Casa Howard Florence Guest House Reviews
Magazine: Architectural Digest (edizione Italiana)
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "Per la nostra storia essere a Firenze, in un palazzo antico a ridosso del complesso di Santa Maria Novella, non è cosa indifferente. Non già perché l'interior design di questa Casa Howard, nuova gemma dell'omonima catena di guesthousese di nichia, dopo quella di Roma pubblicata su AD del Gennaio 2004, si riffacia agli stilemi dell'architettura di Leon Battista Alberti, meglio, ai modi della tradizione abitativa fiorentina; piuttosto perché, nella sua ricerca di una rapsodia decorativa colta ed emozionale, rintraccia certe atmosfere patrizie e padronali, certe nostalgie cara alla colonia inglese che, sulle rive dell'Arno e sulle colline circostanti, si insediò tra le fine dell'800 e l'inizio del'900, quel esistenziale anglofiorentino che ebbe Mark twain un acuto chiosatore. [... read more here ... ] "
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "Per la nostra storia essere a Firenze, in un palazzo antico a ridosso del complesso di Santa Maria Novella, non è cosa indifferente. Non già perché l'interior design di questa Casa Howard, nuova gemma dell'omonima catena di guesthousese di nichia, dopo quella di Roma pubblicata su AD del Gennaio 2004, si riffacia agli stilemi dell'architettura di Leon Battista Alberti, meglio, ai modi della tradizione abitativa fiorentina; piuttosto perché, nella sua ricerca di una rapsodia decorativa colta ed emozionale, rintraccia certe atmosfere patrizie e padronali, certe nostalgie cara alla colonia inglese che, sulle rive dell'Arno e sulle colline circostanti, si insediò tra le fine dell'800 e l'inizio del'900, quel esistenziale anglofiorentino che ebbe Mark twain un acuto chiosatore. [... read more here ... ] "
Website: Concierge.com
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "Like the idea of a bit of luxury combined with the atmosphere of an elegant private residence? Casa Howard could provide the answer. This discreet home-from-home offers high standards of comfort and service and great rates. The look is stylish and vaguely eccentric; furniture is an eclectic mixture of antiques and custom-made pieces combined with fine fabrics and strong colors. No two bedrooms are alike: The spacious and dramatic Drawing Room has black walls and white cornicing: The Hidden Room is a sexy little den with deep red walls hung with erotic Japanese prints and a sunken bath; the Fireplace Room is just that, apart from an oversized black velvet sofa and honey-colored silk curtains. There is no communal space to speak of (unless you count the Turkish Bath), so breakfast is served on a tray in the rooms."
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "Like the idea of a bit of luxury combined with the atmosphere of an elegant private residence? Casa Howard could provide the answer. This discreet home-from-home offers high standards of comfort and service and great rates. The look is stylish and vaguely eccentric; furniture is an eclectic mixture of antiques and custom-made pieces combined with fine fabrics and strong colors. No two bedrooms are alike: The spacious and dramatic Drawing Room has black walls and white cornicing: The Hidden Room is a sexy little den with deep red walls hung with erotic Japanese prints and a sunken bath; the Fireplace Room is just that, apart from an oversized black velvet sofa and honey-colored silk curtains. There is no communal space to speak of (unless you count the Turkish Bath), so breakfast is served on a tray in the rooms."
Guidebook: Conde Nast Johansens
Year: 2007
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "The homely Casa Howard is an intimate and elegant mansion within walking distance of the Uffizi, the Duomo and Via Tornabuoni. The themed guest rooms, uncluding two suites, and 1 small apartment, creatively mix antique furnishings with modern style and are adorned with special touches such as fresh flowers and family portraits. Breakfast includes homemade jams and honey, whilst dinner reservations can be arranged by the helpful housekeepers. The house has a large Turkish hammam."
Year: 2007
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "The homely Casa Howard is an intimate and elegant mansion within walking distance of the Uffizi, the Duomo and Via Tornabuoni. The themed guest rooms, uncluding two suites, and 1 small apartment, creatively mix antique furnishings with modern style and are adorned with special touches such as fresh flowers and family portraits. Breakfast includes homemade jams and honey, whilst dinner reservations can be arranged by the helpful housekeepers. The house has a large Turkish hammam."
Magazine: Conde Nast Traveller
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "Regulars love Casa Howard's two Roman branches for their charming decor and proximity to the Spanish Steps. Its just-opened Florentine sister continues the trend, with themed rooms (Playroom is for families, Camel for smokers) and a convenient location near the train station... "
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "Regulars love Casa Howard's two Roman branches for their charming decor and proximity to the Spanish Steps. Its just-opened Florentine sister continues the trend, with themed rooms (Playroom is for families, Camel for smokers) and a convenient location near the train station... "
Magazine: Conde Nast Traveller
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "The Hotel Hot List 2005 - 60 best new hotels
Following the success of two Casa Howards in Rome, owners Count Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino and his English wife have set their sights on Florence as part of a long-term plan to open similar guest houses in other European 'art cities'. Designed to be a discreet pied-à-terre offering the sort of choice location, high standards of service and accessible prices that will appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, Casa Howard Florence is in an elegant town house a few minutes' walk from both the train station and the city's Renaissance glories. The look is classy, cosy and vaguely eccentric; the emphasis in the 12 highly individual bedrooms is on quality and fine fabrics (several of which have private terraces). The dramatic drawing room has a black ceiling and walls, white mouldings, leopard-print headboards and dusty mauve, shot-silk window treatments. The intimate Hidden Room has a sunken bath, a shower in a glass box, erotic Japanese prints on deep red walls and a chintzy little sitting room. There is a room for kids with a climbing frame against one wall and another for dog owners, complete with dog beds and a large terrace. Bathrooms, stocked with delicious Santa Maria Novella toiletries, are quirky and fun, and the hammam will restore museum-weary bones. You can order breakfast (hot croissants and honey from the owners' farm) in your room at any time (within reason), and fridges on each floor are stocked with Champagne, wine and soft drinks. "
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "The Hotel Hot List 2005 - 60 best new hotels
Following the success of two Casa Howards in Rome, owners Count Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino and his English wife have set their sights on Florence as part of a long-term plan to open similar guest houses in other European 'art cities'. Designed to be a discreet pied-à-terre offering the sort of choice location, high standards of service and accessible prices that will appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, Casa Howard Florence is in an elegant town house a few minutes' walk from both the train station and the city's Renaissance glories. The look is classy, cosy and vaguely eccentric; the emphasis in the 12 highly individual bedrooms is on quality and fine fabrics (several of which have private terraces). The dramatic drawing room has a black ceiling and walls, white mouldings, leopard-print headboards and dusty mauve, shot-silk window treatments. The intimate Hidden Room has a sunken bath, a shower in a glass box, erotic Japanese prints on deep red walls and a chintzy little sitting room. There is a room for kids with a climbing frame against one wall and another for dog owners, complete with dog beds and a large terrace. Bathrooms, stocked with delicious Santa Maria Novella toiletries, are quirky and fun, and the hammam will restore museum-weary bones. You can order breakfast (hot croissants and honey from the owners' farm) in your room at any time (within reason), and fridges on each floor are stocked with Champagne, wine and soft drinks. "
Magazine: Dove Case
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...]Anche a Firenze e a Roma sono nate iniziative analoghe. Nella città Toscana Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino ha inaugurato da poco un elegante guest apartment in via della Scala 18, sistemato con la collaborazione degli architetti Fabrizio Cuniberto e Patrizio Ruffo e arredato dalla moglie Jenifer Howard. Spiega il titolare: "Provengo da una famiglia napoletana numerosa, e con il passare degli anni ho ereditato alcune case in Europa. All'inizio mi sembravano poco gestibili, poi ho trovato la formula della guest house per le proprietà piu grandi e del guest apartment per quelle piu piccole e ho trasformato tutto in una fonte di redddito". Il progetto sembra proprio riuscito, visto che Leonardi di Casalino inaugurerà a breve un altro appartamento a Barcellona. Senza dimenticare i due guest house che già gestice a Roma, rispettivamente in Via Capo le Case 18 e in Via Sistina 149. [...]"
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...]Anche a Firenze e a Roma sono nate iniziative analoghe. Nella città Toscana Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino ha inaugurato da poco un elegante guest apartment in via della Scala 18, sistemato con la collaborazione degli architetti Fabrizio Cuniberto e Patrizio Ruffo e arredato dalla moglie Jenifer Howard. Spiega il titolare: "Provengo da una famiglia napoletana numerosa, e con il passare degli anni ho ereditato alcune case in Europa. All'inizio mi sembravano poco gestibili, poi ho trovato la formula della guest house per le proprietà piu grandi e del guest apartment per quelle piu piccole e ho trasformato tutto in una fonte di redddito". Il progetto sembra proprio riuscito, visto che Leonardi di Casalino inaugurerà a breve un altro appartamento a Barcellona. Senza dimenticare i due guest house che già gestice a Roma, rispettivamente in Via Capo le Case 18 e in Via Sistina 149. [...]"
Newspaper: The Florentine
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "Casa Howard - If you have enough of impersonal hotel rooms with indifferent service and like the idea of a bit of luxury combined with the atmosphere of an elegant and private residence, 12-room Casa Howard could provide the answer.
Occupying a handsome palazzo on Via della Scala (a rather scruffy street that is, however, conveniently situated for both the train station and the city centre), this discreet home-from-home is the brainchild of Massimiliano Leonardi and his English interior-designer wife. The idea is to offer a discreet pied-a-terre with high standards of comfort and service plus the sort of accessible prices that will appeal to leisure travellers.
Once inside, the look is stylish and vaguely eccentric with an emphasis on quality; furniture is an eclectic mixture of custom-made pieces and pickings from the family vaults while fine fabrics and strong colours play a major role. No two bedrooms are alike (apart from the tiny "Twins" which are near mirror images of each other), but they are all done out with style, originality and touches of humor. The large Drawing Room is the most dramatic; white cornicing stands out against black walls while the bed heads are covered in leopard print. The Fireplace Room has two of them, one is in the bathroom where you can watch the plasma screen TV while soaking in the clawfoot tub. The Hidden Room is a sensual little den whose deep red walls are hung with erotic Japanese prints and which shares its floor space with a shower in a glass box and a sunken bath. it has its own chintzy little living room too. Pooch owners will be lease with the dog baskets and large terrace in the Game Room, smokers can indulge in the Camel Room and the kids can let off stream on the climbing frame in the Play Room.
There are electric kettles with supplies of tea and coffee in all rooms plus LCD TVs and everything else you would expect from a top level hotel. Bathrooms (which all have cosy heated floors) are quirky and fun (although some are quite small) and well stocked with delicious Santa Maria Novella bath goodies. There is no communal space to speak of (unless you count the Turkish bath) so breakfast is served on a tray in the rooms. The lack of a bar is compensated for by "honesty" fridges filled with champagne, wines and soft drinks on each floor.
Casa Howard Florence only opened a few months ago, but the Leonardi's have been successfully running two Roman versions for some years now and there are plans to expand into other European art cities such as Barcelona and Prague. Good luck to them... it would seem they are onto a winner and there's nowhere else quite like it in Florence."
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Review: "Casa Howard - If you have enough of impersonal hotel rooms with indifferent service and like the idea of a bit of luxury combined with the atmosphere of an elegant and private residence, 12-room Casa Howard could provide the answer.
Occupying a handsome palazzo on Via della Scala (a rather scruffy street that is, however, conveniently situated for both the train station and the city centre), this discreet home-from-home is the brainchild of Massimiliano Leonardi and his English interior-designer wife. The idea is to offer a discreet pied-a-terre with high standards of comfort and service plus the sort of accessible prices that will appeal to leisure travellers.
Once inside, the look is stylish and vaguely eccentric with an emphasis on quality; furniture is an eclectic mixture of custom-made pieces and pickings from the family vaults while fine fabrics and strong colours play a major role. No two bedrooms are alike (apart from the tiny "Twins" which are near mirror images of each other), but they are all done out with style, originality and touches of humor. The large Drawing Room is the most dramatic; white cornicing stands out against black walls while the bed heads are covered in leopard print. The Fireplace Room has two of them, one is in the bathroom where you can watch the plasma screen TV while soaking in the clawfoot tub. The Hidden Room is a sensual little den whose deep red walls are hung with erotic Japanese prints and which shares its floor space with a shower in a glass box and a sunken bath. it has its own chintzy little living room too. Pooch owners will be lease with the dog baskets and large terrace in the Game Room, smokers can indulge in the Camel Room and the kids can let off stream on the climbing frame in the Play Room.
There are electric kettles with supplies of tea and coffee in all rooms plus LCD TVs and everything else you would expect from a top level hotel. Bathrooms (which all have cosy heated floors) are quirky and fun (although some are quite small) and well stocked with delicious Santa Maria Novella bath goodies. There is no communal space to speak of (unless you count the Turkish bath) so breakfast is served on a tray in the rooms. The lack of a bar is compensated for by "honesty" fridges filled with champagne, wines and soft drinks on each floor.
Casa Howard Florence only opened a few months ago, but the Leonardi's have been successfully running two Roman versions for some years now and there are plans to expand into other European art cities such as Barcelona and Prague. Good luck to them... it would seem they are onto a winner and there's nowhere else quite like it in Florence."
Magazine: Geo Saison Extra
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Die gute alte Pension, im ersten Stock gelegen, ist auferstanden – als hippes Guesthouse und Kontrastangebot zu traditionellen Hotels. Wie zuvor in Rom haben die Britin Jennifer Howard Forneris und ihr Mann Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino mitten in Florenz ihre Vorstellung von gehobener Gastlichkeit in einem Palazzo verwirklicht. Hinter der hochglanzpolierten, mit massiven Messingbeschlägen versehenen Eingangstur entfalten sich ein Haus mit betont privater Atmosphäre, das aktuellem cool design eine deutliche Asbage erteilt. Eine Innentreppe verbindet drei Stockwerke, uber die sich die opulent möblierten Zimmer verteilen. Zusammen mit dem Turiner Innenarchitekten Fabrizio Cuniberto hat Jennifer Howard Forneris jedes Detail geplant. Das Zimmer „Fireplace“ verheisst mit Marmorkamin, Parkett und ausladendem, schwarzem Sofa behagliche Stunden. Im „Hidden Room“ versteckt sich das rote Schlafzimmer hinter einem roten Salon. Im „Drawing Room“ blieb der antike Boden erhalten; dunkelbrauner Wände, voluminöse Stores, Plüschsofa und ausladender Fauteuil versprühen den dekadenten Charme des 19. Jahrhunderts. Zum „Play Room“ gehört ein Vorraum mit Kletterwand, und im Schlafzimmer häufen sich Kinderbucher – mit denen der Hausherr aufwuchs. „Nichts ist Fake, alles hier ist eich, Kunstwerke oder Objekte stammen aus Familienbesitz“, sagt Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino. "
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Die gute alte Pension, im ersten Stock gelegen, ist auferstanden – als hippes Guesthouse und Kontrastangebot zu traditionellen Hotels. Wie zuvor in Rom haben die Britin Jennifer Howard Forneris und ihr Mann Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino mitten in Florenz ihre Vorstellung von gehobener Gastlichkeit in einem Palazzo verwirklicht. Hinter der hochglanzpolierten, mit massiven Messingbeschlägen versehenen Eingangstur entfalten sich ein Haus mit betont privater Atmosphäre, das aktuellem cool design eine deutliche Asbage erteilt. Eine Innentreppe verbindet drei Stockwerke, uber die sich die opulent möblierten Zimmer verteilen. Zusammen mit dem Turiner Innenarchitekten Fabrizio Cuniberto hat Jennifer Howard Forneris jedes Detail geplant. Das Zimmer „Fireplace“ verheisst mit Marmorkamin, Parkett und ausladendem, schwarzem Sofa behagliche Stunden. Im „Hidden Room“ versteckt sich das rote Schlafzimmer hinter einem roten Salon. Im „Drawing Room“ blieb der antike Boden erhalten; dunkelbrauner Wände, voluminöse Stores, Plüschsofa und ausladender Fauteuil versprühen den dekadenten Charme des 19. Jahrhunderts. Zum „Play Room“ gehört ein Vorraum mit Kletterwand, und im Schlafzimmer häufen sich Kinderbucher – mit denen der Hausherr aufwuchs. „Nichts ist Fake, alles hier ist eich, Kunstwerke oder Objekte stammen aus Familienbesitz“, sagt Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino. "
Magazine: GQ Japan
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Magazine: Hôtel & Lodge
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: L'esprit couture. Proche de la place Santa Maria Novella, Casa Howard, une délicieuse demeure historique, abrite quelques chambres d'hôtes confidentielles. Elle n'a pas pignon sur rue et se cache dans les étages d'un bâtiment imposant. Son adresse se chuchote encore de bouche à oreille puisque son propriétaire vient tout juste d'ouvrir ses portes. Après deux cases romaines, il semble naturel de renouveler l'expérience à Florence, et reste convaincu par la justesse d'une formule, rappelant une résidence privée : pas d'espaces communs, sinon un petit salon chaleureux aux murs teintés de grenat, une terrasse silencieuse... L'absence de restaurant est aussi un choix, mais la cuisine est ouverte a tous vents, et de petits réfrigérateurs jalonnent chaque étage : chacun y pioche librement, il suffit de le signaler sur la fiche prévue à cet effet. Suivant la tradition des ancêtres de la maîtresse de maison, Jenifer Howard Forneris, qui créaient des tissus pour la haute couture italienne des années 50, la décoration privilégie les couleurs éclatantes. L'architecte Frabrizio Cuniberto s'est naturellement concentré sur la sélection des matières et sur une palette chamarrée qui donnet à ce lieu une allure plus anglaise qu'italienne. Que ce soit la Camel room, vêtue de vert amande, l'Oriental room aux murs orangés ponctué de chinoiseries, la Drawing alternant noir de jais et boiseries blanches avec ses canapés irisés de taffetas, chaque chambre affirme sa personnalité. Le choix est tel qu'on rêve aussitôt y retourner.
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: L'esprit couture. Proche de la place Santa Maria Novella, Casa Howard, une délicieuse demeure historique, abrite quelques chambres d'hôtes confidentielles. Elle n'a pas pignon sur rue et se cache dans les étages d'un bâtiment imposant. Son adresse se chuchote encore de bouche à oreille puisque son propriétaire vient tout juste d'ouvrir ses portes. Après deux cases romaines, il semble naturel de renouveler l'expérience à Florence, et reste convaincu par la justesse d'une formule, rappelant une résidence privée : pas d'espaces communs, sinon un petit salon chaleureux aux murs teintés de grenat, une terrasse silencieuse... L'absence de restaurant est aussi un choix, mais la cuisine est ouverte a tous vents, et de petits réfrigérateurs jalonnent chaque étage : chacun y pioche librement, il suffit de le signaler sur la fiche prévue à cet effet. Suivant la tradition des ancêtres de la maîtresse de maison, Jenifer Howard Forneris, qui créaient des tissus pour la haute couture italienne des années 50, la décoration privilégie les couleurs éclatantes. L'architecte Frabrizio Cuniberto s'est naturellement concentré sur la sélection des matières et sur une palette chamarrée qui donnet à ce lieu une allure plus anglaise qu'italienne. Que ce soit la Camel room, vêtue de vert amande, l'Oriental room aux murs orangés ponctué de chinoiseries, la Drawing alternant noir de jais et boiseries blanches avec ses canapés irisés de taffetas, chaque chambre affirme sa personnalité. Le choix est tel qu'on rêve aussitôt y retourner.
Newspaper: Il Giornale Roma
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "Poche Stanze, clienti trattati da amici. Cosi si visita la Capitale tra coccole e attenzioni. "La tua Casa e il tuo corpo piu grande", sosteneva il profeta Gibran. Aveva ragione. La nostra casa e il luogo deputato aa ospitare tutto il necessario e il superfluo alla nostra soppravvivenza. Difficile ritrovare gli stessi odori e sapori proustiani nelle camere asettiche di un grande albergo. Quando ci mettiamo in viaggio, subiamo una sorta di malessere, quasi ci venisse reciso di nuovo il nostro cordone ombilicale. E forse questo il motivo che ha spinto quattro signore romane (non per nascita ma per scelat) a inventare une nuovo formula di ospitalita che risolva in se i servizi e i confort di un grande albergo in un ambiente in cui gli ospiti si sentano a casa. La prima, "capostipite" delle felice intuizione, nel 2000 inaugura il suo Casa Howard in via Capo le Case: cinque stanze decorate con gusto in un appartamento di un antico palazzo, una diversa dall'altra, tutte di grande prestigio. La differenza sta nella piccole cose che solo la sensibilita e l'arguzia femminili consoscono. Gli ospiti sono amici in visita, il loro soggiorno deve esssere impeccabile. Questo il senso di Casa Howard che nel 2002 allarga i suoi spazi con altre cinque stanze in via Sistina, questa volta affidandosi al genio di Tommaso Ziffer, l'architetto dell'Hotel de Russie. Ciliegine sulla torta: un hammam strepitoso, colazione in camera con croissant cladi, servita da una femme-de-chambre che ricorda la bonne lasciata a casa, kimono giapponese e pantofole per ogni ospiti, sappone dell'Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, fiori freschi del giardino di Frascati dei proprietari. Solo che Casa Howard non e un albergo ma "una casa privata aperta solo a persone introdotte da amici", spiega Jenifer. [...] "
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "Poche Stanze, clienti trattati da amici. Cosi si visita la Capitale tra coccole e attenzioni. "La tua Casa e il tuo corpo piu grande", sosteneva il profeta Gibran. Aveva ragione. La nostra casa e il luogo deputato aa ospitare tutto il necessario e il superfluo alla nostra soppravvivenza. Difficile ritrovare gli stessi odori e sapori proustiani nelle camere asettiche di un grande albergo. Quando ci mettiamo in viaggio, subiamo una sorta di malessere, quasi ci venisse reciso di nuovo il nostro cordone ombilicale. E forse questo il motivo che ha spinto quattro signore romane (non per nascita ma per scelat) a inventare une nuovo formula di ospitalita che risolva in se i servizi e i confort di un grande albergo in un ambiente in cui gli ospiti si sentano a casa. La prima, "capostipite" delle felice intuizione, nel 2000 inaugura il suo Casa Howard in via Capo le Case: cinque stanze decorate con gusto in un appartamento di un antico palazzo, una diversa dall'altra, tutte di grande prestigio. La differenza sta nella piccole cose che solo la sensibilita e l'arguzia femminili consoscono. Gli ospiti sono amici in visita, il loro soggiorno deve esssere impeccabile. Questo il senso di Casa Howard che nel 2002 allarga i suoi spazi con altre cinque stanze in via Sistina, questa volta affidandosi al genio di Tommaso Ziffer, l'architetto dell'Hotel de Russie. Ciliegine sulla torta: un hammam strepitoso, colazione in camera con croissant cladi, servita da una femme-de-chambre che ricorda la bonne lasciata a casa, kimono giapponese e pantofole per ogni ospiti, sappone dell'Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, fiori freschi del giardino di Frascati dei proprietari. Solo che Casa Howard non e un albergo ma "una casa privata aperta solo a persone introdotte da amici", spiega Jenifer. [...] "
NewsMag: Il Mondo
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "A Firenze si va in famiglia. Guest house nel palazzo nobiliare. Con i proprietari al terzo piano. A due passi dlla stazione e dalla chiesa di Santa Maria Novella e a pochi minuti del Duomo di Firenze, Casa Howardnon e un hotel, bensi un elegante guest house. E stata inaugurata nel 2005, dopo due anni di restauri che hanno lasciato intatti gran parte dei pavimenti originali e dei soffitti. Adottando la stessa formula sperimentata in due case di Roma, Massimiliano Leonardi di Casilino e la moglie Jenifer Howard hanno allestito 12 camere (di cui sette minisuite, con divano transformabile in letto) nello storico palazzo di famiglia, di cui occupano l'ultimo dei tre piani. Le camere sono piccole ma accoglienti e dotate di aria condizionata. La piu grande e la Drawing room, circa 50 metri quadrati: ha pavimento in marmo, decorato con un mosaico, e tre ampie finestre che si affaciano su via della Scala; come le altre camere, la tv satellitare e a schermo piatto ed e possibile navigare in internet in modalita wi-fi. In alternativa, la Fireplace room ha due camini (uno nel bagno), la Camel e dedicata ai fumatori e la Game ha une cuccia per piccoli cani e ampio terrazzo. Agli ospiti Casa Howard offre la colazione e il bagno turco, che puo ospitare fino a cinque persone ed e disponibile quando i proprietari non sono in citta."
