In short… A reasonably priced 16th-century palazzo with a great terrace overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito.
The vibe… The Palazzo Guadagni is on the upper floors of this family palazzo, so when you walk in, it feels more bed and breakfast than high luxury. But given that those signifiers (downstairs doormen, staff everywhere) come at such a hefty price, and that this actually has all the real luxury (waking up to frescoed ceilings, having a nightcap overlooking Santo Spirito), this is a true gem. Every person I recommend this to thanks me endlessly.
The rooms… Because this wasn’t created as a hotel, each room is different. Many have high ceilings with frescos, others have beamed lower ceilings. One room has a shower with a view of the Duomo. Obviously you can see all their offerings online, but you can also call/email and say what you really want, and work your dates around what they have available. I love that all the rooms have that feeling of being untouched, although of course the necessities have been modernized. Rooms and bathrooms are generally quite big, armoires are huge and ancient–you really feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
The food… The Palazzo Guadagni offers breakfast (I remember it being pretty standard fare) and the Loggia Bar serves a bar menu and cocktails afternoon until evening. You won’t find a better location in Florence–and it’s filled with locals.
Date of stay… January 7-9, 2020
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