Looking for a boutique hotel in Florence Italy that won’t cost the earth? An historical building in a prime location that feels like a home from home? Check out In Piazza della Signoria, an elegant and welcoming Florence guesthouse that puts you at the heart of local life.
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Disclosure: I won my stay at boutique hotel In Piazza della Signoria in a raffle! I know – lucky me! There was no obligation for me to write about my visit and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Where is Hotel In Piazza della Signoria?
The answer lies in the name. This family-run boutique hotel in Florence Italy is tucked discreetly into a corner of one of the city’s most famous squares. Bustling, glamorous Piazza della Signoria is the historic and political heart of Florence and has been so for centuries. This sprawling square is home to the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio and, of course, a replica of the iconic statue Michelangelo’s David. It’s a great location for exploring the historic center of the city and only a short distance from further sights on the south bank of the Arno.
Hotel In Piazza della Signoria facilities
- Family-run boutique hotel in Florence Italy
- 10 rooms and 3 apartments
- Prime location in a historic building in the centre of Florence
- Deluxe, Superior and Classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms
- Free wi-fi throughout the property
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- Free private parking
- Lift
Boutique Hotel in Florence Italy
This Florence guesthouse really feels more like a home than a hotel. Its 10 rooms, along with three apartments on the top floor, are all individually decorated with antique furniture. You can choose from Deluxe, Superior and Classic rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and your room rate includes a delicious continental breakfast.
With its family photos in the reception area and a communal table in the breakfast room this little hotel has a warm and friendly feel. It ticks the boxes if you’re looking for an authentic and affordable taste of Florentine life.
The Guest Rooms
I stayed in Leonardo, one of the Deluxe rooms, with large double windows that open onto a discreet and magical view of the Piazza della Signoria. This spacious room has a high coffered 18th century ceiling and Tuscan-style furnishings. The bed has a grand coronet and elegant drapes, whilst an antique armoire holds your clothes and a side table at the window can double as writing desk or breakfast nook. With a nod to the 21st century an easel displays a flat-screen tv with satellite channels.
The equally roomy marble en-suite bathroom has a shower, cosy robes, hair dryer and a selection of free toiletries.
The elegant rooms in Hotel In Piazza della Signoria share a traditionally Tuscan vibe. Antique furniture, polished parquet floors, wooden beams, gilded mirrors, rugs and fresh flowers set the tone. Teapots, cups and a selection of tea and herbal teas stand ready in each room, whilst hot water is supplied on the landings. Air conditioning is available in summer and the comfortable beds are dressed in crisp linens.
Michelangelo, the second Deluxe room, features a four-poster bed, high ceilings and a similarly lovely view of the Piazza. Giotto, a Superior room, has an original frescoed ceiling and a distant view of the Duomo.
The comfortable rooms cater for families too. Vespucci is a triple room with a double and single bed. Whilst two other rooms, Dante and Beatrice, are inter-connecting to form a suite. The Beatrice room combines ancient and modern with both 18th century frescoes and a whirlpool tub in the bathroom.
Three apartments on the top floor have panoramic views of the Florence skyline, perfect if you’re planning a longer stay.
Reception areas
Hotel In Piazza della Signoria is a tall townhouse in a building that dates back to the 14th century, and you sense its history the moment you enter. A discreet wooden doorway open onto a stone entrance corridor lined with paintings of a noble family from Renaissance times. In fact, in a witty twist, these are portraits of the hotel’s owners in traditional Medici dress.
A small lift takes your luggage whilst steps lead up to the homely reception and office. The reception area opens into a living room with fragments of original frescoes on the wall and ceiling.
At the end of the day guests can return to the hotel and help themselves to complimentary drinks at the little upstairs bar, complete with backgammon board. It’s on the same floor as the elegant breakfast room and an adjoining kitchen where residents can also make a coffee or even heat up a pizza.
Breakfast
The breakfast room at Hotel In Piazza della Signoria is a standout attraction and the perfect way to begin a day in Florence. A long polished antique table glitters with cutlery and lighted candelabra, whilst windows at the end of the room give a glorious rooftop view over the Piazza. This is B and B Firenze style and the delicious daily breakfast lives up to expectations.
Breakfast starts off healthy with pretty plates of sliced fresh fruit: apple, pear, banana, grape and pineapple, served with a dish of yoghurt. But good intentions quickly evaporate at the sight of platters piled high with Italian pastries, twinkling with sugary crystals, alongside a freshly-baked cake.
Serious breakfasters can top this off with a plate of their favourite eggs. A couple of frothy cappuccinos later and you’ll be well-fuelled for several hours of sightseeing.
Living history in In Piazza della Signoria
This boutique hotel in Florence has many loyal customers who return again and again to experience its home comforts and personal service.
The welcoming owners and staff will help you book taxis, tours and tickets. And you can arrange an on-site cooking class that begins with a trip to the local market to buy ingredients. It’s the kind of tailor-made experience that will really enrich a visit.
We asked for some recommendations for lunch since Florence has its fair share of tourist restaurants and we wanted something more authentic. Umberto, one of the owners, immediately took us to Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a busy osteria opposite the hotel. It’s a real gem, serving proper Tuscan pasta dishes, at not-inflated prices, despite its proximity to one of the busiest squares in Florence. And the staff are happy to guide you to the day’s specials on the handwritten menu.
Why stay at In Piazza della Signoria in Florence
The square known as Piazza della Signoria was the beating heart of Renaissance Florence. It was here that the Medici family held court and power. Over the centuries the piazza has moved with the times and today luxury fashion houses rub shoulders with fabled cafes and restaurants. But the ancient buildings remain, and the piazza itself is like an outdoor museum, studded with magnificent statues.
This was the perfect location for our out-of-season trip to Florence in February. Boutique Hotel In Piazza della Signoria is an ideal base to soak up the romantic atmosphere of this ancient Italian city. Here in the centre of Florence you have galleries, shops, restaurants and bars all within easy reach. Not to mention its convenience for early morning entries to the most sought-after galleries like the Uffizi and the Accademia.
Best things to do near Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a great location to explore the city center of Florence. These sights are all within walking distance:
In the square itself you have easy access to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and the medieval Palazzo Vecchio. A replica statue of Michelangelo’s David stands here too.
Also within walking distance is Piazza del Duomo. Here you can visit the magnificent Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral with its famous Duomo or dome and Giotto’s bell tower.
The pretty Ponte Vecchio bridge is only a few minutes’ walk away with its cluster of jewellery shops and beautiful views over the Arno river. From here it’s only a short walk into the hip districts of Oltrarno and Santo Spirito.
South of the Arno you’ll also find Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens still just a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Signoria.
If you’d like to venture further afield, Piazzale Michelangelo is a 30 minute stroll. There’s a steepish uphill path but the pay off is breathtaking views of the city of Florence and another stunning replica of the David statue.
How to get to Hotel In Piazza della Signoria
Nearest airports : Florence airport is the closest, but Pisa and Bologna are also convenient for Florence.
Nearest train station: Santa Maria Novella train station is a 15 minute walk or 10 minutes’ drive by taxi to Piazza della Signoria.
How to book
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Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
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