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "A Firenze si va in famiglia. Guest house nel palazzo nobiliare. Con i proprietari al terzo piano. A due passi dlla stazione e dalla chiesa di Santa Maria Novella e a pochi minuti del Duomo di Firenze, Casa Howardnon e un hotel, bensi un elegante guest house. E stata inaugurata nel 2005, dopo due anni di restauri che hanno lasciato intatti gran parte dei pavimenti originali e dei soffitti. Adottando la stessa formula sperimentata in due case di Roma, Massimiliano Leonardi di Casilino e la moglie Jenifer Howard hanno allestito 12 camere (di cui sette minisuite, con divano transformabile in letto) nello storico palazzo di famiglia, di cui occupano l'ultimo dei tre piani. Le camere sono piccole ma accoglienti e dotate di aria condizionata. La piu grande e la Drawing room, circa 50 metri quadrati: ha pavimento in marmo, decorato con un mosaico, e tre ampie finestre che si affaciano su via della Scala; come le altre camere, la tv satellitare e a schermo piatto ed e possibile navigare in internet in modalita wi-fi. In alternativa, la Fireplace room ha due camini (uno nel bagno), la Camel e dedicata ai fumatori e la Game ha une cuccia per piccoli cani e ampio terrazzo. Agli ospiti Casa Howard offre la colazione e il bagno turco, che puo ospitare fino a cinque persone ed e disponibile quando i proprietari non sono in citta."
Guide Book: Italia Gastronomica
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "This Florence guesthouse is a combination of charm, location anbd decoration, offering various amenities and beautiful furnishings. It has kept all the original floors and ceilings to fully achieve the private houe concept: to provide guests with a beautiful house or apartment with a personal touch, whilst not forsaking the convenience of hotel service. Situated within walking distance of the railway station, the Uffizi, the Duomo and Via Tornabuoni, it is a wonderful base from which to enjoy one of the most delightful cities in the world, expect an intimate and elegant mansion, warm rooms - as well as personal service... "
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "This Florence guesthouse is a combination of charm, location anbd decoration, offering various amenities and beautiful furnishings. It has kept all the original floors and ceilings to fully achieve the private houe concept: to provide guests with a beautiful house or apartment with a personal touch, whilst not forsaking the convenience of hotel service. Situated within walking distance of the railway station, the Uffizi, the Duomo and Via Tornabuoni, it is a wonderful base from which to enjoy one of the most delightful cities in the world, expect an intimate and elegant mansion, warm rooms - as well as personal service... "
Magazine: Living Abroad
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...] The guesthouses are called Casa Howard. All the rooms are individually designed on different themes: from the exotic Zebra room to the classic Flower room, there is something for every taste. And each house has a limited number of bedrooms (10 in all in Rome and 11 in Florence) to make guests feel at home. [...] "
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...] The guesthouses are called Casa Howard. All the rooms are individually designed on different themes: from the exotic Zebra room to the classic Flower room, there is something for every taste. And each house has a limited number of bedrooms (10 in all in Rome and 11 in Florence) to make guests feel at home. [...] "
Guidebook: Lonely Planet Florence
Year: 2006
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Casa Howard, Boutique Hotel. With six rooms, this is a delicious retreat near the train station. Building on a successful business started in Rome, the owners have created a set of unique and different rooms. Starting with the paintwork, ranging from lime green to russet red, each room boasts an unpredictable mix of styles and furnishings. You might have an old-style bath, a fireplace and antique furniture."
Year: 2006
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Casa Howard, Boutique Hotel. With six rooms, this is a delicious retreat near the train station. Building on a successful business started in Rome, the owners have created a set of unique and different rooms. Starting with the paintwork, ranging from lime green to russet red, each room boasts an unpredictable mix of styles and furnishings. You might have an old-style bath, a fireplace and antique furniture."
Magazine: Marie Claire (Italia)
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...] Un viaggio tra le suite piu lussuose: da le residenze di citta del Capo alle 13 stanze a tema (ce n'e una per i cani e una per arrampicate al chiuso) della fiorentina Casa Howard [...] "
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence
Accommodation Review: "[...] Un viaggio tra le suite piu lussuose: da le residenze di citta del Capo alle 13 stanze a tema (ce n'e una per i cani e una per arrampicate al chiuso) della fiorentina Casa Howard [...] "
Newspaper: Pool - Life & Culture
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "Die Casa Howard Gästehäuser von Jenifer Howard Forneris une Conte Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino in Rom und Florenz dürfen mit fug und recht für sich Anspruch nehmen, eine neue Dimension der Hotellerie erõffnet zu haben, mit eine, einzigartigen detailreichtum und phantasiereicher innenarchitektur verwõhnen sie ihre Gäste..."
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Rome & Florence
Accommodation Review: "Die Casa Howard Gästehäuser von Jenifer Howard Forneris une Conte Massimiliano Leonardi di Casalino in Rom und Florenz dürfen mit fug und recht für sich Anspruch nehmen, eine neue Dimension der Hotellerie erõffnet zu haben, mit eine, einzigartigen detailreichtum und phantasiereicher innenarchitektur verwõhnen sie ihre Gäste..."
Magazine: Res Florence Guide
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Ett guesthouse efter anglosaxiskt koncept helt inrett av arkitekten Tommaso Ziffer. Inget rum är det andra likt. Gä igenom rummen pä hemsidan och se vilket du gillar bäst. Bokning via hemsidan eller kontoret i Rom. "
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Ett guesthouse efter anglosaxiskt koncept helt inrett av arkitekten Tommaso Ziffer. Inget rum är det andra likt. Gä igenom rummen pä hemsidan och se vilket du gillar bäst. Bokning via hemsidan eller kontoret i Rom. "
Guide Book: Rome For Romance
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "B&B is far too pedestrain a term to describe this 12-room extravaganza in an old palazzo just yards from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. As the latest creation of owners Count Leonardi and Jenifer Howard forneris it joins their original Rome success story. That means burying blandness and uniformity in favour of orifginal and imaginatively themed rooms. Twin this with all the warmth of a private home plus can't-do-enough service and you're in clover. Ancient features are axiomatic in Florence and there's no cheating here; parquet and stone floors, heavy wood doors, marble chimney pieces and numerous fine artworks. However its the stunning decor and host of luxurious little extras that turn a stay into a treat. We were hard pushed to decide between the extravagant drawing room in soigné black; the lavish Oriental room with its emperor-sized bed and erotic prints or the impressively tome-lined Library. There is even a Turkish bath - exclusively yours when staying in the Garden room. Housekeepers, aka "House genies" are also trained to add to Casa Howard's spells."
Year: 2006
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "B&B is far too pedestrain a term to describe this 12-room extravaganza in an old palazzo just yards from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. As the latest creation of owners Count Leonardi and Jenifer Howard forneris it joins their original Rome success story. That means burying blandness and uniformity in favour of orifginal and imaginatively themed rooms. Twin this with all the warmth of a private home plus can't-do-enough service and you're in clover. Ancient features are axiomatic in Florence and there's no cheating here; parquet and stone floors, heavy wood doors, marble chimney pieces and numerous fine artworks. However its the stunning decor and host of luxurious little extras that turn a stay into a treat. We were hard pushed to decide between the extravagant drawing room in soigné black; the lavish Oriental room with its emperor-sized bed and erotic prints or the impressively tome-lined Library. There is even a Turkish bath - exclusively yours when staying in the Garden room. Housekeepers, aka "House genies" are also trained to add to Casa Howard's spells."
Website: Secret Places
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "A delightful city house right in the centre of Florence
The Casa Howard in Florence shares many of the characteristic its of its namesake in Rome. The same title, the same urbane owners, the same elegant decoration and fabulous location. In fact, they both have a common concept, which is to provide guests with a beautiful house or apartment to stay in, keeping a personal touch to proceedings whilst not forsaking the convenience of hotel like service. Hence, it's just "like staying at a friends house" as a guest once said. A very good friend we may add and this is not any ordinary old house either, as the Casa Howard is located right next to the Santa Maria Novella Piazza - a wonderful base from which to enjoy one of the most delightful cities in the world. That personal touch we mentioned beforehand is in fact everywhere. From Chinese dumpling holders used as soap boxes to a porcelain monkey hanging from the ceiling light and the use of top notch fabrics from Paris, London and other renowned fashion centres. As for the rooms, many have a common theme to them and appropriate names attached. The Camel room is, well, for smokers. The Playroom - for families. There is also a Turkish Hamman Bath for guests to enjoy. Guests who visit the Casa Howard tend to come back (they are even given priority in booking, as to the Casa Howard way of doing things, they are seen as old friends) and given its combination of charm, location, decoration and service, we can see why. "
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "A delightful city house right in the centre of Florence
The Casa Howard in Florence shares many of the characteristic its of its namesake in Rome. The same title, the same urbane owners, the same elegant decoration and fabulous location. In fact, they both have a common concept, which is to provide guests with a beautiful house or apartment to stay in, keeping a personal touch to proceedings whilst not forsaking the convenience of hotel like service. Hence, it's just "like staying at a friends house" as a guest once said. A very good friend we may add and this is not any ordinary old house either, as the Casa Howard is located right next to the Santa Maria Novella Piazza - a wonderful base from which to enjoy one of the most delightful cities in the world. That personal touch we mentioned beforehand is in fact everywhere. From Chinese dumpling holders used as soap boxes to a porcelain monkey hanging from the ceiling light and the use of top notch fabrics from Paris, London and other renowned fashion centres. As for the rooms, many have a common theme to them and appropriate names attached. The Camel room is, well, for smokers. The Playroom - for families. There is also a Turkish Hamman Bath for guests to enjoy. Guests who visit the Casa Howard tend to come back (they are even given priority in booking, as to the Casa Howard way of doing things, they are seen as old friends) and given its combination of charm, location, decoration and service, we can see why. "
Magazine: Shelter Interiors Chicago
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Falling in love with a place means going beyond tourist clichés and absorbing the texture and flavour of its daily life. It is to dream of living there, making local friends, spending time in private homes. Visitors to Florence are especially prone to this sort of lovesick behaviour. After just one visit, many of her guests find it impossible to abandon this jewel and return to normal life just as if nothing had never happened.
A sojourn at Casa Howard Guesthouse – where travellers live as residents and get a taste of true Italian life – if only for a few days – is likely what did them in. Bed & Breakfast is too reductive a term to describe this boutique, 12-room secret address in an old Florentine palazzo, just a few yards from Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its magnificent church.
Opened in 2005, the residence is the latest creation of Count Massimiliano Leonardi and his English wife Jennifer Howard Forneris, who in 2000 launched the designer guesthouse wave in Rome.
Casa Howard Florence is not unlike its two Roman sisters. They share the same name, elegant decoration and authentic Italian charm.
“Staying with us is like living at a friend’s home,” Leonardi says, while explaining how he came to the idea of starting the Casa Howard concept.
“My grandmother gave birth to 21 children. So I have relatives scattered around the world: Rome, Naples, Florence, Milano, Barcelona, London, Hong Kong”, he adds. “Most of the original family houses are empty and derelict. Why not bring them back to life and give hospitality to people who value beauty above all else in life?”
Leonardi’s reference to his guests as “friends” is not by accident. Visitors who stay in Casa Howard tend to come back, so they are considered part of an enlarged family. They are given the keys to the house during their stay and are granted priority in booking a second or third vacation.
Several unexpected treasures are tucked away in Via della Scala, where Casa Howard is located. In the back streets along with art galleries, tiny arts and crafts shops, and cosy cafés is the famous Officina dei Profumi di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world with stunning original furnishing.
“We profited from the presence of the pharmacy just a few steps from our door. We are the only guesthouse in the world to which the Officina provides herbal liquid soaps,” boasts the owner, who also teases his guests with fresh-baked croissants and homemade jams from his Tuscan farms for breakfast, which is served in guests’ rooms (the house has no lobby or common spaces).
Respectful of stringent preservation rules, Casa Howard was restored in accordance with Florence’s historic heritage. Originally built in a humble neighborhood, the building now stands out for its discrete elegance.
“The exterior lacked nothing. It was a 15th century house with sober façade details, such as slatted window shutters and a stately panel door,” recalls Fabrizio Cuniberto, the architect who was commissioned to make over the whole property along with Patrizia Ruffa. “But the interiors wherein a deplorable state: dark, cluttered and with claustrophobic rooms that flowed awkwardly from one to another.”
