What People are saying

Romantic breakfast

Bảo Uyên Non 01/07/2017 20:30

This is one of my favorite places to stay on my Europe trip, can't forget that feeling when I was walking up in the morning with sunshine on the window and a romantic breakfast. The location is one of the plus points for it. Note this place!

A great little B and B in the heart of the city

Lauren Bon 30/04/2017 23:28

Me and a friend recently stayed the here for short trip to Florence and were left very impressed. While the B and B is only 2 stars please do not let the rating (and some of the following reviews) put you off as the hospitality of the staff and it's pleasant features make it feel like so much more. Lorenzo, who we had been in contact with previously via email along with Antonella (again, a really nice touch for the start of our trip) was fantastic throughout and was always very friendly and willing to help.
The breakfast again was fantastic each time and just enough to keep us going until lunch - for this you get a hot croissant with condiments (very yummy), toast (packet, be aware, but still very good) and a hot drink (we had hot chocolate which was always the perfect temperature and delicious.) The room was a great size (as two young girls sharing one room the space was just right but I would recommend them as more for friends/couples than families as the space is a little limited), the bathroom was very clean and modern, the bed was comfortable and the room was always tidied daily and very efficiently.
The most impressive part about the B and B however is definitely the location. As soon as we arrived we were instantly amazed how visually perfect it was, standing directly across to the famous Baptistery right in the heart of the Piazza (*Note - make sure you request a superior room or deluxe room as these are the only ones that guarantee a view of the Duomo Chapel/Baptistry and their own bathroom - hence the mixed reviews.*) I can honestly say we would not have seen half as many of the sights we if we had not stayed here. Not only is it a 5 minute walk from Maria Novella Station, (making inward travel exceptionally easy) but in walking distance from all the major central sights around the city within 20 minutes! It's easy to find for those immersed in a completely new environment (just look for the famous chapel) and was a step outside from a restaurant/bar/gelato and souvenir stall for those who may be short on time.
The only thing those staying should be aware of is the bells from the tower opposite will wake you up at 6.30 each morning so ear plugs may be required for light sleepers. Otherwise perfect for students, couples on a budget or anyone who wants to see the city in minimal time. Highly recommended!

No view, was locked in my room and money was missing

b8eeon 19/01/2017 16:17

There is no view, there is scaffolding and a curtain. I stayed here in November 2016. I was exhausted when I arrived and immediately went out to dinner. I left my money belt in the room, which I never do. When I returned money was missing. Not all the money, just several bills of several denominations, but totalling 600 dollars. There is no one there at night, so I waited until morning to complain. Breakfast was served in the morning, but when I went to leave I could not open my door. I pounded and screamed and tried again and again to unlock the door. As I had no phone, I Skyed the number listed. It rang more than 20 times before someone picked up and I was told he would be there as soon as he could, which was nearly a half an hour later. When I told him about the missing money he said it was impossible, when I told him I would be leaving he told me the room was non-refundable. I spent over an hour on the phone with Expedia. Worst experience of my life. I have been travelling for 40 years, I have never been robbed. I admit, I did leave the money belt behind and that was careless, but this was one of the worst hotels I've ever stayed in. Apparently you can get into the rooms but not out. Zero security and zero concern for the customer.

3 Nights in Florence - July 2016 - You Must Go!!!

Stuart Gon 26/07/2016 21:07

I had always wanted to treat my Mum for her 70th birthday to a trip to Florence but 4 years ago for various reasons it never happened until now. I booked the trip with Expedia on Monday 11th and on Sunday 17th we were catching the 6:25am flight to Pisa from Bristol airport. Compared to Gatwick, I find Bristol a breeze, although the parking fees seem to be creeping up. EasyJet were their usual reliable selves and we were landing in Pisa on time around 9:30am local time.

The first dilemma that several passengers had discussed on the transfer bus to the arrivals hall was whether to get the coach or train to Florence. Well as you have to get a bus to Pisa Train station and then get a train we thought the more direct coach from the airport was our best bet, especially as both methods take the same amount of time (70 mins) and the coach is cheaper. The return coach ticket was 12 Euros each (6 for a single) and were purchased in the airport foyer at the bus ticket desk. The bus departed from close to the front door of the airport so no lugging the bags too far.

The coach dropped us off at the Florence train station and the very first thing we did was cross the road and dive into the tourist information office to buy a Firenze Card for all the sightseeing we had planned. At 72 Euros (£60) all your entrance fees are covered for the state run museums, galleries and churches but not private museums (such as the De Vinci museum where the Firenze card is not accepted).

Now this is the big thing, you may have made a list of where you want to visit, you may have added up the cost and it doesn't quite meet the cost of the Firenze card but believe me when I say in 97 degree heat and 2 hour queues for the most popular venues, you will be glad that the Firenze card holders are allowed to go straight in via their own entrances. (Except for the Duomo Cathedral where entrance is free so everyone queues).

A short 5 minute walk to the Duomo and our B&B was found and The Duomo View B&B couldn't be better situated right opposite the Cathedral. We have a different concept to ideas of floor numbering to the Italians, up to the first floor in some museums by stairs may mean 6 flights, so tall are the buildings ceilings! As it was in our B&B, where the third floor meant quite a lot of steps. However, goody goody, the building has a 1950's style Cary Grant lift which we joyfully got into for our ride upto floor 3, only then to find out when the lift broke down how reliable it was! Out of the three days there I think we used it successfully once!

The B&B owners had requested via email an arrival time so I had sent an email with an eta and then also a text from Pisa to confirm a 12 midday arrival, this was to both parties benefit as we could get our rooms earlier than most hotels and the owners do not stay on the premises and so require a time.

The room (Superior) was perfectly functional with hairdryer, kettle, en-suite bathroom etc, working aircon and free wifi which we were glad of for planning our trips and doing our social media updates on our holiday!!! The rooms are not in any way classy, posh, hotel standard, Do not expect anything other than what it is, a B&B, ie a private bedroom in a shared house. For the price and location, the wifi and the aircon it was perfectly functional!!! the Hilton it isnt, I cant understand some reviews on here!

A couple of downsides were the scaffolding and screen covering the hotel meant no view of the duomo but how long this will be up for I don't know. The other point to consider is not bothering with the breakfast, a couple of croissants, melba toast and a coffee are adequate but when there are a whole host of wonderful cafes serving the best coffee and pastries you can find, all at very good prices I would recommend eating out, its not hard to find inexpensive establishments around.

After 3 days of pounding the streets (Essential - comfy footwear and a sunhat) we headed back to Pisa and had time to leave our bags at the left luggage at the train station for 5 euros a bag (the airport left luggage closes when baggage handlers are busy with arrivals) and visit the leaning tower which was very busy and very impressive. A wander around the underrated Pisa, a spot of dinner and then a 10 minute bus ride back to the airport and we were ready for the trip home. A truely wonderful trip, hope you enjoyed it Mum!

Top Tips:-
Get a Firenze Card even if you dont make up the value in entrance fees.
Take sensible walking shoes and a sunhat.
When visiting Churches wear knee length shorts and cover your shoulders (we saw people queue for hours before being turned away at the front for wearing jean shorts!!!)
Eat breakfast out
If staying at the Duomo View B&B, be warned of the lack of view, be ready to accept it as an excellent base camp for being outside the front door!
Be ready for lots of walking and lots of steps!

And finally, the Italians love driving their cars, bikes, mopeds, bicycles, segways and amazingly, crazily not much of the city is pedestrianised so watch your back for the drivers even in quiet cobbled side streets!

Sleepless in Florence

Ferrel Gon 27/01/2016 23:32

Location Excellent and that is the only reason I did not give this hotel a terrible rating. Service was not memorable, breakfast was almost not edible. Croissants were reheated to the point of almost being burnt. Coffee not only smelt horrible it was not drinkable. And that was all we got, burnt croissants, bad coffee and tea. We could have overlooked all of this if not for the mattress. The worse bed that I can remember ever sleeping on. Actually NOT sleeping on. We did not even get a bad nights sleep. When I go to bed I want to sleep. The bed can make or break a hotel for me. I would not book at any price. We stayed at 5 hotels in 20 days in Italy, this is the only one that I am giving a bad review.