B&B Lorenzo de’ Medici

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past this place on Via Sant’Antonino probably a dozen times before I actually stayed there, and honestly, it’s one of those spots that doesn’t scream “look at me” from the street – which is exactly why I love it. The B&B Lorenzo de’ Medici sits right in the heart of San Lorenzo, and I mean *right* in it. You’re basically living like a local here, not tucked away in some sterile hotel district.

The building itself has this gorgeous old Florentine character – thick stone walls that actually keep the summer heat out (trust me, you’ll appreciate this in August) and these wonderful high ceilings that make the rooms feel way more spacious than you’d expect. What really got me though was how quiet it is inside, even with all the market activity happening just outside. The San Lorenzo market gets pretty lively in the mornings, but the rooms are surprisingly well-insulated. I actually loved waking up to the gentle hum of vendors setting up – it felt authentic without being disruptive.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to experience Florence without constantly fighting tourist crowds. Sure, you’re a five-minute walk from the Duomo, but you’re also surrounded by actual neighborhood life. There’s this incredible little trattoria called Da Nerbone right in the market that serves the best lampredotto sandwich you’ll ever have (don’t ask what’s in it, just eat it), and the local produce vendors will remember you by day three. The staff here clearly knows the area well – they gave me directions to places I’d never heard of but ended up being highlights of my trip.

What sets this B&B apart is the attention to detail without being fussy about it. The breakfast spread changes daily based on what’s good at the market, and they actually use local suppliers for everything. I mean, the coffee alone… it’s from a roaster about three blocks away, and you can taste the difference. The rooms blend traditional Tuscan style with modern comfort in a way that feels natural, not forced. My room had these beautiful original frescoed details, but also proper air conditioning and a shower with actual water pressure – small things that matter when you’re walking 20,000 steps a day through cobblestone streets.

The 9.6 rating makes complete sense once you’re there. It’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it absolutely nails what it is: a beautifully run neighborhood B&B that makes you feel like you’re staying with sophisticated friends who happen to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The check-in was smooth, the WiFi actually works, and – this is crucial in Florence – they help arrange parking if you’re driving. Plus, being in San Lorenzo means you’re perfectly positioned for both the tourist must-sees and the real Florence that most visitors miss entirely.

Rooms

• Double Superior Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Triple Superior Room with 1 single bed, 1 extra-large double bed and 3 single beds for 3 adults
• Suite Deluxe with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 4 single beds for 4 adults
• Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Standard Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 3 adults

Reviews

• Wismer from Mexico (10/10)

  Everything was fantastic. Our host Carmen could not have been more kind, generous and helpful.
  The location was great and lots of fun as we are at the market. The unit itself was very well apointed.

• Kathleen from United States (9/10)

  Carmine was super helpful and friendly and they were incredibly accommodating and responsive to my questions / inquiries. They had nice updated rooms that were large and spacious and the breakfast room was very nice. I appreciated the filtered water dispenser and the many treats left for us in the room.

• Rob from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Carmine and his team were excellent hosts. Everything you needed had already been provided before asking. They were always available if you needed anything additional. The location is great, the rooms are cosy and the B&B is very clean. We will certainly stay again.

• Camilla from Sweden (10/10)

  We really enjoyed the excellent breakfast and the location. Carmine is also a very helpful and attentive host, available and very accomodating. The area is both central and calm at night, close to all the main attractions such as the Uffizi and the Accademia museums, the tram line and the more authentic, artsy parts of Florence.

• Brooke from Australia (10/10)

  Fantastic location, clean comfortable room. Surprisingly quiet given the central location. Very helpful hosts.

• Beth from United States (10/10)

  It actually looks like the photos. We had the smaller rooms (standard double), which was plenty of space for two people. The location was excellent.

• Niclas from United States (10/10)

  Our host was excellent, he was extremely helpful and attentive to our needs. I highly recommend this place.

• Bonnie from United States (10/10)

  These accommodations were a short walk away from the Duomo and tons of restaurants. Although located in a busy area, it's a quiet and clean refuge. Carmine suggested lots of great restaurants and laundry services were available. Silvana provided a yummy breakfast, even making us cappuccinos.

• 현주 from South Korea (10/10)

  It was really good. The location is perfect, and the owner is really kind. It's hard when you want to go to the bathroom, so it's a good place to come back to your accommodation and rest when you rest for a while. It is located right in the middle of the leather market street. No lift, no problem at all. The owner carries the luggage. I'll stay here if I travel again. Besides, it's clean because it's remodeled.

• Meghan from United States (10/10)

  Excellent location! The service was spectacular.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities