Casa Howard

Casa Howard, the most exclusive guest house in Florence, located just a few steps from Santa Maria Novella and the historic centre of the Renaissance capital, is the quintessence of a boutique hotel and is the most exclusive Bed and Breakfast guest house in Florence, providing a dedicated service for discerning guests who appreciate the ultimate in refined hospitality.

Upon entering Casa Howard, you will step onto exquisite antique flooring restored to its original splendour and discover the precious furnishings that distinguish every uniquely decorated and exclusive room, whether your predilection be for a suite suitable for a family with children, or a deluxe room that exudes romance. Sleeping here in Florence becomes a real experience, both exhilarating and full of the charms of a Florentine ‘dolce vita’. The location is strategic and sublime: Casa Howard is located next door to the famous ‘Officina Profumo di Santa Maria Novella’ on Via della Scala, a very short distance away from the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its renowned Dome and Via Tornabuoni, and is a ten-minute walk from the charming and historic Sant’Ambrogio Market. Visitors will find themselves immediately immersed in the bustling daily life, in the very heart of Florence.

Every room features heated floors, LED TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi and fibre-optic internet — all indispensable services for our esteemed guests — ably assisted by an impeccable concierge service that is happy to respond to all of your individual requirements. Casa Howard Guest House is one of a kind, just like you.

The history of Casa Howard in Florence
This boutique hotel in Florence, which we prefer to call our Guest House, is part of a historical 16th- century residence restored to its original glory, thanks to meticulous and eclectic restoration work.

A boutique hotel in the centre of Florence
The most distinctive characteristic of this boutique hotel is clearly evidenced by the fact that every room, both during the renovation work and afterwards, was designed to have a unique personality, from the Oriental Room to the suite dedicated to families with children (which is even equipped with a climbing wall).

However, Casa Howard is first and foremost a Guest House.

It is the brainchild of Jenifer Howard Forneris, a name already known in the world of high fashion textiles because of her father, Luciano Forneris, former IR Director of Vogue and L’Officiel. In the original project, the concept of designing a guest house rather than a hotel perfectly represented the idea of ‘hosting’ people as if they were friends being invited into one’s own home.

The first five rooms were opened in 2000 in Rome, in Via Capo le Case, near the famous Spanish Steps, followed by another five in a historical Palazzo at n° 149, Via Sistina, decorated by the hand of Thomas Ziffer. In 2005, with the assistance of Turin architect Fabrizio Cuniberto, the iconic property in Florence was opened, a hidden treasure offering 5-star services.

The Florentine adventure, which first started eleven years ago, has maintained its youthful energy and enthusiasm and is keen to share with you the excitement of discovering a really special gem. Join us in writing a part of the narrative of this ongoing encounter between a boutique hotel and a Bed & Breakfast; every stay is a chapter in the story of our thrilling novel, a tale of dreams, desires, inspiration and friendships. Casa Howard Guest House is every bit as unique as you are.

Facilities and services at Casa Howard in Florence
Casa Howard Guest House is the ideal destination for travellers seeking an entrancing location for their holidays in Florence.

Breakfast
Get your day off to a great start with breakfast delivered directly to your room, to be savoured in privacy. The breakfast is continental, consisting of toast with homemade jam, honey (directly from our countryside farm in Tuscany), butter and Nutella. Accompany your wake-up with tea, coffee or fruit juice, elegantly served on Ginori China.

Concierge service
The philosophy of this Guest House in Florence can be summed up by its impeccable concierge services. Available throughout the day to book your museum tickets, organise horseback riding or reserve quad biking excursions in the Tuscan countryside, the team can also plan your massages, tasting experiences and cooking classes. They will go out of their way to assist you with every desire, leaving you free to make the most of your precious time. ADSL and internet connectivity are at your disposal (we know how essential it is to be able to arrange a trip even on the spot!), without the need for registration or login. Offering a punctual service for your absolute convenience is a top priority for us.

Wellness spa
After a day of cultural itineraries and artistic experiences, it is right and proper to dedicate some time to yourself and restore your depleted batteries: a Turkish bath awaits you, so that you can relax without a care in the world, and is available for a maximum of 5 people. Even the soaps align perfectly with the seasonality of your stay, with aromatic fragrances to evoke sensations of sheer well-being: there is mint in the summer season and pomegranate during the winter months, both produced by the neighbouring Officina Profumo di Santa Maria Novella. Meanwhile, the pumice stone you will find in the bathroom comes from the paradise of Filicudi Island, one of the Aeolian Archipelago islands. You will also be welcomed by fresh flowers, whenever feasible.

Cooking classes
If you would like to learn how to cook traditional Italian dishes, our kitchen (or that of our partners) can be made available for classes with chefs and cooking experts. Please note this is only possible for reservations for three nights or more.

A gift to remember
We also like the idea of giving you a little something to accompany you back home, to remind you every day of the memorable time you spent at our Guest House. At your departure, we will offer you some of our precious olive oil as a gift from us to you (available from November until supplies last). There is nothing better than a taste of Tuscan bruschetta with olive oil to evoke the flavour of Florence, even from afar. We also present our visitors with an eco-bag filled with best wishes for the future! That way, you will be able to carry a little piece of your home-from-home (for that is what we call the place where the heart resides!) to remember us wherever you go.

Airport transfer
We provide an exclusive limousine service with a private driver for transfers to and from the airport, for a maximum of 4 people with small suitcases.

What to see in Florence
Visiting Florence means embarking upon one or a thousand experiences, depending on the itinerary you decide to follow, and whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or with children. There are so many things to see and do in Florence, starting with the best-known sights (such as the Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and Via Tornabuoni), as well as the many tailor-made options waiting to be discovered. After over a year of research, we have elaborated personalised proposals to suit you, ensuring you can make choices with absolute confidence and guarantee a perfect stay.

On your bucket list, do you wish to visit places offering romantic views, gardens and botanical gardens? Is your hidden desire to discover little-known corners where medieval legends are told, follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo, or reserve a table at the most charming restaurant in the city? From Casa Howard, you can also stroll to the two nearby food markets of San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio, observe traces of history left over by the centuries in the ancient San Frediano district, be captivated by the old goldsmith shops, or watch artisans working with leather in the historic centre. The list is endless, and your wish is our command.