Canto dei Servi

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Canto dei Servi? It’s tucked away on this narrow medieval street that feels like Florence’s best-kept secret, even though you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Duomo. I mean, Via dei Servi is one of those streets where locals actually live and work – there’s a tiny alimentari next door where the owner knows everyone’s name, and you’ll hear actual Florentine conversations echoing off the stone walls in the morning.

The hotel itself feels like someone’s elegant aunt converted her palazzo into a boutique place (which, honestly, might be exactly what happened). The lobby has this warm, lived-in sophistication – marble floors worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, but with contemporary touches that don’t feel forced. Check-in was refreshingly human – the staff actually seemed to care about whether I found good restaurants, not just whether I needed more towels. My room had those impossibly high ceilings that make you wonder how they heated these places in the 1400s, but the modern amenities work perfectly well. The bathroom was compact but cleverly designed, and the bed was genuinely comfortable – sometimes you worry about European hotel beds, but this one passed the test.

What really sets this place apart is the location knowledge you get from staying here. The front desk guy – Paolo, I think? – casually mentioned that the Mercato Centrale gets crazy touristy after 10am, but if you go at 8:30, you’ll see how locals actually shop for food. He was right. And being on Via dei Servi means you’re perfectly positioned for early morning walks to Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, which is gorgeous and usually empty before 9am. The street itself is pedestrian-friendly but narrow enough that you won’t get the tour group stampedes that plague Via del Corso.

Honestly, the 8.3 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Florence, but everything works well and the location is genuinely special. There’s some street noise (it’s the historic center, what do you expect?), but nothing that decent windows can’t handle. The WiFi was solid, which matters more than I’d like to admit. Breakfast was simple but good quality – proper coffee, fresh pastries, none of that sad hotel buffet nonsense.

If you’re someone who wants to feel like you’re actually staying in Florence rather than just visiting it, this is your spot. You’ll walk past the same shopkeepers every day, you’ll know which gelato place the locals prefer (it’s not the one with the tourist line), and you’ll understand why people fall in love with this impossible city. Just book early if you’re coming in spring or fall – places like this that locals recommend don’t stay secret forever.

Rooms

• Superior Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Family Junior Suite with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Marnie from Canada (9/10)

  Great location! Great facilities!

• Mariam from Georgia (9/10)

  The room was huge and absolutely magnificent, the furniture was in Italian style

• Carolyn from United States (9/10)

  Location was great – walking distance to many of the sites. Entry to building was simple. Room was comfortable and served our needs. Breakfast that was included for the bar down the street was excellent. Host was very responsive and accomodating, especially at check out where we had a little time between leaving the apt and catching the train. They held our luggage and when we returned we were able to just relax for a bit in the common area kitchen.

• Claire from France (8/10)

  Location in the city center of Florence, less than 5mn away from the Duomo. Lift in the building. Spacious room, comfortable bed. Breakfast served in a cafe nearby (good spot, food Average). Communal kitchen handy.

• Jenne from New Zealand (8/10)

  fantastic location for all the main attractions. Its 15 minutes from the railway station by foot but lugging a suitcase over uneven services makes it seem longer
  lovely eating places near by
  has a lift as it's on the 3rd floor
  Good communication

• Fernando from Brazil (8/10)

  Great location, next to Duomo
  Bed is not excellent, but it's confortable.
  Good shower
  Excellent breakfast in the bar provided by the hotel
  Room was very clean
  Luggage kept all day long for free after check-out

• Solomia from Canada (8/10)

  Location is amazing, very close to Duomo and other attractions. Place was small but very clean .Manager Daniela was very pleasant and cooperative .We had accident with AC in the room , it was leaking water terribly, I contacted Daniela and problem was fixed next day , AC worked fine since .The only thing we had no iron and ironing board in the room , I had to ask for it .

• Hamish from Australia (8/10)

  Great location.

• Svet from Germany (8/10)

  Great location. Clean and comfortable room. Great shower pressure.
  Bfast served near by cafe. Nice and friendly staff.
  Coffee, fruit and pastry. Great start to the day.
  Close to all attractions… walkable city!
  Communal kitchen adequately equipped.
  
  Jackie&Anthony
  Australia

• Lauren from New Zealand (8/10)

  The location was great and close to the Duomo. There is a wine window around the corner which is also cool! The bed was comfortable and the pillows were good.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities