Kraft Hotel

Owned by a Swiss family that’s been in the hospitality industry since the 19th century, 78-room Hotel Kraft is an upper-middle-range city hotel with a relaxed vibe and mixed modern and classical decor. While the lobby doesn’t win any style awards -- quilted white leather ottomans clash with blue velvet sofas and a traditional terra cotta floor -- it’s a pleasant, comfortable space. Classic piano jazz is piped through the Bose speakers in the evenings, setting a relaxing mood. The hotel’s fabulous rooftop dining terrace is its best kept secret, with soft lighting and breathtaking city views providing an intimate, romantic ambience. Florence’s most famous cultural attractions -- including the Duomo -- are visible from this spot, and it’s no wonder why guests love starting their day with breakfast here. With its hidden charms, the hotel attracts mostly couples from the U.K., U.S., and Western Europe, with more families visiting during the summer. 

Hotel Kraft’s location on a quiet, residential street is a big advantage: there isn’t the plethora of tourists one would find in more central areas, and many major attractions are still within walking distance (though some might be a bit far for certain guests). The picturesque River Arno is just a two-minute walk down the road, while the main train station is a 10-minute walk away. For high end shopping, head to the popular Via dei Tournabuoni, about a 13-minute walk. Cultural attractions such as the Duomo cathedral and Uffizi Gallery are both over a 15-minute walk away. Florence’s airport is only an 18-minute drive from here.

Hotel Kraft’s 78 rooms vary quite a bit in style, with more modern rooms decorated in pristine white hues and stylish furnishings. Others are more traditional and homey, with some featuring painted frescos. All come with modestly stocked minibars, tea and coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Although bathrooms vary in style, all are kept immaculately clean, and the more modern ones have generously sized rainfall showerheads and tasteful gray-and-white tiling. Room categories range from Classic Rooms -- the lowest room category -- to Superior Rooms, which have upgraded amenities including free minibars plus bathrobes and slippers. The majority of Superior Rooms have balconies, and although the view is fairly mundane compared to the hotel’s breathtaking rooftop panoramas, it’s nice to have a private outdoor space. Triple and Quad Rooms are more spacious, and accommodate three and four people respectively via an extra bed.  

In contrast to most other Florence hotels -- which typically have sparse facilities -- Hotel Kraft offers a healthy handful of amenities. The beautiful rooftop dining terrace, with spectacular city views and an undeniably romantic atmosphere, is its best kept secret and a guest favorite. Lunch and dinner from a Mediterranean and Italian a la carte menu is served here, along with drinks from the cozy bar. Breakfast can be taken as the sun rises over the Duomo to the east, and the buffet meal includes a decent selection of handmade cakes and hot options including eggs and bacon. The upper level of the terrace houses a heated pool complete with a sunbathing deck, again with fantastic panoramic views. While the pool is on the small side, it’s perfect for dipping after a long day of sightseeing in Florence’s oppressive summer heat -- and very rare for a Florence hotel. There’s also live music twice a week in the restaurant during the summer. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Paid parking with valet service is available in partnership with a nearby garage, for a reasonable rate by Florence standards.