AQA Palace

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to AQA Palace – I mean, via dell’Acqua is this narrow little street that honestly looks like every other historic lane in Florence until you’re actually standing in front of the entrance. But stepping inside, it’s like someone took a 16th-century palazzo and whispered modern luxury into every corner without losing that authentic Florentine soul. The lobby has this gorgeous marble floor that’s probably been walked on by more interesting people than I’ll ever meet, and the staff actually remembers your name after one conversation (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen everywhere these days). What really got me was how they’ve managed to soundproof the rooms – you’re literally a two-minute walk from the Uffizi, surrounded by thousands of tourists daily, but somehow you can actually sleep with the windows open and just hear the gentle hum of the city settling down for the night.

The location is absolutely unbeatable if you’re here for the Renaissance stuff, but here’s what the guidebooks don’t tell you: you’re also perfectly positioned for the real Florence experience. There’s this tiny osteria called Da Rocco about thirty seconds around the corner where locals still go for lunch – no English menu, just whatever Nonna made that morning. The concierge (ask for Marco if he’s still there) knows exactly which entrance to use for the Palazzo Vecchio when the main tourist lines are insane, and he’ll tell you the best time to hit the Ponte Vecchio for photos without fighting crowds. I actually ended up extending my stay an extra night because walking back to the hotel after evening strolls along the Arno felt like coming home rather than just returning to a place to sleep. The rooms themselves are spacious by European standards – I could actually open my suitcase without rearranging the furniture – and the bathrooms have this incredible rainfall shower that made me question why I ever rush through my morning routine at home.

What sealed the deal for me was the breakfast situation. They serve it in this sun-drenched room overlooking a quiet courtyard, and while everyone else is fighting for cappuccinos in the tourist cafes, you’re sitting there with proper Italian coffee and fresh cornetti, planning your day without the chaos. The whole place just feels… well, it feels like what you hoped Florence would be like before you arrived and realized half the city center is a theme park for visitors. It’s got that perfect balance – luxurious enough that you feel special, but authentic enough that you’re not completely insulated from the real city. Plus, and this might sound silly, but the key cards actually work consistently, the WiFi doesn’t drop every ten minutes, and someone clearly taught the housekeeping staff that Americans need more than one tiny towel. For what you’re paying – especially considering you’re basically in the heart of Renaissance central – it’s honestly one of those places you’ll find yourself recommending to people years later.

Rooms

• Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 4 adults
• Junior Suite with Terrace with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Ke from Australia (9/10)

  The room is in a classy old building, totally worth the price! Location is also great, staff are nice as well!

• Bianca from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Very grant and super facilities, very clean and the best location 2 min from Duomo yet discretely hidden in a side street- very generous rooms, almost a little apartment . Loved the slippers provided- just nice bathrobes were missing to feel like a king!

• Maria from United States (9/10)

  Loved the large room with a large dressing room.
  Was amazingly quiet at night for being in the heart of the city.
  We were able to store our luggage in a private room (not ours) and change and use their bathroom after we checked out.

• John from Cyprus (9/10)

  No breakfast included

• Dandan from China (9/10)

  Very nice place to stay! The room is spacious, clean and with the decoration I like. The staff is very friendly and helpfull. Definitely would like to live there again!

• Megan from United States (9/10)

  The staff were so nice and accommodating. We loved it!

• Joanne from United States (9/10)

  The location in the Centro Storico is excellent. We could walk everywhere we wanted to go. The suite was extremely large and well-maintained. The cleaning staff and proprietor were very pleasant. Communication with the staff prior to our visit was excellent.

• Danè from South Africa (9/10)

  The room was much bigger than I expected! I absolutely loved the decor, it was very artistic and aesthetic with Florence designs. The air-cons were great for the heat.

• Robert from Australia (9/10)

  The rooms are very modern and comfortable. The staff are friendly and helpful

• Patrick from United Kingdom (9/10)

  All of the helpful friendly staff
  The location
  The quietness

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities