This Time Tomorrow in Florence

When planning a trip to Florence, one envisions many things: leisurely afternoons spent gazing at some of the world’s most celebrated paintings, evenings at delicious trattorias, heavenly architecture, coffees and Negronis aplenty, and, of course, a feeling of renewed inspiration. In a place so rich in art and flavour, it takes a particularly special hotel to make you question your plans to explore the city in favour of an afternoon in. This Time Tomorrow in Florence had such an effect on Mr Smith and I.

Nestled in a peaceful residential pocket of Florence, it offers the perfect blend of local authenticity and effortless access. Just around the corner from the tram line and within close walking distance of bars, cosy coffee shops and restaurants, it feels both connected and calm. A slightly longer walk or very short tram ride leads straight into the historic centre, yet returning here feels like a gentle retreat; a welcome reset after a long day in the city.

As we arrived and took in our apartment’s overwhelming beauty, any lingering travel fatigue instantly dissipated. This Time Tomorrow is set in a neoclassical building, with eight uniquely designed apartments, each exuding classic Italian charm. Every corner held meaningful details: restored cocciopesto Veneziano flooring, Italian cookbooks, a Moka pot complete with instructions for the perfect coffee (very serious business). Waiting for us were a fridge and pantry stocked with delicious Tuscan ingredients: pecorino, wine,
artichoke hearts, truffle honey — all of which was consumed in a perfectly normal amount of time. Beautiful art books were placed throughout the apartment, the subjects ranging from Donatello and Caravaggio to a catalogue of the hotel’s impressive collection.

The lighting in the apartment was beautifully designed, too. Warm chandeliers and soft lamps complemented expansive windows that filled the space with gorgeous natural light, and there were not one, but two balconies, each showing a different perspective of the city. The importance of good lighting shouldn’t be underestimated; after all, we are in the capital of the Renaissance.

An artistic thread weaves its way through every part of This Time Tomorrow, most strikingly in its carefully curated art collection that bridges centuries of creativity. From Kandinsky and Dalí to Renaissance works, oils to lithographs, it strikes a perfect balance between the modern and the historic. This duality between past and present continues throughout the hotel. One example is the way the tokens we are handed for breakfast are presented not as ordinary cards, but as small packets of salt. This charming detail references a story we were told on arrival: in the 12th century, Florence and Pisa were fierce rivals, and in an effort to weaken Florence, Pisa blocked the city’s salt shipments. In response, saltless bread became a Florentine staple — a tradition that continues today. Later, I noticed a painting in our apartment where the central figure appeared to be holding salt too. Whether coincidence or intention, it felt like a quiet nod to that same story — a perfect illustration of how This Time Tomorrow captures Florence’s ability to merge history with contemporary artistry in the most subtle, elegant ways.

The warmth of This Time Tomorrow is apparent from the moment you arrive, but what truly sets it apart is the level of personal care. We felt completely at home. Mornings felt like a
little slice of a parallel Italian reality: making coffee, flipping through a book about Michelangelo, savouring the quiet. We took long baths, cooked meals and spent hours on the balcony reading. The apartment didn’t just feel luxurious — it felt familiar.

The personal touch extended beyond the apartment. Before our arrival, we were sent a short form asking about our interests and what we hoped to see while in Florence. By the time we arrived, a tailor-made list of recommendations and invaluable local knowledge awaited us: bars, restaurants, galleries and local experiences. After a day exploring the Uffizi and
Palazzo Strozzi’s Fra Angelico exhibition, the wonderful Eric from This Time Tomorrow took us to what he described as a traditional, unpretentious, family-style Florentine restaurant next door. It was the perfect way to end our evening, enjoying authentic cooking away from the busy tourist hum.

City breaks are often exciting but exhausting; we come home inspired, yes, but also a little worn out. Florence was different. We left feeling looked after, deeply inspired and somehow
completely rested. The homely nature of This Time Tomorrow offered more than comfort; it captured that rare holiday feeling of being both away and at home all at once. We’ll be back soon, no doubt, having only scratched the surface of this magnificent city.