The designers recuperated ancient features such as the parquet and stone floors, heavy wood doors and marble chimney pieces. Beamed ceilings were also restored to either original glory.
The daughter of a famous manufacturer who used to design textiles for the best Italian couturiers in the 1960s, Jennifer was the beautiful mind behind the interior decoration. She decided that fabric and colour would transform the interiors. She was right. The textiles add a casual comfort to the rooms and enliven simple objects such as an ordinary chair or an upright, uptight sofa, while colour is used to add energy. Into this scheme, original period furniture and family heirlooms are mixed, along with carefully selected new items.
“To me, decoration means coupling things I really like and making them work together. As a result a feeling of well-being and relaxation pervades the house,” a proud Jennifer says. Living well can be found in small pleasures. A stay at Casa Howard can be counted among them.
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Falling in love with a place means going beyond tourist clichés and absorbing the texture and flavour of its daily life. It is to dream of living there, making local friends, spending time in private homes. Visitors to Florence are especially prone to this sort of lovesick behaviour. After just one visit, many of her guests find it impossible to abandon this jewel and return to normal life just as if nothing had never happened.
A sojourn at Casa Howard Guesthouse – where travellers live as residents and get a taste of true Italian life – if only for a few days – is likely what did them in. Bed & Breakfast is too reductive a term to describe this boutique, 12-room secret address in an old Florentine palazzo, just a few yards from Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its magnificent church.
Opened in 2005, the residence is the latest creation of Count Massimiliano Leonardi and his English wife Jennifer Howard Forneris, who in 2000 launched the designer guesthouse wave in Rome.
Casa Howard Florence is not unlike its two Roman sisters. They share the same name, elegant decoration and authentic Italian charm.
“Staying with us is like living at a friend’s home,” Leonardi says, while explaining how he came to the idea of starting the Casa Howard concept.
“My grandmother gave birth to 21 children. So I have relatives scattered around the world: Rome, Naples, Florence, Milano, Barcelona, London, Hong Kong”, he adds. “Most of the original family houses are empty and derelict. Why not bring them back to life and give hospitality to people who value beauty above all else in life?”
Leonardi’s reference to his guests as “friends” is not by accident. Visitors who stay in Casa Howard tend to come back, so they are considered part of an enlarged family. They are given the keys to the house during their stay and are granted priority in booking a second or third vacation.
Several unexpected treasures are tucked away in Via della Scala, where Casa Howard is located. In the back streets along with art galleries, tiny arts and crafts shops, and cosy cafés is the famous Officina dei Profumi di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world with stunning original furnishing.
“We profited from the presence of the pharmacy just a few steps from our door. We are the only guesthouse in the world to which the Officina provides herbal liquid soaps,” boasts the owner, who also teases his guests with fresh-baked croissants and homemade jams from his Tuscan farms for breakfast, which is served in guests’ rooms (the house has no lobby or common spaces).
Respectful of stringent preservation rules, Casa Howard was restored in accordance with Florence’s historic heritage. Originally built in a humble neighborhood, the building now stands out for its discrete elegance.
“The exterior lacked nothing. It was a 15th century house with sober façade details, such as slatted window shutters and a stately panel door,” recalls Fabrizio Cuniberto, the architect who was commissioned to make over the whole property along with Patrizia Ruffa. “But the interiors wherein a deplorable state: dark, cluttered and with claustrophobic rooms that flowed awkwardly from one to another.”
The designers recuperated ancient features such as the parquet and stone floors, heavy wood doors and marble chimney pieces. Beamed ceilings were also restored to either original glory.
The daughter of a famous manufacturer who used to design textiles for the best Italian couturiers in the 1960s, Jennifer was the beautiful mind behind the interior decoration. She decided that fabric and colour would transform the interiors. She was right. The textiles add a casual comfort to the rooms and enliven simple objects such as an ordinary chair or an upright, uptight sofa, while colour is used to add energy. Into this scheme, original period furniture and family heirlooms are mixed, along with carefully selected new items.
“To me, decoration means coupling things I really like and making them work together. As a result a feeling of well-being and relaxation pervades the house,” a proud Jennifer says. Living well can be found in small pleasures. A stay at Casa Howard can be counted among them.
Newspaper: Times
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "Casa Howard Florence - Casa Howard, which opened last month, comes with a good pedigree: it's the sister hotel of the highly popular (and quirky) property of the same name in Rome. Rooms are individually themed, their names telling you about the decor -- one is called Oriental, another is Black and White, another "Library" -- and each has original features such as marble fireplaces, heavy old wooden doors, parquet flooring and antiques. The style is a mixture of old and contemporary, with splashes of colour amid period pieces. There's also a large Turkish bath."
Year: 2005
Guesthouse: Casa Howard Florence Guest House
Accommodation Review: "Casa Howard Florence - Casa Howard, which opened last month, comes with a good pedigree: it's the sister hotel of the highly popular (and quirky) property of the same name in Rome. Rooms are individually themed, their names telling you about the decor -- one is called Oriental, another is Black and White, another "Library" -- and each has original features such as marble fireplaces, heavy old wooden doors, parquet flooring and antiques. The style is a mixture of old and contemporary, with splashes of colour amid period pieces. There's also a large Turkish bath."
Guidebook: TimeOut Florence
Year: 2006
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Where to Stay – Santa Maria Novella - Expensive. Casa Howard. The owner of this stylish pied-à-terre sets out to offer comfortable, upmarket accommodation at reasonable rates in the discrete atmosphere of a handsome mansion. The 12 rooms are classy and vaguely eccentric, decorated with strong colours and a mix of antique and custom-made furniture. Check online to choose the one you like best: the big, dramatic Drawing Room, perhaps, or maybe the Black and White Room, in which a blown-up reproduction of Monet’s Olympia covers one wall. Bathrooms are similarly quirky but well equipped, and come with Santa Maria Novella’s smellies. There’s even a Turkish bath on site, should you have overdone in on the sightseeing. Bookings are made through the original Rome branch. When is a Hotel not a Hotel? You may find yourself confused about the names given to the various categories of accommodation in Florence and Tuscany. Rules about this are established on a regional level, so they vary to some degree throughout Italy. In Florence, to be officially classed as a hotel (and therefore subject to a star classification), you must have seven or more rooms. To qualify as an affittacamere (literally “rooms to rent”), you can have no more than six rooms. Some are basically private houses with a couple of rooms for rent (unlike in the UK, most owners don’t live on site), while others are, to all intents and purposes, small hotels. Some more upmarket affittacamere are now allowed to class themselves as bed and breakfasts.
Residenza d’epoca is the term used for a listed building with no more than 12 rooms, while to call yourself a residence you must have a minimum of self-catering units. To add to the confusion, a number of establishments adopt certain names because they sound nice, but they may officially be classified as something else. There are ‘B&Bs’ in Florence, for example, that don’t actually serve breakfast.
In practice, though, these rules and regulations don’t really affect the average traveller – all you need to know is that you don’t have to stick to regular hotels if you want something with a bit more character.Our favourite include Casa Howard Residenza d’Epoca, Le Stanze di Santa Croce, Residenza Santo Spirito, Villa Poggio San Felice, B&B Borgo Pinti and Johlea Uno & Johlea Due. In addition to these there are dozens of other listed in the tourist board’s annual accommodation booklet."
Year: 2006
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "Where to Stay – Santa Maria Novella - Expensive. Casa Howard. The owner of this stylish pied-à-terre sets out to offer comfortable, upmarket accommodation at reasonable rates in the discrete atmosphere of a handsome mansion. The 12 rooms are classy and vaguely eccentric, decorated with strong colours and a mix of antique and custom-made furniture. Check online to choose the one you like best: the big, dramatic Drawing Room, perhaps, or maybe the Black and White Room, in which a blown-up reproduction of Monet’s Olympia covers one wall. Bathrooms are similarly quirky but well equipped, and come with Santa Maria Novella’s smellies. There’s even a Turkish bath on site, should you have overdone in on the sightseeing. Bookings are made through the original Rome branch. When is a Hotel not a Hotel? You may find yourself confused about the names given to the various categories of accommodation in Florence and Tuscany. Rules about this are established on a regional level, so they vary to some degree throughout Italy. In Florence, to be officially classed as a hotel (and therefore subject to a star classification), you must have seven or more rooms. To qualify as an affittacamere (literally “rooms to rent”), you can have no more than six rooms. Some are basically private houses with a couple of rooms for rent (unlike in the UK, most owners don’t live on site), while others are, to all intents and purposes, small hotels. Some more upmarket affittacamere are now allowed to class themselves as bed and breakfasts.
Residenza d’epoca is the term used for a listed building with no more than 12 rooms, while to call yourself a residence you must have a minimum of self-catering units. To add to the confusion, a number of establishments adopt certain names because they sound nice, but they may officially be classified as something else. There are ‘B&Bs’ in Florence, for example, that don’t actually serve breakfast.
In practice, though, these rules and regulations don’t really affect the average traveller – all you need to know is that you don’t have to stick to regular hotels if you want something with a bit more character.Our favourite include Casa Howard Residenza d’Epoca, Le Stanze di Santa Croce, Residenza Santo Spirito, Villa Poggio San Felice, B&B Borgo Pinti and Johlea Uno & Johlea Due. In addition to these there are dozens of other listed in the tourist board’s annual accommodation booklet."
Magazine: Traveller UK - High Culture, Low Prices
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "In the cradle of the Renaissance, finding a place to lay your head can be an expensive business. Nicky Swallow tracks down five guesthouses that offer elegant accommodation and great value. The owner of Casa Howard, Massimiliano Leonardi, feels ‘uncomfortable’ in hotels. In fact you get the impression that he positively hates them, so don’t mention the H-word in association with his 12-room guesthouse. When Leonardi’s Florentine pied-à-terre first appeared in our annual Hot List, in 2005, the Champagne had barely chilled in the honesty bar. It has since settled in and become one of the best places in Florence to find a touch of luxury combined with the discrete atmosphere of a private home. The handsome palazzo is located between the train station and the centre of town. Its décor is stylish and vaguely eccentric, with an eclectic mix of furniture including custom-made pieces and selections from the family vaults. Fine fabrics and strong colors play a major role. The bedrooms, several with private terraces, are all very different, and the bathrooms, stocked with Santa Maria Novella products, are quirky and fun (in the Fireplace Room, you can watch TV soaking in a claw-footed bath). Unless you count the Turkish bath, there’s no public space to speak of, so breakfast (warm croissants and organic jam from Leonardi’s farm) is served in your room. ‘Honesty Fridges’ on each floor are stocked with Champagne, wine and soft drinks. ROOM TO BOOK. Very much a question of personal taste, mood and budget. If cost is an issue, go for one of the diminuitive Twin Rooms. If not, have a look at the website photos and take your pick. "
Year: 2007
Guest house: Casa Howard Florence Guesthouse
Review: "In the cradle of the Renaissance, finding a place to lay your head can be an expensive business. Nicky Swallow tracks down five guesthouses that offer elegant accommodation and great value. The owner of Casa Howard, Massimiliano Leonardi, feels ‘uncomfortable’ in hotels. In fact you get the impression that he positively hates them, so don’t mention the H-word in association with his 12-room guesthouse. When Leonardi’s Florentine pied-à-terre first appeared in our annual Hot List, in 2005, the Champagne had barely chilled in the honesty bar. It has since settled in and become one of the best places in Florence to find a touch of luxury combined with the discrete atmosphere of a private home. The handsome palazzo is located between the train station and the centre of town. Its décor is stylish and vaguely eccentric, with an eclectic mix of furniture including custom-made pieces and selections from the family vaults. Fine fabrics and strong colors play a major role. The bedrooms, several with private terraces, are all very different, and the bathrooms, stocked with Santa Maria Novella products, are quirky and fun (in the Fireplace Room, you can watch TV soaking in a claw-footed bath). Unless you count the Turkish bath, there’s no public space to speak of, so breakfast (warm croissants and organic jam from Leonardi’s farm) is served in your room. ‘Honesty Fridges’ on each floor are stocked with Champagne, wine and soft drinks. ROOM TO BOOK. Very much a question of personal taste, mood and budget. If cost is an issue, go for one of the diminuitive Twin Rooms. If not, have a look at the website photos and take your pick. "
