The Collegio alla Querce was once a boarding school.

Now, it offers one of the most sumptuous hotel stays in Florence.

But what I found at Collegio alla Querce is wholly different from the rest of Florence’s hotel scene.

Exterior of Collegio alla Querce

The exterior facade and garden of Collegio alla Querce in Florence, Italy.Credit:Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection

Still, the atmosphere was lively and warm, and the staff unfailingly gracious.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at the Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection.

The Rooms

There are 83 rooms and suites at the Collegio alla Querce.

Guest room at Collegio alla Querce

A treatment room at the Aelia Spa.Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection

I stayed in a giant 1,600-square-foot one-bedroom suite, and I loved the thoughtful design details.

During my stay, I also toured several accommodations, and I noticed a few things.

Each unit had a slightly different character while still feeling part of a unified aesthetic.

Guest room view at Collegio alla Querce

The Suite Giardino, which felt like a private apartment, featured restored frescoes and a stone fountain.

The space occupies the buildings former dining hall.

La Gamella shines brightest at dinner, though.

Guest room living room at Collegio alla Querce

Elsewhere, theres an extraordinarily atmospheric lounge, Bar Bertelli, which was once the headmaster’s office.

Part library, part sitting room, it has dark woods, antique rugs, and richly patterned textiles.

During my stay, I did two of them.

Bathroom at Collegio alla Querce

We also went out on an outdoor rooftop for stunning views of Florence.

The second was a fun and educational 90-minutepasta-making classat Cicchetti with chef Zamperetti.

These contain potent, wild-foraged botanicals and olive extract sourced from Furtunas 800-acre organic farm in Sicily.

Guest room at Collegio alla Querce

There are also accessible parking spaces in the self-parking facility and a selection of accessible guest rooms.

But there are advantages to this quiet, residential neighborhood on Florences north side.

Theres also a complimentary shuttle that leaves every hour to take guests to and from the center of Florence.

Guest room view at Collegio alla Querce

Nightly rates at theCollegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collectionstart at $1,600 per night.

Guest room living room at Collegio alla Querce

Bathroom at Collegio alla Querce

Restaurant at Collegio alla Querce

Bar at Collegio alla Querce

Restaurant at Collegio alla Querce

Bar at Collegio alla Querce

Spa at Collegio alla Querce

A treatment room at the Aelia Spa.Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection

Details at Collegio alla Querce

Design details inside Collegio alla Querce.Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection

Details at Collegio alla Querce

Interior of the Conservatory and Golden Hall.Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection