B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Florence, and B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo is one of those spots that just gets it right. The name says it all, honestly – you’re literally on Via Roma looking out at the Duomo, and I mean *really* looking at it. Not some distant glimpse between buildings, but the actual cathedral dominating your view. It’s on the second floor (which is third floor for us Americans), and when you first walk up those stairs and see that terrace… well, you’ll understand why they built the whole place around it.

The location is pretty much perfect if you actually want to experience Florence rather than just tourist-trap your way through it. You’re right in Santa Maria Novella, which means you can walk to the train station in about eight minutes – I timed it because I’m neurotic about catching trains – but you’re also steps away from the real Florence. Via Roma isn’t one of those crazy busy streets where you can’t sleep, but it’s central enough that you’ll stumble onto the good stuff just wandering around. There’s this little alimentari downstairs where the owner remembers your face after day two, and honestly, that’s worth more than any concierge service. The parking situation is… well, it’s Florence, so don’t even think about driving here. Just take the train from the airport and walk.

What really makes this place special is how they’ve managed to feel like a home rather than a hotel. The rooms are thoughtfully done – not Instagram-perfect, but comfortable in that way where you actually want to hang out rather than just sleep and leave. The breakfast happens on that terrace I mentioned, and if you’re an early riser (which jet lag will make you, trust me), you get to watch the city wake up with the cathedral bells doing their thing. It gets busy later in the day, but those morning hours are magical. The owner clearly lives and breathes this place – you can tell because everything works properly, the WiFi doesn’t cut out when you need it most, and there’s always someone around who actually knows the neighborhood. I mean, they directed me to this osteria that’s not in any guidebook but serves the best ribollita I had in the city. That’s the kind of local knowledge you can’t fake.

The 9.1 rating makes sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be a luxury palace or some boutique hotel that’s more about the Instagram shots than the experience. It’s just really, really good at being what it is – a comfortable, well-located place run by people who care about Florence and want you to love it too. The terrace thing isn’t just a gimmick; you’ll find yourself up there with your morning coffee or evening wine, watching the light change on the Duomo and thinking “yeah, this is why I came to Italy.” If you’re looking for a pool and room service, go somewhere else. But if you want to feel like you’re staying in Florence rather than just visiting it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Superior Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Luis from Guatemala (9/10)

  The location, walking distance of almost everything in Firenze and one block from the Duomo, the terrace has a beautiful view.

• Shannon from United States (8/10)

  Amazing location and the rooftop provides unparalleled views of the duomo and Florence skyline.

• Alysa from United States (8/10)

  Location was great. Rooftop patio had beautiful views. Very clean.

• George from United States (9/10)

  The room was as quiet as a tomb, in spite of being located right on the square next to the Duomo. It was evident that the property managers had made a very strong effort to provide a calm, quiet environment for their guests. There were multiple sound-proof doors between the public areas and the room itself, as well as signs reminding other guests to be quiet. This was really appreciated and yielded a premium feel to the stay. There were a few surprising lapses in maintenance, however. The bottom of the room door rubbed on the tile floor when opened about a third of the way, making it a bit clumsy to enter or leave the room. There were a couple of large and ugly chips on the toilet seat and toilet seat cover that don’t belong in a $400/night bathroom. The safe was clumsy to operate and not up to the standard expected in a room even half the cost, the heat/AC was inoperative or at least incomprehensible, however, everything was clean, the shower was easy to operate and had plenty of hot water, the bed was very comfortable, and there wasn’t the hint of noise coming through the walls, ceiling, floor, or the double-pane windows, a tremendous accomplishment, considering that there were probably 5 to 10,000 people right outside making noise. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. In addition to the above the guests have access to a roof-top terrance with spectacular views of the floodlit Duomo and Bell Tower. On our first night we had the terrace to ourselves and enjoyed it immensely. The next night a group of young people (guests? other building occupants?), were gathered for drinks, so usefulness of this perk may vary. Anyway, overall the experience was closer to a 10 than a 9.

• Sharon from United States (9/10)

  The location was perfect. The room was beautiful and the rooftop has a spectacular view. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I would definitely stay here again.

• Tatiana from United States (8/10)

  Location is perfect. Clean and comfortable rooms

• Robyn from United States (8/10)

  The view and central location. Bonus roof top area to enjoy. The cathedral bells are glorious up there!!

• Ελλη from Greece (8/10)

• Jennifer from United States (9/10)

  Great location! Staff were wonderful and very helpful!

• Brian from United States (9/10)

  Terrazza Sul Duomo was exactly as described. Excellent location in Florence, easy walk to all of the attractions. Hosts were pleasant and helpful. I would gladly recommend to friends and family.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities