Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo

Hotel Description

You know what really got me about Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo? I walked in expecting another decent Florence hotel, but this place actually feels like stepping into someone’s elegant Florentine home – if that someone happened to have impeccable taste and a serious restoration budget. The building itself is this gorgeous 15th-century palazzo, and honestly, they’ve done the renovation right. None of that jarring modern-meets-ancient stuff that makes you wince.

The location on Via della Scala is pretty much perfect if you ask me. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station (which, let’s be real, is clutch when you’re dragging luggage through Florence’s maze of streets), but you’re also right in the thick of things near the Arno. I mean, you can practically roll out of bed and be at the Uffizi in fifteen minutes on foot. The street itself is quieter than you’d expect – I was worried about train noise, but the rooms are surprisingly well-insulated. Though I’ll say this: if you’re a super light sleeper, maybe pack earplugs anyway because Florence is Florence, and there’s always some charming chaos happening outside.

What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail that actually matters. The staff genuinely knows the neighborhood – not just the tourist spots, but where to grab the best panettone on Sunday morning or which osteria serves locals instead of just tour groups. The rooms have this lovely weight to them, you know? Heavy wooden furniture, proper shutters that block out the morning sun, marble bathrooms that feel substantial rather than flashy. My room had these original frescoed ceilings that were subtly lit – not overdone, just beautiful. The beds are seriously comfortable too, which isn’t always a given in historic Italian hotels where sometimes charm trumps sleep quality.

I stayed there in late September, which turned out to be perfect timing. Summer crowds were thinning out, but the weather was still warm enough to enjoy the little courtyard they have tucked away behind the main building. That’s where they serve breakfast, actually – proper cappuccinos and cornetti, not the international buffet nonsense you get at chain hotels. The whole experience felt authentically Florentine without being precious about it. They’ve struck that tricky balance between honoring the building’s history and making sure everything actually works well for modern travelers. Even small things like having enough outlets near the bed and water pressure that doesn’t make you question your life choices.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite (2 Adults) with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult

Reviews

• Ari from Spain (9/10)

  Property is boutique and beautiful. Fantastic location with superb customer service. We look forward to returning soon.

• Andy from Canada (9/10)

  The vibe, the decor and the people

• Tasman from Australia (9/10)

  The ambience was excellent staff were super helpful and very polite The room exceptionally clean and well appointed with modern clean facilities. The breakfast area an bar were outstanding. Food was very good and varied for different tastes

• Robin from United Kingdom (9/10)

  This is a period property full of Classic Italian Charm, the decor was classically inspired and simply charming.

• Celia from Switzerland (9/10)

  I had a fantastic stay at this hotel. The location is perfect, right next to Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of my favorite places in the world, and just a short walk from the train station. Surrounded by great restaurants and iconic bars like Giacosa, where the Negroni was created, it’s totally my kind of place – cozy, with a rich history yet very much living in the moment. The elegant décor, impeccable service, and lively atmosphere with guests from all over the world made the experience truly special. The breakfast was delicious, too. I can’t wait to return.

• Page from United States (9/10)

  A beautiful property in a lovely, convenient area. Our room was tastefully decorated. The staff was exceptional. The included breakfasts were fabulous!!

• Judy from Canada (9/10)

  Great staff and great location. Beautiful breakfast room and really good breakfast..

• Eliana from Brazil (9/10)

  Palazzo dal Borgo certainly came out of a fairy tale! It was the most beautiful and perfect place I stayed in my travel to Italy. The dream to know Firenze certainly became a sweet truth because of this lovely accommodation. We were welcomed with so much attention and gentleness. All the people who we talked with were so polite and kind. The room was perfect, the clean, the beds, the air conditioning, the bathroom, the amenities, the view…. The breakfast was from the gods, with amazing foods and beverages, in a beautiful salon or under a marvelous tree. The location of the hotel is perfect, near the train station Santa Maria Novela and a walk to the historical center. I strongly recommend Palazzo dal Borgo because my days here were phenomenal and unforgettable! I loved!

• Barbara from Australia (8/10)

  Location to central tourist attractions and eateries. Lovely breakfast and outside eating area

• Barry from United States (9/10)

  Everything. The historic beauty was charming. The breakfast was delicious and the garden setting was beautiful. Staff was friendly and helpful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities