Minor Hotels opens the first Colbert Collection Hotel with Porta Rossa in Florence | News
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, announces the launch of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection, the first hotel to open globally under the new Colbert Collection brand. Located on Via Porta Rossa, in the heart of Florence’s historic center, the hotel officially debuted on May 12, 2026, after an extensive renovation to transform it into a flagship of the brand.
Colbert Collection, housed in a monument of exceptional historical significance – first mentioned in 1386 – Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, is probably the oldest hotel in Italy. Once a haven for silk merchants, the building has transitioned from Renaissance elegance to richly decorated 19th-century interiors, and today, after a sensitive renovation, has become a boutique gem where history is present in every detail. From the iconic red door to the evocative motto ‘Per non dormire’ preserved in a stained glass window, the hotel carries on a legacy shaped by generations and reflecting the character of Florence.
This heritage comes to life in the 69 elegant rooms and suites, conceived as intimate, contemplative retreats, inspired by the private rooms of a Renaissance palazzo. Draped headboards, fabric canopies and a sophisticated palette of leather, embroidered wall coverings and mineral tones create spaces that feel timeless and deeply personal. The six characteristic suites offer an immersive journey through the history of both Florence and the building itself. From the Amici Miei Frescoed Junior Suite – famous from the iconic Italian film – to the Bartolini Frescoed Suite, decorated from floor to ceiling with beautiful 18th-century frescoes, each space offers a unique and inspiring stay. The hotel’s most exceptional experience is the Torre Monalda Signature Suite, set in a 13th-century medieval tower – one of the few remaining towers in Florence and historically a symbol of power among noble residences in the Middle Ages. It offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Florence and invites guests to spend the night in one of the city’s tallest historic towers – an experience that is both rare and immersive.
Original architectural features, including vaulted ceilings and frescoed walls, remain central to the design approach, complemented by contemporary interventions introduced with a light, respectful touch. The result is a seamless dialogue between past and present, bringing together Renaissance character and modern sophistication.
The public areas of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze reflect Colbert Collection’s ‘art of collecting’, with spaces designed for shared moments and informal encounters. Designed as a contemporary piazza, the lobby features custom-made furnishings, textured leather and warm lighting inspired by traditional Florentine lanterns. A lively bistro bar enhances the social atmosphere, while a new gastronomic concept from Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo – launched in June – will firmly position the hotel in Florence’s renowned culinary scene. Through Airaudo’s signature Italian craftsmanship, the new restaurant reinterprets local ingredients, flavors and traditions with a refined yet accessible touch, seamlessly balancing authenticity with subtle innovation and living up to the promise of “Local Roots, Italian Soul.”
In addition to leisure stays, Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection is well suited for intimate meetings and professional events, with two meeting rooms for up to 40 guests, making it ideal for small business meetings in a unique historic setting.
Just steps from Florence’s most iconic landmarks, including the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo complex, the Uffizi and Piazza della Signoria, the hotel offers guests an immediate immersion in a city known for its artistic heritage and exceptional cuisine.
Colbert Collection represents a new chapter for Minor Hotels. The brand celebrates individuality and invites guests to discover hotels deeply rooted in their own world, while connected by a common sensibility. Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze perfectly expresses this philosophy, because it is a hotel with a soul: rich in stories, generous in spirit and deeply connected to the city. We’re honored to take it into a new chapter while keeping everything that makes it extraordinary.
Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO Minor Hotels Europe and America
Launched earlier this year, Colbert Collection is a global premium soft brand that unites independent hotels through a shared passion for visual arts and authentic culinary experiences. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of Parisian boulevard cafés, the brand cultivates a sense of belonging through carefully curated cultural and gastronomic moments that foster true community. As its inaugural property, Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection brings this vision to life – deeply rooted in place, history and artistic expression, embodying the brand’s pillars: the art of collecting, the art of place and the art of taste.
Following the debut of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection, the brand will continue its expansion with The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London in the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by Colbert Collection Koh Samui, the first hotel in Asia, expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
To celebrate the opening of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection, Minor Hotels invites guests to experience the brand’s debut with an exclusive limited-time offer from Minor DISCOVERY. Since June, loyalty program members have been earning double DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), unlocking more value to enjoy future stays, dining and experiences across the group’s global portfolio as they discover this distinctive new addition from day one.
