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Welcome to THE PALACE - October 2011
That is how their friendly staff greeted us, as we walked in (with a bit of trepidation I must admit, since the front door was closed when we arrived late in the night and we weren’t really sure the taxi had got us to the right place)… but as we saw more of the place, Palace it was indeed!
It’s apparently a 1500’s home restored and converted into a hotel…. So it’s just loaded with history and charm… everything from the cute little elevator, the sculptures, the art on the walls, the memorabilia displayed in the cabinets - to the 30 foot high ceilings and the HUGE suites. It’s all like you’ve stepped back in time into another world.
We booked the lowest priced option available, and they upgraded us to an executive suite (Matilde). The total area was more than 1000 sq. ft… with a large living room and large bedroom. I must say that the bed was one of the most comfortable ones we had found in our entire stay in Italy… both my husband and I slept like logs and well into late morning the next day. Must mention that the bathroom was not connected to the bedroom but to the living room – guess that’s a price to pay for converting and old building.
The staff was very friendly and helpful and I loved all their little touches.
There was a box on our dining table, with an array of handmade soaps in different (& delightful) fragrances to chose your preferred one from. The staff will then get a full sized one for you to use, and even gave us an extra one to take home with us!
There was complimentary bottled water provided in the room - the ONLY hotel in our entire stay in Italy, which did that. Would expect that when the water in the taps is not safe for drinking, the least a 5 star hotel can do is to provide complimentary drinking water. In Italy it seems too much to ask for in most places. Also, it was the only hotel which provided us an iron and ironing board on request. I’m a stickler for uncreased clothes, but all the hotels we stayed in would only provide maid/ laundry service, not an iron. I don’t want to deny any business to anyone, but when all you want to do is touch up some crumpled clothes Eur 10+ is a whole lot of money to pay.
There was complimentary tea and coffee on every floor for the guests to help themselves to, as well as complimentary cakes in the afternoon. The Internet was complimentary as well.
hey provide on request beauty services and also massage services en-suite – but we didn’t try those. I I did visit the salon whose staff they use, in person, and they were really nice and accommodating – and gave me an appointment late in the evening when 5 other places had turned me down (saying it was too close to closing time … i.e. 30 – 45 mins!)
We had reached late on our first night and almost didn’t want to leave our room!
I must mention the fantastic rooftop bar, which is accessible 24 hours of the day, and where you can enjoy fabulous views of Florence. We went to enjoy the views in the afternoon the next day and for evening cocktails, which are served with complimentary hors d’ oeuvres. Even the drinks ordered via room service are served with complimentary snacks.
Breakfast is served in a regal looking room on the second floor, which we unfortunately didn’t get to try.
The location of the hotel is great… it’s just about a 15 min leisurely walk to the Duomo, which is across the river.
They recommended a lovely restaurant close by called Pandemonio for dinner and it was great!
Palazzo Magnani Feroni was the highlight of our visit to Florence. We’ll definitely be staying here whenever we’re back.
Stayed October 2011, traveled as a couple
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Feel like royalty... - September 2011
We thoroughly enjoyed our recent two night stay at this special "palace" which exceeded our expectations in every way. Our suite was HUGE and included a living area (where the four of us could sit, read, and enjoy coffee/wine), two large bedrooms and two very large bathrooms. From the beautiful fabrics and antiques, the comfortable beds, Bvlgari bath products, slippers, robes and chocolates on our pillows.....our every need was anticipated. And the delicious breakfast was served in an elegant room with a waiter in formal dress and white gloves....how divine! The true ambiance of Florence is integrated into the Palazzo and its an experience you shouldn't miss! Of the 5 other hotels and cities we visited in Italy the Palazzo Magnani Feroni was our favorite!
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Exceptional! - August 2011
My husband and I went to Europe for 3 weeks and this was by far the best hotel, we have ever had the pleasure of staying at. It is indeed a palace! We stayed in the Livia Suite which was absolutely gorgeous. I cannot say enough about this hotel as the staff and service was superior. And the roof top terrace all on it's own is enough to make you want to come back. The view of the city from the terrace is absolutely gorgeous and the bartenders were so nice and helpful, recommending restaurants that were exactly what we were looking for. This is a must stay on anyone's list that visits Florence!!!!
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Classy! - July 2011
It's difficult to add to what people have said previously, so here's a list of pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Beautifully converted Medici era palace.
2. Enormous, well appointed, clean suites.
3. Impeccably helpful, english speaking staff.
4. Walking distance from the centre of Florence.
5. By being a small hotel, you are not just one of hundreds of guests. You are important.
6. Fantastic rooftop terrace overlloking the whold of Florence and to the hills beyond.
Cons:
1. I'm really struggling to think of any cons. The breakfasts are largely standard continental European fare (but then you're in continental Europe so you should expect this.) But then I tried the Asian Noodles which were hiding at the bottom of the menu and they were great. So actually this isn't a con at all.
Great, great hotel. We'll be back when we've saved up!
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Wow, a real treasure! - June 2011
My husband and I, plus our daughter and her boy friend were overwhelmed by this hotel. It has only 12 rooms, all suites, beautiful accomodations. Surprisingly friendly staff who were all very helpful and accomodating. One of our suites opened onto the courtyard and we "dined" there one evening. It was very memorable. View from the roof top bar is spectacular. If you are going there by car, call the hotel first for directions, The road signs were confusing and we circled a couple of times before we contacted the hotel for directions. The concierge could not have been more helpful. Wish we'd thought to call sooner! Would reccomend this "palace" to anyone.
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