Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best new (and revamped) luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.
The 148-foot “Curiosity”
Hotel Number Nine
Describe the superyacht in three words: Splendid Mediterranean affair.
What’s the deal?
The folks behind House of Nine, a chic independent hotel mere steps from the Duomo in Florence, are breathing fresh air into the superyacht charter market. Instead of the traditional week-long charter experience, owners Ginevra Moretti and Max Fane are offering guests access to a two- or three-night superyacht cruise on the 148-foot Curiosity. The 1985 vessel has been given a modern refit, complete with fun tidbits of Moretti’s own design—think colorful, shapely figurines, and an abundance of bold textures and fabrics. And you’ll be hopping onboard at Piombino Port, about a two-hour drive from Florence.
The philosophy is simple: There are six cabins onboard, with room for up to 12 guests. With your stay, you can choose one cabin to call home during your time on the seas, and the others will be filled by your fellow passengers. Throughout the journey, the group will come together for meals, excursions, and other activities, giving you a chance to mingle as much as you’d like. It’s a salon-esque experiment on the seas—and it works rather well. Though if you’d like to scurry along for a private moment, there’s plenty of space to spread out onboard across its three decks. Better still: You can completely buy out Curisoity for your family and friends to get in on the fun.
That merriment includes exploring some of the secluded isles on the Tuscan coastline. That is where Curiosity’s tender comes in handy, as it will escort you to shore with ease. We stopped along Elba, an Italian vacation isle known for its quaint towns (and being the first exile spot of Napoleon). You can also explore secluded locales like Giglio Island, known for its golden beaches, among others. Thanks to the departure from Piombino Port, you won’t spend eons waiting on board to dock at your destination—it took us about an hour to arrive at our perch off the coast of Elba.
The best room:
The best cabin aboard Curiosity is the owner’s suite, as you’d expect. The nearly 660-square-foot space is clad in wood with touches of blue and plenty of storage space. A dedicated office space is the perfect place to go if some work needs doing on your trip. The real standout, though, maybe be the bathroom, where a deep, large tub and expansive countertop are clad in a white marble, while a standalone shower sits nearby. As for the other cabins onboard, you can expect to find either a queen bed or two twins.
The Rundown
The VIP cabin.
Hotel Number Nine
Did they greet you by name at check-in?
They did just that at the hotel, and things got even more personal once I hopped aboard Curiosity.
Was there a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.)
Well, of course. We were served Champagne immediately upon stepping aboard. If you were in the mood for something less boozy, you could opt for a water and other drinks on standby.
Is there a private butler for every room?
No—but it feels like you do, thanks to the attentive crew. Hannah and her team made sure our drinks were always topped off, a snack was nearby, and our quarters were spic-and-span clean all times. Extra point here for the supreme service.
Is the thread count higher than 300?
It’s 300 on the dot. The House of Nine team teamed up with famed Italian brand Rivolta Carmignani, which has been making top-notch linens since 1867 in Milan, for its onboard items. And you can expect that same caliber of quality across all your sheets and towels.
The dining area is where you’ll commune with fellow passengers.
Hotel Number Nine
Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?
No, but that’s not exactly what you’re coming on a superyacht for, now is it? The bathrooms here are full of wood, plenty of storage space, and a decent sized shower—all accented by plush towels embroidered with a vibrant bee.
Are the toiletries full-sized?
Diptyque Philosykos is your friend onboard here, the scent of choice for all the full-sized shampoos, conditioners, body washes, hand soaps, and body creams. It certainly has the Med on its mind, serving up sweet fig alongside a green, woody element.
Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?
Until superyacht design is wildly reimagined, there is no private pool for each cabin. But you do have the option to dip into the Jacuzzi for you’re looking to get a bit toasty. And with the Mediterranean as your backdrop, Curisoity offers up plenty of water activities for you to enjoy—water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding. A regular ol’ swim is always on the table, too; the superyacht’s tender can take you closer to shore to explore the beaches as well.
Do you want to spend Friday night at the bar?
You mean, the bar on the top deck, where you can take in stunning seas views in every direction? Absolutely. (Sunset, it really goes without saying, is the best time to enjoy the vistas.) Of course, everywhere onboard can be a place to enjoy your favorite tipple, with crew ready to bring on the booze whenever you’re ready. A fun addition: The hidden liquor storage built straight into the salon cabinet, which can pop up when you need or go back down to blend seamlessly with the countertop when it’s not in use.
The Jacuzzi is a prime perch to watch over the waves.
Hotel Number Nine
Is the food worth its salt?
Chef Nolan Van Staden is a culinary master of Thailand, so that means in addition to your expected Med-inspired dishes, you’re also taste some Asian-inspired cuisine. That includes a delicious Thai curry with prawns and lobster for lunch, which is family style. Dinner, meanwhile, is served in courses on vibrant dinnerware; my favorite was the mushroom risotto, bar none.
Would you buy the superyacht if you could?
A newly renovated, stunning 148-footer like Curisoity would be something any serious traveler would snap up in an instant, especially considering that the superyacht affords a truly singular way to explore the Med. If it were for sale, that is. Consider it the inspiration for my own personal fleet.
The Verdict
The main salon is full of neutral hues and fun fabrics.
Hotel Number Nine
Curiosity and its stewards are changing the game when it comes to chartering a superyacht. A two- or three-night stay opens up your vacationing possibilities, allowing you to stop here on your grand tour of Italy (or anywhere else you’re planning to roam) for just a moment before bounding off to other destinations. This superyacht isn’t easy to leave, given the fabulous service, incredible food, and uniquely designed accommodations. The stunning vistas around the Med don’t hurt, either. It’s the combination of these things that makes this trip a standout, and one we recommend wholeheartedly.
Rates: From about $11,400 (€10,000) for two people, two-night minimum, includes transfers to and from Florence and food and drinks.
Score: 9
What Our Score Means:
1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.
7-8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
