San Gallo Palace

The San Gallo Palace Hotel isn't quite a palace, but it's a charming, traditionally styled property. Classical decor is found throughout, from gilded period chairs and artwork in the lobby, to the vaulted brick ceiling in the breakfast room. While these areas are quaint, the bar's peach-leather chairs and wall paneling are just dated. Outdoor areas are lovely -- though expect noise -- with terra-cotta planters and wall hangings, shaded dining furniture, and climbing greenery. The hotel tends to attract couples on vacation who don't mind being removed from Florence’s main sights.

Although situated on a bustling street, the San Gallo Palace Hotel is located outside of the city center and a bit far from most of Florence's most popular tourist sights. It is, however, within close proximity of some decent restaurants that specialize in Tuscan and international cuisine. Additionally, the historic Piazza della Liberta and Porta San Gallo are just a couple minutes' walk away. The hotel also provides easy access to Florence's trade fair and convention district, including the Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo degli Affari, and Palazzo dei Congressi.Florence is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and is one of Italy's most beautiful cities -- it's more compact, and less gritty, than Rome. The Duomo is the most iconic sight here, but other popular attractions include Michelangelo's "David" at the Galleria dell'Accademia, the works of Botticelli and da Vinci at the Uffizi, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which dates back to the 1300s. The Piazza della Signora is a popular tourist hub, and many hotels are located near it.- 16-minute drive to Peretola Airport

• Four-minute drive to to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's famous David statue is housed
• Seven-minute drive to Santa Maria Novella train station
• Seven-minute drive to Santa Croce
• 10-minute drive to the Duomo, Florence's most famous landmark
• 10-minute drive or 26-minute walk to Uffizi Gallery, which houses Botticelli's "Birth of Venus"
• 10-minute drive to Ponte Vecchio
• 14-minute drive to Boboli Gardens

The 56 rooms are simply and traditionally decorated, featuring hardwood floors, traditional dark-wood furniture, and dated burnt-orange comforters, headboards, drapes, and armchair upholstery. Some rooms have plain white bedding and olive-green throw pillows instead, but keep the rest of the burnt-orange linens. A piece or two of generic artwork decorates each room. Standard Rooms have desks, small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. Although safes are in rooms, many guests have commented that theirs didn't work. Higher-category rooms are larger and a few add furnished outdoor terraces that lead out onto the hotel garden. Marble bathrooms have small cubicle showers, free toiletries, wall-mounted hairdryers, and bidets, while Suites have tubs with hydromassage jets. Note that past guests have complained of traffic noise reaching rooms facing the busy street.

As is typical for mid-range Florence hotels, San Gallo Palace is a bit light on amenities. It lacks a full restaurant and wellness facilities, aside from a tiny gym in the garden with a treadmill, weight machine, and stationary bicycle. However, guests generally rave about the free buffet breakfast which consists of bread and pastries, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and cold meats, as well as cooked eggs and bacon. It's served in a lovely, rustic room with a vaulted brick ceiling. The bar serves light meals and snacks throughout the day, as well as a welcome drink when guests arrive. Staff can arrange day tours and airport transfers, plus guests can use loaner bicycles for free. Wi-Fi is free, but guests have noted that it's spotty.