Florence Hotel Tops Esquire’s Best New Openings for 2026

Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Collection in Florence has been ranked the best new hotel in the world for 2026 by Esquire. The property opened in March 2025 inside a historic building that began as a 16th-century villa before later serving as a boarding school. Today, the building houses an 83-room hotel set on a hillside with views over Florence’s historic centre and the Tuscan countryside.

The restoration was carried out by architectural studio Esteva i Esteva, which preserved original elements of the building while adapting it for modern use. Restored frescoes and wooden ceilings show elements of the building’s earlier use. The bar occupies the former headmaster’s office and presents cocktails inspired by scientific experimentation, while restaurants at the property focus on seasonal Italian dishes and regional culinary traditions.

Guests staying at the hotel have access to several dining spaces as well as a spa called Aelia, which uses skincare products based on olive extracts and botanicals grown in Sicily. The property forms part of Esquire’s global selection of 43 recently opened hotels, 13 of which are located in Europe. Other destinations featured include London, Paris and Barcelona, where new openings combine historic settings with contemporary design approaches.

Florence is known for its Renaissance architecture, museums and nearby Tuscan scenery. A location outside the busiest central streets makes it easier to visit the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and historic squares, and also allows simple day trips to vineyards and small towns across Tuscany. Staying in this part of the city can help avoid the most crowded areas while keeping main sights within easy reach.

Listings in international rankings often draw attention to places already recognised for their history and architecture. Hotels created inside restored historic buildings provide additional options for staying near well-known sights and museums. Transforming older properties into accommodation allows original architectural details to remain in use, keeping historic spaces part of everyday life in cities that continue to attract visitors year after year.