First of Florence

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the First of Florence? It’s tucked right into Via dei Servi, which honestly feels like stepping into a quieter pocket of the city that tourists somehow miss. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Duomo – I timed it because I’m obsessive like that – but the street itself has this almost residential calm that’s pretty rare in central Florence. The building has that classic Florentine stone facade that doesn’t scream “hotel” from the outside, which I actually loved. It felt like discovering something rather than just booking something.

The lobby’s got this understated elegance that works really well – marble floors that echo just enough to feel grand but not so much that you’re tiptoeing around. Check-in was smooth, and the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood beyond just the obvious tourist spots. The woman at the desk told me about this little gelateria on Via Ricasoli that locals hit up after dinner, and honestly, it ended up being better than the famous places everyone lines up for. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – comfortable beds, decent bathroom, and those heavy curtains that actually block out the morning light if you’re trying to sleep in. The AC worked well during my July stay, which… trust me, that matters when Florence gets humid.

What really sets this place apart is the location knowledge you get just by staying here. You’re in the San Marco area, which means you can walk to the Accademia (where Michelangelo’s David lives) in about five minutes, but you’re also close to the Sant’Ambrogio market area where actual Florentines do their shopping. I found myself using Via dei Servi as this perfect launching point – turn left toward the Duomo and all the tourist chaos, or turn right toward the quieter residential streets where you can actually hear yourself think. The neighborhood gets this lovely golden hour light in the evenings, and there’s a wine bar called Il Santino just around the corner that fills up with locals around 7 PM. Parking’s not easy (it’s Florence, after all), but they can point you toward the Santa Maria Novella garage, which is walkable. The 8.2 rating feels about right – it’s genuinely good without being flashy, comfortable without being luxurious, and the staff seems to actually care about making your stay work well rather than just getting you processed through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $104. Studio Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $111. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Interesting – Jaime from United States – 10 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location and the atmosphere.
  
  What could be improved: There was a feeling of coldness in the communication with the managers, they gave me the impression that they were doing me a favor for renting me the facilities. And the sense they were scolding me because I got to Florence at 7:40 pm and to the apartment at 8:00 pm . Even though that nobody was there to welcome me, everything was done through a "What's up " call and punching buttons in three doors keyboards , kind of remind me of the computer game " Myst".

• Perfect place to stay in Florence. For sure, we will return – Cristina from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location. Quick response to my queries /concerns.
  
  What could be improved: The road works noise in the back of the apartment.

• Superb – Stephan from Germany – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  Quite big apartment. Really good location. Very friendly staff.

• Very good – Gustavo from Argentina – 15 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location

• I loved the place, I will chose it again – Sergio from Costa Rica – 24 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location, and beautiful apartment, Securtiy
  
  What could be improved: There were some water leaks, the show was complicate to achieve the right temperature

• Very good – Maria from Netherlands – 29 December 2024 (8/10)

  Due to a malfunction in our original reserved apartment, the managing company offered us an upgrade for free to a bigger apartment, which was very professional.
  The apartment we stayed in is on Via dei Pandolfini, 28 and it was very spacious and cozy. The staff was very responsive and helpful. The sanitaty facilities were very clean and the furniture was quite new with nice taste. It was clear how well renovated this apartment was.
  
  What could be improved: The heating system was basically 3 Air conidtioners but because the apartment is historic (high ceilings) and very spacious, it was never warm enough. There were no additional means for heating avavilable (e.g. electric thermometers to plug in). Also the apartment has no access to sun light or has a garden/balcony.
  There was suddenly no warm water in two bathrooms out of 3.
  Check out was at 10, which is earlier than average.

• A beautiful and charming apartment in the best location in Firenze. Very responsive and friendly teams. Making our stay – Sylvia from Australia – 21 November 2024 (9/10)

  Charming apartment in the best location , apartment as described.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Rishabh from India – 25 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location was excellent. Apartment is very spacious and clean. Looks exactly like the photos uploaded on the listing. We were received by Latizia, who was extremely polite and invested her time to explain everything about the apartment and also about Florence. There was also a small reception and corridors were well done.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Good location in Florence – Laura from Argentina – 16 October 2024 (8/10)

  It was very good located and the place was very good and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: The instructions to enter to the department were not clear enough. They should improve the entrance procedure instructions. There are some details which were not mentioned such as department number.
  Then, there are not sheets for the sofa downstairs and it is a little bit uncomfortable.

• The apartment was is in a fantastic location! Check in was simple and amenities were included. The place was clean. The – Cat from Australia – 4 October 2024 (7/10)

  The location was fantastic, so close to everything! The duomo is maybe a three minute walk away. The space was clean and tidy with enough towels, hand soap, dishwashing soap and tablets.
  
  What could be improved: The super steep stairs were not really obvious from the photos. It was challenging with a 2 and 75 year old with all bedrooms being upstairs. The showers were tough; downstairs you couldn’t regular the temp AT ALL, it was either scalding hot or ice cold, upstairs was better but the drain is clogged up and the sliding door fell off the rails with the lightest touch. The main bedroom bed was very old and sinking though so much use. The noise from outside and from the apartments next door and above was very loud and disruptive.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities