Hotel Garibaldi Blu

The room’s authentic period paintings gave it a special charm, and we were so glad to find memory pillows at a hotel for once. The breakfast was delicious and a great start to the day. Reception staff were welcoming and friendly, and the location is fantastic and very convenient. Highly recommended!

We chose the hotel for our wedding anniversary and my husband’s birthday, and it exceeded our expectations. It was clean and quiet, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. The location is perfect, just a 2-minute walk from the Duomo and about 10 minutes from the Uffizi Galleries. Breakfast was fantastic, with plenty of options for everyone.

Fabio, the general manager, handled the problem calmly and professionally after I explained what had happened and showed him my confirmation email. He reviewed it and resolved the issue straight away, so we could enjoy the rest of our holiday. I believe listening carefully and checking evidence matters in hospitality. Being told to check out even though I’d paid was upsetting and disrespectful, especially during a short stay of less than three days in a foreign place. The trouble started when we arrived around 23:30. I’d booked through Agoda, and the confirmation clearly showed a double bed for a couple and breakfast included, with no city tax listed. I know tourist tax is common in Italy, but booking platforms usually show what’s payable at the property. The young man at reception gave us a room with two single beds. We went straight back, and after about 30 minutes of back and forth, frustratingly late at night, we were moved to another room downstairs. The next morning, a different receptionist, who I believe was named Danieli, though I may have the spelling wrong, was rude and aggressive when I questioned the tourist tax. I showed screenshots and the confirmation email, but he kept arguing and threatened to call the police. I said he was welcome to, since I had proof. It was a very unpleasant conversation. If Fabio hadn’t stepped in, the stay would have been very difficult. Aside from that incident, the stay was good. The room was clean and well presented, with premium bathroom amenities and recognizable branded water bottles. We were welcomed with two glasses of Prosecco, a nice touch. The bathroom was very small and the pillows were very hard. Breakfast had a good continental selection, and the staff were friendly and helpful. There were good cold cuts and cheeses, but the bakery section lacked high-quality patisserie and fresh baguettes. Everything is within walking distance, and I think €85–€110 per night for a couple including breakfast would be fair for the location. At higher rates, I’d like to see an à la carte breakfast option such as fried eggs, custom omelettes, or pancakes, softer pillow choices in soft, medium, and firm, and slightly larger showers.

The location on Piazza Santa Maria Novella was unbelievable. Every morning the Piazza was packed with tours, though I’m exaggerating a little, and it was beautiful. The lobby was spectacular, with palm trees made from tires. Our rooms were fine and the service was wonderful. Our bags were late getting to Firenze, and the manager did everything possible to arrange delivery. We were out to dinner when they arrived, so staff brought them to our room.