Borgo San Frediano 5, Florence, Italy | (251) 219-4428
Convenient location close to attractions but away from the busy areas
Large rooms with premium Bvlgari toiletries
Rooftop bar with views of the city
Breakfast buffet includes champagne
Water, ice, and a Nespresso machine on each floor
Charming antique elevator
Free Wi-Fi
A fitness center (albeit small) with cardio and weight machines
Dim lighting and some rooms look a bit tired
No restaurant
This 12-room Renaissance-era palace just south of the Arno River preserves the atmosphere of living in an ancient private residence. The four-pearl property features a dozen large suites with original architectural features and antiques. Prices are on par with similar historic properties farther away from the city center, such as the Grand Hotel Villa Cora. Though there are plenty of places to eat in the neighborhood, one downside is that the hotel doesn't have a restaurant.
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Scene
Antique elegance with ornate details
Guests enter into a long, red-carpeted hallway with arched ceilings and filled with paintings and statues. Instead of a lobby, there is a small reception area off the main entrance. The decor throughout the hotel spans many periods, but the overall vibe is one of ornate embellishment. A particularly unique feature that is popular with guests is the old wooden elevator with a pink velvet sofa inside. Common areas include a small billiards room, an outdoor courtyard, and a rooftop terrace and bar that offers views of Florence. The buffet breakfast is served in a lovely dining room with dramatic details that include a massive Murano crystal chandelier and coffered ceiling.
Location
In a historic neighborhood that is a short walk away from the city center
The hotel is located in San Frediano, a historical neighborhood close to the attractions in the center of Florence, yet far enough removed from the main tourist haunts to not be overrun with crowds. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the city center, including the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Duomo. There are a number of restaurants nearby.
Rooms
Large suites filled with antiques
The 12 large, air-conditioned suites have soaring ceilings and are elegantly decorated with antique furniture, Oriental rugs, and thick curtains at the head of the bed. There are charming seating areas with fireplaces. Some suites overlook a pretty inner courtyard. All suites have flat-screen TVs, minibars, robes, slippers, hairdryers, and Bvlgari toiletries. The bathrooms are large and offer separate tubs and showers. However, the stall showers are disappointingly small.
Features
A free buffet breakfast with champagne and a rooftop terrace bar with beautiful views
A rooftop terrace bar is open in the warm weather and offers gorgeous views of the city. The hotel's free continental breakfast is served by white-gloved waiters and includes champagne, as well as hot foods that are available upon request. Other features include a tiny billiards room with one table and a small gym with cardio and weight machines. Both are open 24/7. Room service is available from a nearby restaurant with a delivery fee. There’s also a parking garage for an extra cost.
