Luxury Hotel · Italy
Grand Hotel Minerva
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Grand Hotel Minerva is Florence’s most culturally rich luxury stay, where centuries of art history and a legendary rooftop pool come together on Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
Few hotels in Europe can claim this much artistic heritage. Set steps from the marble facade of Santa Maria Novella, the property’s 97 rooms and suites are filled with original frescoes, coffered ceilings dating to the 1300s, and works by Emilio Greco, Renato Guttuso and Giuseppe Chiari. The architecture is a landmark in itself: Carlo Scarpa’s 1957 renovation layered modernist precision over medieval grandeur.
Above it all sits one of Florence’s great rooftop experiences. A pool and bar occupy the top of a 13th-century palazzo, with 360-degree views across the skyline. The signature Terrace Negroni, sipped as the sun sets behind the Duomo, is as iconic as the city itself.
For Out Of Office clients seeking a Florence that goes beyond the beautiful room, this is the answer.
Highlights
- 97 rooms and suites blending modern Italian craftsmanship with centuries of artistic heritage.
- Original frescoes, coffered ceilings from the 1300s, and works by celebrated Italian artists.
- Duplex suites and spacious family options, many with views over Santa Maria Novella.
Accommodation
Deluxe Junior Suite
Enjoy deluxe comfort and exclusive views in the Deluxe Junior Suite. These 300sqft rooms feature a living area, large double bed, Italian marble bathroom, and stunning views.
Suite
Sleeping up to three adults, suites here are 400sqft and feature a large living area with sofa bed, large double bed, Italian marble bathroom, and gorgeous views.
Duplex Suite
These two-level suites feature breathtaking art and panoramic views. Sleeping up to four adults, suites here are 700sqft and feature a large living area, large double bed and two day beds, an Italian marble bathroom on each floor, and wonderful views of the square and façade of the Church of Santa Maria Novella.
The Terrace Family Suite
Sleeping up to six, the Terrace Family Suite is 800sqft and features a fully furnished terrace, a large living area, two bedrooms with either a large double bed or two twin beds, two day beds, an Italian marble bathroom, and lovely views of the inner courtyards and garden.
Further information
La Buona Novella
Tommaso Calonaci, a three-time recipient of the Cappello dell’Espresso award and acclaimed as one of the nation’s top emerging chefs, presides over the captivating kitchen at La Buona Novella. This gastronomic haven, adorned with art and featuring original design by Carlo Scarpa, invites guests to savor the timeless flavors of Florentine cuisine with large windows overlooking Santa Maria Novella Square.
Rooftop Pool & Bar
Not your average Olympic pool or beach club; the rooftop pool and bar at the Minerva Grand Hotel is an extraordinary experience. The poolside lounge is exclusively designed for bar service, inviting you to sip on legendary Terrace Negronis and relish gourmet snacks while you soak in views of the surrounding city.
Calidarium
Experience the allure of the Calidarium, reminiscent of the ancient Roman hot plunge baths. Equipped with a spacious Jacuzzi hot tub, it offers indulgence during chilly seasons or after a day of sightseeing. Hotel guests can reserve exclusive hourly private access to the pool for a fee.
Italy
Italy is a long, narrow country running from the Alps in the north to Sicily and the Mediterranean in the south. The geography changes faster than the language. Alpine lakes (Como, Garda, Maggiore) in the north. Industrial cities, fashion and finance in Milan and Turin. The Renaissance cities of the central plain (Florence, Bologna, Siena). The capital and ancient sites in Rome. The southern coastlines of the Amalfi, Puglia and Calabria.
Our Experts
Italy is one of the best places in Europe to experience culture, food and beautiful scenery. With so much character and colour, the Amalfi Coast is a personal favourite of mine.
I never get tired of planning luxury vacations in Italy. There are so many magical cities and experiences to be enjoyed. Beaches, mountains and rolling countryside, there really is something for everyone.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.