Palazzo Gamba Apartments al Duomo

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about Florence? Everyone talks about staying near the Duomo, but most places either stick you in some touristy nightmare or hide you away in a sketchy side street. Palazzo Gamba actually nails the sweet spot – it’s literally on Via Martelli, which means you’re about two minutes from the cathedral but tucked away from the worst of the crowds. I mean, you’ll still hear the tour groups during the day, but honestly, that’s just Florence in summer.

The apartments themselves feel like someone’s stylish Italian grandmother decided to become an Airbnb host. The ceilings are properly high (none of that cramped feeling you get in converted medieval buildings), and they’ve kept the original details without making it feel like a museum. The kitchenettes are actually functional too – I was skeptical at first, but you can genuinely cook a decent meal, which is clutch when you’re tired of restaurant prices. The bathrooms are modern without being sterile, and the beds are firm in that European way that somehow works better than it should. One thing though – if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The building’s old, so you’ll catch some footsteps from upstairs, and the street gets a bit lively around aperitivo time.

What really sets this place apart is the location knowledge they share. The staff actually live in Florence (shocking, I know), so they’ll point you toward the good gelato spot on Via dei Servi instead of the tourist trap everyone else recommends. They told me about the early morning access to the Duomo terraces, which honestly changed my entire trip. And here’s something you won’t find in most reviews – the building sits right where Via Martelli meets Via Cavour, so you can walk to San Lorenzo market for breakfast pastries, then hit the Accademia before the crowds, then circle back for an afternoon nap. It’s this kind of effortless flow that makes you feel like you’re living in Florence rather than just visiting it.

The 9.3 rating makes sense once you’re there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in town, but everything works the way it should. Check-in was smooth, the Wi-Fi actually handles video calls, and they’ve got that perfect balance of being helpful without hovering. Plus, and this matters more than you’d think, the building entrance feels secure without being intimidating – important when you’re coming back late from dinner in Oltrarno.

Rooms

• Apartment with 2 bedrooms and view of the Dome of the Cathedral (4 Adults) with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 4 adults, 1 child
• 3-bedroom apartment with Dome Dome, Baptistery and Campanile view with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 6 adults
• Apartment with 2 bedrooms and view of the Dome of the Cathedral (2 Adults) with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Economy Two-Bedroom Apartment (4 Adults) with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with City View (2 Adults) with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults
• Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Jaeseon from South Korea (10/10)

  Best location and the staff is so kind. Thanks for the everything.

• Vanessa from Canada (8/10)

  Location could not be better

• Wright from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The location in stunning with excellent views of the Doumo.
  
  Everywhere is within walking distance, the staff onreception are extremely helpful and friendly.

• Ann from United States (10/10)

  perfect location, perfect apartment

• Jes from Singapore (8/10)

  Best location. Assigned a room with excellent view of the cathedal.highly recommeded to all

• Karen from United States (10/10)

  staff went out of their way to help with securing services from more than one service provider.

• Billy from United States (10/10)

  The apartment view was amazing, it looks out at Duomo. The apartment is fairly large and very comfortable. The staff was superb and very helpful and friendly. We did not arrive in Florence until late due to train strike and Sarah made sure to stay up and buzz us in the front door. She was in contact until we arrived and made sure we got into the apartment. Would definitely stay again.

• Fongyin from Singapore (8/10)

  Very good location, easy to move around the various places of interest in Florence.

• Ryan from United States (10/10)

  The location and view from the apartment were incredible. The staff at the front desk were friendly, helpful and available. I would recommend this apartment to anyone that wants to be in the middle of the action in Florence.

• Susan from United States (8/10)

  Clean, super convenient location. Easy access to historic Florence, food, walkable and safe. Apartment was large and comfortable. Very friendly and (ultimately) super helpful host at desk.
  
  Loved having a little kitchen and eating/ sitting area. Views out the window were perfection — we were on 4th floor (US) and the duomo is just right there!
  
  Eataly is next door, gelato, grocery store, good dining literally right there.
  
  Duomo square can be quite noisy until midnight when vendors, street musicians, parties are roaming the streets followed by garbage trucks and other cleaning. All of that is no problem with windows shut and AC on — although very light sleepers might need the provided ear plugs!
  
  Would 100% stay here again!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities