Minor debuts Colbert Collection with Florence opening

Minor Hotels has launched its new Colbert Collection brand with the opening of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze in Florence, Italy, marking the first property under the group’s new collection brand for independently positioned hotels focused on art, gastronomy and destination-led experiences.

The 69-key property opened on 12 May 2026 following a major renovation of the historic building on Via Porta Rossa in Florence’s city centre. Believed to be Italy’s oldest hotel, the property was first referenced in 1386 and has historically hosted merchants and travellers visiting the Renaissance city. The restoration preserves original frescoes, vaulted ceilings and medieval architectural details while introducing contemporary interiors and updated guest facilities.

The hotel features rooms and suites inspired by Renaissance palazzos, alongside six signature suites tied to Florence’s artistic and architectural history. Highlights include the Torre Monalda Signature Suite inside a restored 13th-century tower and the Bartolini Frescoed Suite with preserved 18th-century frescoes.

Public spaces have been designed around Colbert Collection’s “art of gathering” concept, with lounge-style social spaces, bespoke furnishings and a bistro bar inspired by Florentine piazzas and traditional lanterns. The hotel will introduce a new restaurant concept in June led by acclaimed chef Paulo Airaudo, focusing on Italian cuisine rooted in local ingredients and regional flavours.

The property also features two meeting rooms accommodating up to 40 guests, targeting small-scale corporate events and private gatherings within Florence’s historic centre.

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Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, said: “Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze perfectly expresses this philosophy, being a hotel with a soul — rich in story, generous in spirit, and deeply connected to its city.”

Colbert Collection is designed to bring together independent hotels centred around visual arts, culinary experiences and culturally rooted hospitality. The brand draws inspiration from the social atmosphere of Parisian boulevard cafés and aims to create community-driven guest experiences tied closely to each destination.

The opening marks the latest expansion milestone for Minor Hotels as the group accelerates growth across Europe, Asia and the US. Recent signings and openings include The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, followed by Colbert Collection Koh Samui in Thailand in Q1 2027, alongside new projects in Miami and Egypt.

The expansion also follows Minor Hotels’ growing presence in India under the Anantara brand. The group recently announced Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort in Karnataka, set to open in 2028, alongside a new Anantara hotel in Kolkata, marking the brand’s first resort and first city hotel projects in the country following the 2025 opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur.

For more information, visit www.minorhotels.com