La Gabbia del Grillo
First Impressions
Walking up to La Gabbia del Grillo on Via Maurizio Bufalini, you immediately know you’ve found something special. The name translates to “The Cricket’s Cage” — which honestly sounds way more charming in Italian than English — and this four-star boutique hotel lives up to its whimsical moniker. It’s tucked into one of those narrow Renaissance streets where you can practically touch the buildings on both sides, but that’s exactly what makes Florence so magical.
Location That Actually Matters
Here’s the thing about staying in the Duomo district — you’re literally in the center of everything that matters. I mean, you can walk to Brunelleschi’s dome in about three minutes, and the Uffizi is maybe a five-minute stroll. What I love most is that couples consistently rate this location a 9.8, and after staying here, I totally get why. You’re close enough to duck back to your room between museum visits, but far enough from the main piazzas that you’re not dealing with tour groups under your window at 7 AM.
The Rooms and Comfort
The accommodations here strike that perfect balance between historic charm and modern comfort. You know how some Florence hotels make you choose between character and actually functioning amenities? Well, La Gabbia del Grillo doesn’t make you compromise. The rooms blend contemporary design with subtle nods to the building’s heritage — think exposed beams that don’t make you feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. The staff is incredibly responsive too, which matters more than you’d think when you’re navigating a new city. Each space feels thoughtfully designed for both relaxation and exploration.
What Sets It Apart
What really impressed me was how the hotel manages to feel intimate without being cramped. The property has this excellent location score of 9.8 for good reason — you’re positioned perfectly for both the must-see sights and those hidden gems that make Florence special. The staff genuinely knows the neighborhood, so when you ask for dinner recommendations, they’re not just rattling off tourist traps. They’ll point you toward that little trattoria around the corner where locals actually eat. This insider knowledge transforms your entire stay.
Why Guests Love It
Honestly, it comes down to getting the Florence experience without the typical headaches. You’re staying in a building with real history, in a location that puts everything within walking distance, but you’re not sacrificing comfort or service. The fact that they respond quickly to guest questions might seem like a small thing, but when you’re trying to figure out museum reservations or need directions to that specific leather shop everyone talks about, having helpful staff makes all the difference. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re living in Florence rather than just visiting it. The combination of heritage, location, and attentive service creates an unforgettable experience.
Locals suggest to book apartments in Tuscany around Montepulciano for wine cellars, artisan cheese shops, and jazz nights.
Rooms & Suites
Choose from 10 room types
| Room | Type | Beds |
|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Basic One Bedroom Apartment Garden View | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
| Exclusive One Bedroom Apartment Garden View | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
| Basic Two-Bedroom Apartment Duomo View | 4 adults, 2 children | 2 single beds, 1 large double bed |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | 4 adults, 2 children | 1 large double bed, 2 single beds |
| Business One Bedroom Apartment Patio View | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
| Exclusive One Bedroom Apartment Patio View | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
| Duplex One Bedroom Apartment Patio View | 2 adults | 1 double bed |
| Business Double Room Apartment Patio View | 4 adults, 2 children | 2 single beds, 1 large double bed |
| Apartment with Garden View | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | 2 adults | 1 large double bed |
Basic One Bedroom Apartment Garden View
2 adults 1 large double bedExclusive One Bedroom Apartment Garden View
2 adults 1 large double bedBasic Two-Bedroom Apartment Duomo View
4 adults, 2 children 2 single beds, 1 large double bedTwo-Bedroom Apartment
4 adults, 2 children 1 large double bed, 2 single bedsBusiness One Bedroom Apartment Patio View
2 adults 1 large double bedExclusive One Bedroom Apartment Patio View
2 adults 1 large double bedDuplex One Bedroom Apartment Patio View
2 adults 1 double bedBusiness Double Room Apartment Patio View
4 adults, 2 children 2 single beds, 1 large double bedApartment with Garden View
2 adults 1 large double bedOne-Bedroom Apartment
2 adults 1 large double bedHotel Amenities
Bedroom
Kitchen
Parking
Bathroom
Outdoors
Transport
Living Area
Food & Drink
Miscellaneous
Outdoor & View
Room Amenities
Languages spoken
Safety & security
Media & Technology
Reception services
Guest Reviews
Fantastic central location very close to the Duomo – you can see it from the courtyard (see photo)!
The place is cute with nice little touches like framed art.
They provided a complimentary bottle of wine!
They provide many of the kitchen basics you might need like coffee, tea, salt, olive oil, paper towels, etc.
The shower has good water pressure and hot water.
The unit has a washing machine, and they provide laundry pods. Just be aware that there is no dryer. They do provide a drying rack.
The bed is comfortable.
The blow dryer worked well and was not the mounted-to-the-wall type you find in hotels.
It was so nice that they provide umbrellas, which we needed (due to our unfortunate weather).
It was very quiet, despite being in the heart of the city.
The WiFi worked well.
FYI (neither good or bad):
We arrived on a Sunday, when the main doors at the street are closed. This made it very difficult to find and access the office. It might be helpful to know that it is located right across the street from the hospital.
Very helpful staff friendly and able to advise on lots
The room was comfortable and clean. Little kitchen had everything we needed. There was a lovely welcome bottle of red wine when we got there. The staff were so helpful and kind.
The stuff are super nice like all Italian
Location & Surroundings
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below, and one of our concierge specialists will get back to you promptly.
