J.K. Place Firenze doesn’t want to come off as a hotel, it prefers to exude the feel of a ritzy guest house. And it succeeds, offering an intimate, comfortable environment with ultra-posh decor. From the outside, the building's slim and pale yellow facade doesn’t stand out among its neighbors, but the interiors take the hotel to a luxury level. Classical busts on wooden displays and antique lanterns adorn the entry hallway that leads to the elegant library where reception awaits. The breakfast room, in the heart of the hotel, provides a bright and charming setting beneath a lovely skylight. The large wooden communal table is lit by natural light and antique primo lanterns. By contrast, the J.K. Lounge is elegant, done in a cream-and-black color scheme, with wingback armchairs in electric pink piping gathered around small black tables. With coffered ceilings, gallery walls stuffed with artwork, and rich materials throughout, the property looks like the residence of a flush antique dealer. The hotel primarily draws well-heeled couples on a romantic getaway to Florence. 

J.K. Place Firenze has an exceptional location on the Santa Maria Novella Square, right in the heart of Florence. The Florence Cathedral is a six-minute walk away, while Uffizi Gallery is a 10-minute walk. The Basilica di San Lorenzo is a four-minute stroll from the hotel. There’s high-end shopping available just a three-minute walk away on Via de’ Tornabuoni. Restaurants, cafes, and bars fill the surrounding streets. The closest bus stop takes four minutes on foot to reach, while the Santa Maria Novella Train Station is conveniently a nine-minute walk. It’s an 18-minute drive to Florence Airport, Peretola. 

Guest rooms at the J.K. Place Firenze are tasteful and decidedly luxurious, though they differ in terms of decor. Most rooms have light gray carpeted floors that are accented by cream or white painted walls, while other rooms have soft mint green walls. Beds are made up with white linens, gray or tan coverlets, and pillows embroidered with the preppy initials “JK." Some rooms exude more luxury than others with chandeliers, four-poster beds, French doors, modern velour chairs, and paneled walls, while others have a simple elegance with framed drawings on the walls, heavy drapes, and mirrored elements. Suites with living rooms have white couches and sleek white desks with modern upholstered chairs. And some rooms have terraces and views of the Santa Maria Novella Square, though guests report that lower-grade rooms don’t always have views and can feel a bit cramped. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, free minibars, and air-conditioning. A free basket of fruit and fresh flowers in each room adds another luxurious touch. The white marble bathrooms are the epitome of sophistication with wooden mirrors, long white porcelain sinks, and either shower/tub combos, glass showers with waterfall showerheads, or separate showers and tubs. They differ in size and upper-level rooms don’t necessarily indicate larger bathrooms. Hairdryers, bidets, personal care kits, and robes with the hotel’s initials are provided. Note that some past guests have complained of bothersome noise from the square. 

Mornings at J.K. Place Firenze begin with a delicious breakfast buffet at a large communal table under a lovely skylight. Breakfast can also be brought up to rooms at no extra cost. Throughout the day, guest can take advantage of free organic coffee and tea, plus light snacks provided by reception. There’s also the chic, J.K. Lounge, which serves Italian and Tuscan fare for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, and the J.K. Bar with a diverse selection of alcoholic drinks. And there’s a rooftop terrace where guests can have a late-night drink or snack. During spring and summer, J.K. Terrace opens; it’s an outdoor spot where food and beverages are served in the Santa Maria Novella Square. Although there’s not an on-site spa or gym, the hotel provides free access to the Florence Fitness Gym (a two-minute walk away) and to the Olimpo SPA steam bath (a four-minute walk). It also provides guests with free access to Fiesole museums. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.