casa Howard.Weeks before we arrived in Italy, Bonifacio aka Boni went above and beyond. We simply reached out for recommendations on dinner and some winery tours. Not only did Boni deliver, he gave us comprehensive details and planned out our entire trip for Florence. While other hotels simply told us to visit their website, Boni took the time to ensure exactly what we wanted.The hotel itself is very artsy yet welcoming ... you can tell the amount of effort put into each and every aspect of the property. The remaining staff were incredible too, from providing an incredible breakfast spread each morning to helping with any housekeeping. I don't say this light - it was the best stay I've ever had on any vacation.Boni is one of a kind - it's not just the extreme thoughtfulness; it's also his ability to make you feel like family. My fiancee and I couldn't stop raving about him to all of our friends. He even printed out single-page descriptions of where our dinner is, what he recommends to order, and handles all of the reservations.The rooms are incredible - air conditioned, beautiful, spacious ... what more can you ask? It's also so close to all of the main tourist attractions, yet far enough that you don't hear any noise.Thank you Boni and Casa Howard! We will be back.Best,Marc & Julie
Chris ReeceChris Reece
13:29 29 Jul 21
Ive stayed at Casa Howard several times and every time I go I am always impressed. After a few years of renovation, the rooms are finished and amazingly welcoming. Each of the 13 rooms are unique with their own feel and vibe. They have a couple extra large suites (go for these if available) as well as family rooms and rooms for couples. The owner is kind and makes you feel welcome from the very start.The location for me is ideal. I often arrive by train and the hotel is only a short 5 min walk from the train station. Then its centrally located for exploring all the Florence has to offer.Highly recommend
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Boutique Hotel
8 Rooms

What we liked the most

  • Staying in an iconic building right in the centre of artistic Florence
  • Feeling like royalty as you savour the signature breakfast tray from the comfort of your bed
  • The lush green courtyard hidden past the grand front doors
  • Lathering up with the handmade luxurious bathroom soaps – which change according to the season

Rooms Overview

At Casa Howard,  each of the rooms represents a distinct character in the guest house’s narrative, which spans almost 5 decades. Intriguing artwork and quirky touches set each room apart, but they are all united by way of a supremely comfortable bed with sumptuous linens.

Basic

2 guests View into the courtyard

The Garden Room has a view over the courtyard and is cosy and intimate in shades of violet and burnt ochre. Quirky details such as the wall of gilt-framed Renaissance prints and the patterned headboard and bed sheets give this room style and charm.

Standard

2 guests View into the city

Refinement down to the last detail characterises the Standard rooms. You may choose the Twin Right with its original fresco or the charming Hidden Room, in which a Renaissance-era headboard contrasts with a state-of-the art shower. You could also stay at the Twin Left in bright tones of purple and green. These rooms are the perfect combination of stylish and comfortable.

Deluxe

3 guests Mezzanine

Each of the Deluxe rooms is a showstopper, whether you stay in the iconic Library room where the walls are clad in hundreds of books or the Black and White room, unforgettable in its monochrome 70s-inspired eclecticism and original Florentine tiles. All the Deluxe rooms comprise an indoor or outdoor seating area. The iconic Studio has a standalone tub, access to a patio and a mezzanine sleeping area. The Camel room has an elegant four-poster and a kitsch plaid sofa and the seductive glamour of the Oriental room speaks for itself.

Suite

3 guests View into the city

Feel like royalty as you recline in the standalone bathtub or gaze onto the Via della Scala from the palatial windows in the Fireplace room. The Casa Howard suites hark back to a bygone era, such as the Drawing room with its sophisticated entertaining area, antique Chinese wood and comfortable daybed.

Family Suite

4 guests Two-bedroom suite

The Play Room, comprising an extra children’s room complete with climbing wall and an ensuite clad in beautiful Vietri tiles, is fun for all the family. Spacious and elegant, the suite is serene in shades of grey and yellow and features animal-inspired frescoes. A crib can be added upon request.

Services and facilities

City-center
Modern design
Pets friendly
Winter sun
Air conditioning
Bar
Concierge
Family rooms
Garden
Laundry Service
Lounge
Non smoking rooms
Playground
Restaurant
Soundproofing
Terrace
Wi-Fi
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Taste the flavors

Carducci’s One

The small yet cosy Carducci’s One will amaze you with freshly homemade Roman cuisine. Talented Bonifacio (casa Howard’s owner) prepares homemade traditional Roman cuisine served with exquisite Italian wine.

Breakfast

A unique feature of Casa Howard is their elegant breakfast trays, served to your door every morning. Start your morning right with hot buttered toast, organic eggs and a freshly-baked cornetto. There’s nothing better than lingering over a velvety cappuccino or a fragrant tea as you listen to the sounds of a Florentine morning drifting in through the window.

Focus on sustainability

Citrus

Citrus, the fruit of Promise, indicates that the property is noticeable eco-conscious as many areas of sustainability are addressed.

Casa Howard is nestled in a renovated renascence building.

  • Located in the heart of the old city, Casa Howard is a historical residence that was brought back to its beauty thanks to preserving the authenticity of the Renaissance building - as renovating antique floorings back to their original splendour.
  • Guests are offered Richard Ginori's crockery and soaps from the iconic Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella who are basing all its preparations on traditional herbs and oils of natural origin.
  • Talented Bonifacio (casa Howard’s owner) prepares homemade traditional Roman cuisine served with local Italian wine in the Carducci's One. He can also organise a cooking class for those who are hungry to learn the secrets of authentic recipes.

Explore the location

Explore the area like a local

Located next to the Santa Maria Novella Church in the beating historical heart of Florence, a stay at Casa Howard lets you live your Renaissance dream. Tucked away down Via della Scala street, you can reach iconic sites such as the Duomo and Officina dei Profumo within minutes.

The train station is located less than 5 minutes walk away and central Florence has easy access to Pisa, where there is an international airport.

Book a trusted local driver for your transfer to and from the hotel, and introduce you to the destination, pre-order travel essentials, and get all your questions answered before or during the trip. Choose the stops, visit the attractions, and don't waste any time waiting. We‘ve partnered with Welcome Pickups, the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience.

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