The American men’s magazine Esquire has just revealed its list of the best new hotels in the world for 2026 (source in English)and first place goes to an establishment from Florence.
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Opened in March 2025, the Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Collection, was named hotel of the year.
Born as a villa in the 16th century, the Collegio Alla Querce then housed a boarding school before being transformed into the 83-room hotel that we know today.
Perched on a hill, the property offers stunning views of the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Tuscan countryside.
“Here, everything is calm, you feel miles away from the hordes of summer tourists who invade the city,” writes Michael Sebastian, editor-in-chief of Esquire, about the establishment.
“However, the center of Florence is very close. The Collegio alla Querce is one of those hotels where you feel so at home that you never want to leave. HAS”
What awaits you at Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Collection
The architectural firm Esteva i Esteva was responsible for transforming the building into a contemporary hotel while preserving its character, and each room refers to its former life.
The hand-painted frescoes have been restored and wooden coffered ceilings run throughout the building. Located in the former principal’s office, the hotel bar is inspired by the school curriculum with cocktails that play on chemistry to offer unique creations.
Among the establishment’s other restaurants, La Gamella highlights the great seasonal Italian classics, while the poolside Café Focolare serves pizzas, pastas and, of course, its own version of Florence’s most famous panini.
Guests can relax at Aelia, the hotel’s spa, which uses Furtuna Skin products made from olives and plants grown in Sicily.
The best new hotels in Europe
In addition to the Collegio Alla Querce, 13 of the 43 hotels in the full list (source in English) are located in Europe, including two in London, Paris, Barcelona and Florence.
Travelers to the British capital will want to discover Templeton Garden, praised for its peaceful location at Earl’s Court, and The Newman in Fitzrovia, which “is both the ideal hideaway to escape the hustle and bustle and the best springboard for the seasoned traveler.”
In Paris, the Experimental Marais is nestled in the trendiest district of the French capital, while La Fondation stands out for its design combining Japanese minimalism and French modernism.
In Barcelona, the former Gran Hotel La Florida – now Mett Barcelona – is “equal parts a destination hotel and an urban resort”, while the SLS has four swimming pools where you can relax.
The first steps of the British chain The Hoxton in Florence caused a sensation, as did the W Florence, which offers a clear view of the Duomo from its Zefiro Rooftop.
