Cozy, family-run, boutique-sized hotel with a peaceful atmosphere
Located south of the river in a quiet area with nearby restaurants
Clean rooms with original features plus minibars and air-conditioning
Some rooms have scenic river views
Small bar serves hot drinks and alcohol
Basic continental breakfast with savory options available in reception
Good coffee made fresh by hotel staff
Free Wi-Fi throughout and paid meter parking at reasonable rates
Some signs of wear and tear in some rooms
No hot options available with breakfast
Simple charm defines the Hotel Relais Il Cestello, a cozy, family-run hotel with just 10 rooms and a peaceful atmosphere. Its location south of the Arno guarantees quiet, and the clean, comfortable rooms pair original woodbeam ceilings and beautiful antique furniture with standard amenities including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Renovated rooms have rustic white wood furniture, and Superior Rooms feature picturesque river views. Facilities are limited to a small bar and continental breakfast, which includes freshly prepared coffee. Paid parking is available nearby at reasonable rates. For a similar option that's closer to the action, try A Florence View B&B -- just beware of the noise and surrounding tourist mayhem. Additionally, rates there will likely be higher.
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Scene
Simple, pleasant, family-run hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and classic decor
Named after the beautiful, Baroque-style 17th-century church just next door, Hotel Relais Il Cestello is a humble and pleasant family-run option in the quiet Oltrarno neighborhood. The reception area is warm and welcoming, where rustic white wood furniture pairs well with terra cotta floors and an original brick-and-wood-beamed ceiling. Just 10 rooms helps keep the attention of the hotel staff squarely on guests, and they're happy to help with any local advice. While not a fancy place, there’s charm in this property's simplicity, and an authentic Italian feel. It’s the little things that count: fresh coffee delivered at breakfast with a smile, and a peaceful setting away from tourist mayhem in the center of town. Those qualities make this hotel popular with anyone from families in summer, to couples and single travelers year-round. Most visit from Western Europe and the U.S.
Location
On the quiet south side of River Arno, a 12-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio
Hotel Relais Il Cestello is on the south side of the river in the Oltrarno district, known for its good restaurants, quiet atmosphere, and local Florentine population. There’s a decent seafood restaurant just downstairs, and a good handful of local restaurants about a four-minute walk away. Palazzo Pitti is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, and so is the Ponte Vecchio. Both the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo are roughly a 15-minute walk across the river, while Florence’s airport is a convenient 15-minute drive.
Rooms
Basic and homey, with antique furniture and standard amenities including minibars, AC, and free Wi-Fi
In keeping with the classic feel of the rest of the hotel, most rooms have traditional decor with beautiful antique furniture and a homey vibe. There’s no tea or coffee facilities, but all rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free safe and Wi-Fi access. All are furnished with desks and chairs, and Superior Rooms have picturesque river views, while others overlook charming Florentine rooftops and the neighboring Baroque church. Some feature more modern decor, so check ahead if you'd like something a bit less classic. Bathrooms are clean and include modern fixtures; some have classic Florentine mosaic tiling. Rooms also have original architectural features, including vaulted or slanted brick and woodbeam ceililngs, and are divided according to occupancy. While things here are pleasant overall, we did spot just a touch of wear and tear during our 2017 visit.
Features
Limited to a cozy bar and continental breakfast, plus free Wi-Fi throughout and paid meter parking
As is standard with most Florence city hotels, facilities are kept to a minimum: a cozy bar in reception serves both hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, while the simple continental breakfast includes freshly prepared coffee and savory options such as cold cuts and cheese. There are no hot options, but past guests have found the spread -- which also includes brioches, marmalade cake, cereals, and yogurts -- adequate for a long day of sightseeing. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the paid meter parking is available at a reasonable rate.
