Hotel Duomo: we discovered this hotel as recommended in one of Rick Steves’ guidebooks and then read many reviews. We quickly realized it was well worth investigating … on exploring the hotel’s website we learned that this boutique hotel was restored about 10 years ago and is family-run. It is quite small with only 24 rooms (love that!) and is part of a 14th century building (a 1500s historical Florentine Palace). Fun fact: the elevator was built in 1931 and is one of the first elevators of the city of Florence!! And the view … Brunelleschi’s iconic Dome!!! When in Florence what could possibly be better … we were all in!!!!!
Getting there, arrival, & check-In: We arrived in Florence by train from the Cinque Terre. It is a short 10-15 minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella station to the hotel, which was very easy to find. The hardest part of the walk was navigating through the massive crowds of people with a suitcase! On arrival you will enter the foyer on the main floor (ground level) which is charming and quaint, and, with luggage, you will take the antique caged lift up to reception on the fourth floor. The lift in and of itself is worth pausing to enjoy and appreciate.
Because it was extremely busy on our arrival and the room not yet ready (expected because we were early), our luggage was tagged and off we went to explore the city. On return, check in was a breeze and we were shown to our room: staff helped with our luggage and walked us up the 19 or so steps to our room on the top (fifth) floor which is not accessible by elevator (fine for us but important to take into consideration if you are at all mobility impaired).
Stay, Room, and Rates: we stayed for 3 nights in September 2016 in “superior double room" #40 with two windows and amazing dome and cathedral view”. The rate (without breakfast) was ca. 215 euros per night (or $320 Canadian), including the city tax. Keeping the 3-star hotel rating in mind, the room was absolutely amazing and everything we could have hoped for. It looked exactly as advertised and the bathroom was very large and well-appointed with bidet, toilet, marble floating sink, and full tub with stand up shower. There were modern furnishings and high quality linens and towels. It was clean, and cleaned well daily. And the view … in Florence the view really can’t be beat. After a day of sightseeing we loved returning to the room to enjoy a glass of wine by the windows looking out from our own private view of the Duomo.
We only partook in the breakfast once, and it was wonderful.
Walking to the major attractions:
It is a short walk (less than 10 minutes) from the hotel to the famous Uffizi Gallery (Birth of Venus, among many others) and even closer (5 minutes of so) to the Accademia (Michelangelo’s David and the Captives). Not far from the Accademia (maybe another 2- 3 minutes) is Museo di San Marco (Fra’ Angelico’s Annunciation). Or, going back in the other direction and on the way to the Uffizi is Piazza della Signoria (5 minutes) and the Ponte Vecchio (another 3-5 minutes). Continuing on from there is the Palazzo Pitti (once home to the Medici family) (5 minutes more) and the Boboli Gardens (another 10-15 minutes).
Food …
Can’t help but recommend two places to eat, worth checking out are: La Menagere and the ever so tiny Cacio Vino Trallalla (where there are maybe 5 tables).
Not to be missed:
Plan to get up early one morning and walk to Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno to watch the sun rise over the city. For us this presented the most beautiful and breathtaking view of the Duomo and Cathedral. Seeing it at a distance we were able to truly see and appreciate how it towers over the city. It is a commanding image and puts the architectural and engineering feat in a completely different perspective. It is a long walk (30-40 minutes) with some very steep climbs and well worth every single step. All of a sudden you are there and feel as if you are in the country-side. It is ever so peaceful as you wait and watch for that moment when the sun begins to illuminate the red tiled roofs of Florence and wash over the Duomo. That moment will remain like a dream in my mind’s eye forever; this image is as impressionistic and important as is seeing the art in the Uffizi or Accademia museums.
Returning at the end of the day/night: we almost always took the stairs. There was a locked sliding glass door and you have to ‘buzz’ up to reception to have it unlocked. Most of the time this was straightforward but occasionally it took a few tries and proved to be a little tricky.
Check out: On checking out we were surprised with a gift of sweet wine and biscotti, a very nice personal touch.
One final comment: if a stay in rural Tuscany is forming part of your itinerary, we highly recommend you make the time to stay with the incredible people at Podere Spedalone- a sublime farm-stay experience near Pienza, halfway between Montalcino and Montepulciano.
Would we return: We loved our room and the staff of the hotel. However, we found the crowds outside the Duomo almost overwhelming. And, while the view from our room was truly spectacular, we might prefer a view from somewhat further away. That said, the room was perfect and, if not for the intensity of the crowds outside, we would return in a heartbeat.
Thank you to everyone at Hotel Duomo for an unforgettable stay in Florence.
Jeri & Tim Taylor
Canada