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Do yourself a favour, and book now - January 2012
We stayed a this hotel for 4 nights and could not of been happier. Sure if you want to get picky the bed isn't the same as my one at home, nor is the pillow but the location is outstanding, the bars and restaurants on the Altarno side are a lot cheaper than on the Florence side but you are a 3 minute walk across the bridge. The Palazzo is olde world full of antiques and lovingly restored. The service was fantastic as were all the staff we encountered. This hotel made us feel special not just a customer like so many of the other 5 star establishments found world wide
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The enchantment of an antique palace - December 2011
The hotel doesn’t look spectacular on the outside. That is a characteristic of palaces during the Renaissance. This sets the mood to a special stay in special place. The place itself is beautiful, and some parts really luxurious.
The service is 95% accurate and 100%kind. Some small details are overdue, but arranged within a call. We stayed in a beautiful two bathroom suite. The common living room was massive with antique furniture and full of books and museum paintings. The main bedroom was outstanding with a more than big bathroom. The two beds room was fine, with nice touches. The problem here was a green light that avoided having darkness at the time of sleep (I imagine it is something for safety but was annoying. The bathroom was a little smaller, but fine nonetheless. The amenities are Bulgary which is a plus.
The Breakfast room is a lovely place with an enormous chandelier. Really is one of a kind place. Better than the room itself, the food, this is tasty and abundant. There is part buffet (with sparkling wine) and you can order some items additionally. A highlight.
We just missed the terrace, but it was cold and we were tired. However, they moved part of the bar and the hors d’oeuvres to the lobby. They were superb as the rest of the food.
There are also some stations with coffee machines and teas available 24/7. It is also a good touch. Wi-FI internet is also included in the rate. These small details really make the Palazzo feel good value.
The hotel contacted us before arriving and gave some touristic options to take. That was great. We didn’t take any at the moment and asked for tickets at the last minute. We understood that there weren’t some available. For one of the places (Uffizi Museum), we were offered a tour. It was a high quality sightseeing tour that included walked tour in the Florence, a short visit to Fiesole and the museum. It was great. The other place was the Academia. We got there without tickets and found at the moment, I guess we were lucky.
Another highlight was the restaurant recommendations. They were spectacular, specially the Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco. Another plus, were the location close to the hotel.
The hotel is south the Arno, close enough to the main attractions but in a non touristic spot. We really enjoyed walking some minutes and then, staying in a not so packed neighborhood.
With a little more glamour the Palazzo can become a jewel of fine European Hospitality and a reference to hospitality worldwide. Nonetheless, it is one of the best options to stay in Florence.
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Great Style - December 2011
Such a wonderful place to stay in Florence. We stayed for 2 ngihts in a gorgeous suite overlooking the street. Noise was not a problem. A quiet street and any noise very effectively filtered by the amazing original double windows and the working shutters.
And such a friendly helpful attitude. The two receptionists could not have been more helpful.
The whole huge palazzo exudes charm and style and the household gods smile benignly!
Do go and stay and experience the wonderful atmosphere. So much more authentic and pleasurable that staying in an anonymous large hotel. You will love it. And will always remember your stay with great pleasure.
Stayed December 2011, traveled as a couple
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Elegant with a feeling of history - November 2011
My husband, myself and our three children (ages 13, 19, and 21) stayed at the Palazzo for 6 nights in August 2011. While not the ideal time to explore Florence due to the heat, we still had a wonderful experience because of the oasis that the Palazzo provided. The cool, spacious and quiet rooms provided a wonderful respite in the heat of the day. Evenings spent on the rooftop terrace were magnificent as we watched the sun set while enjoying a cool drink and delicious treats provided by the inconspicuous but attentive staff. Don't forget to get local restaurant recommendations from the ladies at the front desk - we never would have discovered those treasures without their help. I can not say enough about how wonderful the staff were, booking tours, serving breakfast, hailing taxis, and providing restaurant recommendations. A beautiful gem in a beautiful city. We can't wait to return to Florence and we won't hesitate to stay at the Palazzo again.
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A beautiful refuge in Florence - October 2011
Staying at the Palazzo was a highlight of our Italian vacation. Right from the moment we arrived, when we were escorted to our upgraded suite (Angelica), we felt welcomed and at home. The suite was massive! Huge living room full of gorgeous antiques and a generous mini bar, CD's to play and the bedroom was huge as well. We felt like royalty! The custom soaps were a nice touch, as well as the Bulgari bath products. The bathtub was tiny and not conducive to soaking, but it didn't matter!
The front desk staff were very helpful in their suggestions for restaurants, shopping etc. They also booked our train tickets (which we had forgotten to do upon arriving in Florence) and delivered them to our room.
We felt like we had the place to ourselves most of the time. Right outside our room was a huge sitting area, very peaceful, as well as a selection of coffee, tea and ice water that was always refreshed and waiting for us. In the lobby, there was also coffee and tea, and at teatime there was cake available.
The icing on the cake, however was the rooftop terrace. Every evening around 6:30 we would walk up the many, many stairs (so worth it!) and emerge onto the best rooftop patio we have ever seen. The view over Florence is breathtaking! Every evening they have a different cocktail for you to try, or whatever you might want, along with lovely tapas to enjoy as you watch the sun set over this beautiful city.
Truly magical!
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