Oltrarno Splendid

You know what? I almost walked right past Oltrarno Splendid the first time I went looking for it on Via dei Serragli. It’s tucked into this lovely stretch of the Oltrarno district – honestly, one of my favorite parts of Florence because it feels like where actual Florentines live, not just where tourists go. The entrance is understated in that effortlessly elegant Italian way, and once you step inside, you immediately get why this place has a 9.6 rating. The lobby has this warm, lived-in sophistication – think restored palazzo vibes without feeling like a museum you’re afraid to touch.

What really struck me about staying here is how the staff actually knows the neighborhood. I mean, they didn’t just hand me a generic map and point toward the Duomo. The guy at reception told me about this little enoteca around the corner on Via Santo Spirito where locals grab their evening wine, and mentioned that the morning produce market in Piazza Santo Spirito (literally a three-minute walk) is where you’ll find the best fichi when they’re in season. The rooms themselves are beautifully done – I stayed in one overlooking the internal courtyard, which was blissfully quiet at night. Florence can get pretty noisy, especially during summer, but you’d never know it from inside. The bed was one of those surprisingly perfect firmness situations, and the bathroom had this gorgeous marble that looked original but clearly had modern plumbing behind it (thank god, because old Italian plumbing can be… an adventure).

Location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Oltrarno’s artisan workshops and galleries, plus it’s an easy walk across Ponte Vecchio to hit the main sights. But honestly, I found myself spending more time wandering this side of the river. There’s something about being able to duck into Palazzo Pitti’s gardens when you need a break from the crowds, or grabbing an aperitivo at one of the bars near Santo Spirito that just felt more authentic. The hotel’s concierge – and I usually skip concierge services, but this guy was genuinely helpful – set up a reservation at Il Santo Bevitore, which is walking distance and turned out to be one of those perfectly unpretentious places where the locals take their parents for Sunday lunch. One small thing worth noting: if you’re arriving by car, definitely coordinate with the hotel beforehand about parking. The ZTL zones in Florence are no joke, and Via dei Serragli sits right in the middle of restrictions that can be confusing if you’re not familiar with them. But honestly, you won’t need a car once you’re there – everything worth seeing is either walkable or a quick bus ride away.