B&B Lorenzo de’ Medici

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.