Hotel Torre Guelfa Palazzo Acciaiuoli

Hotel Description

So I’ve actually stayed at Hotel Torre Guelfa a couple times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way. The moment you walk through those heavy wooden doors on Borgo SS. Apostoli – which, by the way, is this narrow medieval street that most tourists completely miss – you’re stepping into something that feels more like a Florentine palazzo than a hotel. Which makes sense, because that’s literally what it is.

The thing about this place is the tower. I mean, it’s right there in the name, but you don’t really get it until you’re huffing up those ancient stone steps to the top. It’s the tallest privately-owned tower in Florence, and the view from up there… well, let’s just say it ruins every other hotel rooftop for you. You’re looking out over terracotta rooftops toward the Duomo, and there’s this moment around sunset when the whole city turns golden and you understand why people lose their minds over this place. The climb is a bit much if you’re not in shape – I learned that the hard way – but it’s worth every wheezing breath.

What I really love about Torre Guelfa is how it sits right in the heart of things without feeling touristy. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio, but you’re on this quiet side street where locals actually live and work. There’s a tiny alimentari around the corner where the owner remembers your name after day two, and honestly, that’s the kind of Florence experience you can’t get staying near the train station. The rooms themselves have this authentic medieval feel – thick stone walls, wooden beams, the works – but they’ve managed to modernize without losing the character. Though I’ll warn you, if you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a room facing the courtyard. The street-facing ones can get a bit lively during weekend evenings, especially when the nearby restaurants start filling up.

The staff here actually know the city, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how rare that is. They’ll tell you which gelato place the locals go to (not the one with the line of tourists) and how to time your Uffizi visit to avoid the worst crowds. Check-in is refreshingly straightforward – none of that over-eager hospitality that makes you feel like you’re being sold something. They’re just… normal people who happen to run a really beautiful hotel in a 13th-century building. The location means you can walk everywhere that matters, but more importantly, you can duck back easily when you need a break from the summer heat or the crowds. Trust me, having a quiet courtyard to retreat to makes all the difference during peak season.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $150. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $185. Standard Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $202. Two-Bedroom Apartment – Separate Building with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $215. Junior Suite with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• We didn’t have time to really enjoy the hotel since it was just a quick overnight but had been to rooftop before and it – Hawley from United States – 10 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, clean, spacious.
  
  What could be improved: Bed was not very comfortable, springs, seemed older mattress. Flat hard pillows. No blanket, just a sheet. Too tired to search for one but there should be something other than a sheet when the bed is made.

• Lovely hotel – Brian from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (9/10)

  Central location. Comfortable room. Wonderful views from tower. Excellent breakfasts. Courteous and helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: No view from room

• Excellent – Dawn from United Kingdom – 28 April 2025 (9/10)

  Fabulous breakfast. Great location

• Superb – Julia from Canada – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  Fabulous location and friendly, very helpful staff

• Superb – Frances from Australia – 8 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very convenient location, comfortable rooms and handy to have breakfast available.

• Ww would definitely stay here again! – Michele from Italy – 5 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location was perfect, staff extremely helpful and friendly.

• History, Location, unlike any other hotel you'll find!! – Susan from Canada – 27 January 2025 (9/10)

  Stellar location .. Cannot stress enough how great this location is.
  At the foot of the Ponte Vecchio, you are at every major site in minutes.
  The staff here were incredibly friendly, especially Vivian at breakfast who makes the best coffee ever.
  But it's the unique history of this building that made it one of our most memorable stays ever
  The hotel is actually a historically significant tower that was built in the 13th century and it remains the tallest Private structure in all of Florence. You can access a 360° View of the whole city by climbing a very unique set of stairs all the way to the roof of the building you will never find another hotel like this.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom door handle fell off in the bathroom but that was literally the only thing we didn't love love love about our stay.

• Lovely hotel in a great location – Gabrielle from Australia – 19 January 2025 (9/10)

  Superb location and a charming old building. The tower with the view over Florence was a lovely spot for a sunset drink. This hotel had the most comfortable beds and pillows of our month away. The breakfast was basic but good and is in a lovely room. They catered well for the gluten-free members of our family.

• Highest friendliest view in Firenze – Paul from United Kingdom – 10 January 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely hotel full of character and history with attentive caring staff. The tower is very special. The staff helped us loads. Beautiful.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything. I just wanted more information about the history of the hotel and some more plug sockets

• Very good – Bruce from Australia – 8 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location was good. Close to most places to visit. Had 2 bathrooms, and lots of space.
  
  What could be improved: There is a smell when you enter the building, but it was fine after you get into the room. Out aide showrer was blocked.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities