Hotel Guelfa Firenze

We had a great experience, though maybe we were lucky. The staff were welcoming and polite, and the rooftop terrace is beautiful. Breakfast was AMAZING, with lots of fresh sweets and good choices even for a vegetarian. This is an older hotel in a historic building in the historic center, with cozy, distinctly Florentine-style rooms. Ours were spacious and had all the room amenities we needed. It isn’t the newest place, but we really enjoyed it.

The bathroom was tiny, so getting in and out of the shower was a little tricky, but I’d still recommend the hotel. It was clean, good value, and had a shaded terrace area. I also appreciated the free water on a hot arrival day. Reception staff were friendly and accommodating: I arrived early, left my bag, and they put it in my room once it was ready. The location is excellent, about a 10-minute walk from the station and the Duomo.

The staff were friendly, and the rooms were tidy, though very dusty. The bed was hard and came with only single pillows. The toilet had a flushing problem, and the shower leaked onto the floor and wall. Its temperature changed when other rooms used water. The bathroom looks nice, but it seems cheaply finished with corners cut. Sound insulation was poor too. Breakfast was okay, and they could cater for gluten free, though the selection was very limited.

Alice at the desk was great. She answered all our questions and suggested things to see and do, including options beyond the usual tourist stops. She also gave us excellent dinner ideas based on what we were after. The owner was there when we arrived at 10am, stored our bags, and told us when to return for the room. Breakfast had plenty of choice: warm fresh croissants each day, fruit, cheeses, meats, yogurt, pastries, two kinds of juice, and a coffee machine with lots of options. The rooms are basic but clean, with very comfortable beds and a mini fridge. Entry is through an electronic keypad for safety. The location makes it easy to walk to the station, tourist areas, and bridges, with shops and restaurants nearby. There’s also a coin laundry 300 metres away.