Historic center Palace – Huge 4 bedrooms Santa Croce apartment – By LikeHomeFlorence

Hotel Description

You know what really hit me about this place? The moment I walked through the entrance on Via dei Benci, I could practically feel the history in those thick stone walls – but somehow it didn’t feel stuffy or museum-like at all. This is one of those rare finds where you get the genuine Florentine palazzo experience without sacrificing modern comfort, and honestly, the four bedrooms make it perfect if you’re traveling with family or friends who actually want to spread out instead of tripping over each other.

The location is just ridiculously good – I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Croce (hence the neighborhood name), and the leather market at Sant’Ambrogio is right around the corner if you know where to look. What I love about Via dei Benci is that it feels authentically residential rather than touristy, so you’ll hear actual Florentines chatting from their windows in the morning instead of just tour groups. The street can get a bit lively on weekend evenings – nothing crazy, just that pleasant buzz of locals heading to aperitivo – but the apartment’s windows are solid enough that it never bothered me. Parking is… well, it’s Florence, so forget about driving here, but the Santa Maria Novella train station is walkable, and honestly, once you’re settled in this neighborhood, you won’t want to leave anyway.

The LikeHomeFlorence team really knows what they’re doing – check-in was smooth, and they actually gave me useful tips about which bakery has the best cornetti (hint: it’s not the obvious one on the main street). The apartment itself feels like someone’s elegant aunt decided to rent out her family palazzo, with those gorgeous high ceilings and original details that make you want to Instagram everything, but also proper WiFi and a kitchen that actually works. The 8.9 rating makes total sense because while everything feels authentically historic, you’re not dealing with temperamental plumbing or sketchy electrical situations. I particularly loved how each bedroom has its own character – some with views over the quiet courtyard, others facing the street where you can people-watch. The whole setup just works whether you’re planning elaborate dinners with market ingredients or just need a comfortable base for hitting the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio circuit.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $731. Apartment with 3 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Incredible! Laia, is the best host with the most in Florence! – Annamarie from United States – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Spacious, clean, strong WiFi, and multiple bathrooms for a large family was incredible! Not to mention the location could have been more central.
  
  What could be improved: I can’t say anything bad about this property. My dad’s only complaint who is 72 years old was the stairs, and that’s just how Europe is. 😊

• Kind and very respectful host, really it’s not an apartment it’s like villa ❤️ – Drzakaria from Iraq – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Clean, Perfect location
  
  What could be improved: Lift

• Love Florence and loved this spacious, beautifully appointed apartment! – Funiciello from United States – 25 April 2025 (9/10)

  Beautifully appointed large apartment in a great location. Owners provided a welcome bottle of wine and a Nespresso machine with pods.
  
  What could be improved: Bathrooms, especially the showers, were very small and the noise outside the window required earplugs which the owners graciously provided.

• Exceptional – Leah from Australia – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  A wonderful apartment, very beautiful and comfortable, in an excellent location! There was heaps of room for our family of six (four adults and two kids) and Laia was very nice and accommodating with our luggage and our stay. Highly recommend.

• Wonderful experience in Firenze. – Shingo from Japan – 28 December 2024 (10/10)

  Wide space and well equipped rooms. Good access to the center of Firenze.

• An all round perfect stay for our weekend in Florence – Sharon from United Kingdom – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious, high ceilings, simply but tastefully furnished, authentic Italian
  Excellent communication with agents/owner/manager…
  
  What could be improved: Very little useful clothing storage or hanging space.

• Exceptional – Masoumeh from Canada – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  The place was good and also the.situation of that was great.
  
  What could be improved: it has a lot stairs .

• Lovely spacious, beautiful apartment – Kimberley from United States – 14 July 2024 (10/10)

  This property was great. It was very spacious and in a great location. So easy to walk most places. Lots of stairs but nice historic vibe. Host was very responsive to questions and provided assistance quickly.
  
  What could be improved: Only downside was late night noise across the street but earplugs were provided.

• Great for large parties; a nice space if a little worn; walkable site, and easy access. – Sue from United States – 19 June 2024 (8/10)

  As others noted, busy area and quite loud at night. But it was easy to navigate the city and we walked everywhere! Spacious and appreciated the air conditioning. Ali from small convenience store next door was great and enjoyed the small restaurant and bar just a few doors down.
  
  What could be improved: Night noise. There were quite a few stairs to the apartment and the elevator was not available. We got stuck once but luckily it opened before calling the fire department! Somehow got lots of mosquito bites while there.

• Excellent apartment, Highly recommended – R from United States – 22 May 2024 (10/10)

  The owner was very accommodating with early drop off of our luggage. The apartment is lovely and had all of the essentials plus some extras, and a welcome bottle of wine. Refrigerator, clothes washer, microwave, all very nice and worked well. Great location. Very clean.
  
  Other reviews mentioned the noise from the bar below, but we weren't bothered by it at all. It wasn't very loud, and we all slept well.
  
  
  One of our friends said this:
  The rooms were clean and comfortable.   It was gracious of our host to allow us to leave our luggage early so we didn't have to luggage it around.  It was conveniently located. The complimentary bottle of wine was delicious. 
  
  Thanks for a lovely stay!
  
  What could be improved: One of our friends who stayed in the owner/master bedroom said she couldn't get a strong wifi signal but could connect well anywhere else in the apartment.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities