Finding the right place to stay in Florence isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. The city has no shortage of beautiful hotels, yet most fall into one of two categories: grand five-star establishments or smaller boutique hotels that can feel anonymous or overdesigned. Palazzo Guadagni is exactly what we had always been looking for: authentic, full of character and surprisingly affordable.
History
The hotel occupies the upper floors of a Renaissance palazzo on Piazza Santo Spirito, built around 1505 and home to the Guadagni family for generations. In 1912, the Bandini sisters turned the private residence into a guesthouse, and the loggia became a gathering place for artists, writers and scholars from the German Institute of Art History, then housed one floor below. After an extensive restoration in 2007, the guesthouse was thoughtfully revived, its frescoes carefully restored and the spirit of the house preserved.
Design
High ceilings, frescoed rooms, original fireplaces and deep-set windows are part of the building’s fabric. The light touch of the restoration is what makes the palazzo so appealing, letting its character speak for itself. Antique furnishings, paintings and objects collected over generations make it feel like a home that has evolved naturally over time.
Rooms
There are fifteen rooms, ranging from intimate doubles to spacious family rooms. No two are exactly alike, but all retain the generous proportions typical of historic Florentine buildings. Many preserve original frescoes, while vintage-tiled bathrooms and traditional bed frames lend the rooms a quiet sense of old-world grandeur.
Some rooms overlook Palazzo Pitti, others the rooftops of the Oltrarno, and one even frames Brunelleschi’s dome from the shower. Choosing your view of Florence is half the fun of booking. There are plenty of inviting common areas; we rarely saw them in use, but they are a thoughtful addition for families or friends traveling together. Most important, the rooms are wonderfully comfortable. We slept exceptionally well.
The Rooftop
The hotel’s defining space is undoubtedly its rooftop loggia. Breakfast is served each morning beneath its vaulted arches, overlooking Florence’s terracotta rooftops, with the rolling Tuscan hills beyond. Just inside, a pantry-style buffet is laid out with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs and local dairy products for guests to help themselves before lingering over the view.
By sunset, the atmosphere changes completely. Open to non-residents for aperitivo and small bites, the terrace fills with Florentines, expats and hotel guests, making it difficult to tell who is staying here and who has simply come for a drink. There may be plenty of places for a sunset spritz in Florence, but this one became our favorite.
Amenities
Rather than relying on extensive facilities, Palazzo Guadagni feels more like a well-kept home than a conventional hotel. It’s all refreshingly uncomplicated, and somehow everything you need is there. There are generous common rooms for reading or working, a small library and, of course, the loggia. We particularly appreciated the ease of the service, which never felt overly formal but was always genuinely warm.
Location
On Piazza Santo Spirito, you are in one of Florence’s most creative neighborhoods. It is an ideal base: close enough to explore everything on foot (the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi are all within easy walking distance), yet just far enough from the busiest tourist streets to experience everyday Florence. One of our favorite discoveries was the old-fashioned photo booth next to the lovely bakery S.Forno, which still produces analog photo strips.
Neighborhood & Surroundings
The Oltrarno has long been Florence’s artisans’ quarter, partly because many settled here to work on the construction and decoration of Palazzo Pitti, and that tradition still lingers today. Bookbinders, printmakers, furniture restorers and small independent workshops continue to occupy many of the surrounding streets. In good weather, a stroll through the nearby Boboli Gardens, with their sixteenth-century landscaping and sculptures, is a joy. As the sun sets, Piazza Santo Spirito fills with locals spilling out of the cafés and bars or sitting on the steps of the Basilica. It’s an unassuming scene, but one that stayed with us more than many of the city’s grander landmarks.
Ideal For
Couples, families and solo travelers looking for a more authentic way to experience Florence. Travelers who value atmosphere and character over spectacle will feel particularly at home here.
Tip
The Guadagni team also manages an apartment on the ground floor of the palazzo, which could be an excellent option for longer stays.
Prices
Doubles from about 250 euros per night (low season).
Booking & Contact
Palazzo Guadagni
Piazza Santo Spirito 9
50125 Florence
Italy
