Designer and calligrapher Betty Soldi is one busy woman. A fixture on the streets of the Oltrarno neighbourhood in Florence, along with partner Matteo Perduca, Betty has delved into the world hotel ownership, now proudly behind three of the city’s best boutique sleepovers.
Housed in a classic Renaissance palace, SoprArno Suites is a 13-bedroom residence over three floors, each room individually designed and themed with Betty’s custom design flair; AdAstra with its dreamy and whimsical interiors plus an awe-inspiring view from a wraparound terrace overlooking the private Torrigiani Garden is an unforgettable place to rest your head. The latest offering, Oltrarno Splendid, adds to this duo’s hotel trifecta.
With such a passion for Florence and design, how does Betty enjoy the city when she is not concocting the latest hip hotel or designing for clients that include luxury brands, perfumers, and fashion labels? Here, she shares her favourite city spots in Florence.
1. Galleries I Love
I like the Museo Bardini for the location, Museo Marino Marini as it’s so centrally hidden away and magical, and the Specola on via Romana for its authentic “still in another era“ atmosphere.
2. For A Special Dinner
I think Pampaloni’s In Fabbrica is brilliant and utterly quirky for traditional Florence; it is just incredible to dine using real silverware within the factory it was just made in.
3. For A Sweet Treat
For amazing pastries and chocolate, I head to Dolcissima via Maggio; La Strega Nocciola via dei Bardi for ice cream; Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria for the fantastic packaging and sweet treats or Gilli in Piazza della Republicca for that charming, nostalgic, glamorous feel.
4. My Florence Style
Even though I’ve spent 30 years in London, I’ve always looked at Florence as an open-air museum. Each street, building, facade, church, and square has its own story. Centuries of history layered to create one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Fashion is a balance: A mix of personality, craftsmanship and passion, all of which exists here and the fashion often shines through the little touches, the verve, and the confidence of the people living here.
5. Favourite Shopping Stores & Streets
Internationally, I love Céline for its simplistic style, but I go to Cos because it’s a fantastic building (especially the top floor). One of my favourite stores in Florence is Quercioli & Luccherini, which has the best underwear and sock selection!
6. For Sunset Cocktails
On the terrace of my latest boutique hotel opening, AdAstra, above the Giardino Torrigiani with its antique observatory to the stars. The terrace itself is perfect for catching rays or stargazing!
7. For Art & Culture {beyond the obvious galleries}
The Museo Marino Marini is my favourite place for the old space designed by Leon Battista Alberti. And its modern setting is in an unassuming Piazzetta (small square/piazza).
8. Favourite Green Space In Florence
The Giardino delle Rose and Giardino degli Iris are both near Piazzale Michelangelo. They both emit an immense sense of verdant calm and serenity. I adore watching the leaves turn golden in autumn in Florence; it’s a magical time of year.
9. Escape To The Countryside {best day trip from Florence}
In Valdarno, where I was born and where my family has made fireworks since 1869. They are part of the annual Easter fireworks in Florence, Scoppio del Carro, which is spectacular not to miss when in the Tuscan capital.





