Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo

The hotel, a historic palazzo steeped in charm and history, offers a unique and memorable stay in the heart of Florence. Its prime location, just moments from the main train station and within easy walking distance of major attractions, makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, tourists, and train travelers seeking convenience. The consistently praised friendly and helpful staff ensure a welcoming atmosphere, while the excellent breakfast provides a delightful start to each day. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the spacious, comfortable rooms, contributing to a pleasant experience. This charming setting is also well-suited for families due to its accommodating nature and larger room options, and for couples looking for a romantic and authentic Florentine escape. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room overlooking the interior courtyard for a quieter experience, and be aware that while an elevator is present, some stairs may still be encountered due to the building's historic architecture.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's blend of historic charm with modern conveniences. While the elevator is noted as being small and sometimes tight, particularly with luggage or strollers, it generally provides access to all floors, though some guests mention encountering additional stairs even after using it due to the building's historic layout. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally good throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected, though a few reported occasional poor signal or slow speeds in certain rooms. Rooms are typically equipped with a kettle for hot beverages and a mini-fridge often stocked with complimentary refreshments. While a safe is usually provided, some guests experienced issues with its functionality. Feedback on air conditioning is mixed; some found it effective, while others reported it to be noisy, not cool enough, or only operational during specific periods of the year. The hotel also features a small bar area and a beautiful interior courtyard or garden, providing pleasant spaces for relaxation. Umbrellas are thoughtfully provided for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Many reviews highlight the spacious rooms with high ceilings, often featuring charming and tasteful decor that reflects the building's historic character. The comfortable beds are frequently praised, contributing to a restful night's sleep, though some guests found the mattresses and pillows to be on the harder side or too thin, suggesting a need for replacement. Modern bathrooms are generally well-sized and functional, with some offering good lighting, though a few guests noted them as tiny or having awkward shower designs that could lead to water spilling. Noise levels vary; rooms overlooking the interior courtyard are typically quiet, while those facing the street can experience significant street noise from traffic or nearby establishments, especially at night. In-room amenities often include a kettle, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and anti-mosquito devices, which are appreciated by guests. Some older rooms, however, were described as needing renovation, with mentions of dated carpet or peeling wallpaper.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel receives widespread acclaim from guests, often described as excellent, very good, and delicious. The breakfast variety is a significant highlight, featuring a comprehensive buffet with both sweet and savory options, including fresh pastries, meats, cheeses, cereals, and hot items. Guests particularly appreciate the quality of the coffee, which is often prepared and served individually by attentive staff. The dining area itself is frequently praised for its charming ambiance, with options to enjoy breakfast in a beautiful room, a heated veranda, or a lovely garden setting under an orange tree. While most guests found the food quality to be high, some noted that hot items like scrambled eggs could be cold if not eaten immediately, or that popular items might run out quickly. The hotel also thoughtfully offers early breakfast boxes for guests departing before regular breakfast hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, making it highly convenient for exploring Florence. It is just a short 5 to 10-minute walk from the main train station, which is particularly advantageous for guests arriving with luggage, navigating the city's cobblestones. From the hotel, guests can easily walk to numerous major attractions, including the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella church, Ponte Vecchio, and the entire historic center, typically within 15-20 minutes. The proximity to a tram stop also provides easy access to the airport. The surrounding area is described as vibrant, with a wide array of restaurants and shops. For guests traveling by car, valet parking is available through a nearby garage, though it is noted as an additional cost. While the hotel has an elevator, guests should be aware that due to the historic nature of the building, some stairs may still be present on floors or within rooms, which could be a consideration for those with mobility challenges.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professional service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The multi-lingual staff are praised for providing excellent suggestions for local attractions and restaurants, assisting with reservations, and even helping with unexpected issues like calling a doctor or tracking down lost items. The check-in and check-out processes are described as quick and smooth. Specific teams, such as the concierge service, housekeeping, and breakfast staff, are singled out for their attentiveness and efficiency. Many guests appreciate the personal touches, such as welcome letters, complimentary treats, or even a book written by one of the owners, which contribute to a feeling of being valued and cared for. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing outstanding service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
This hotel is housed within a magnificent historic palazzo, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience Florence's rich past, with many appreciating its authentic charm and period decor. Guests should note that the hotel uses physical keys for rooms, which are typically left at the front desk when departing the hotel. A recurring point for some guests, particularly during warmer months, is the presence of mosquitoes, though the hotel does provide anti-mosquito devices in rooms to help mitigate this. While many rooms are spacious, there can be room size variation, with some guests finding their assigned room to be smaller than expected. The heating policy is seasonal, meaning heating may not be active during certain periods of the year, which some guests found inconvenient during cooler shoulder seasons. Additionally, some bathrooms may lack a bidet, and the shower design in certain rooms can be awkward, potentially leading to water spillage. The hotel often provides a thoughtful gift, such as a book written by one of the owners, as a memento of the stay.