PALAZZO TESTA – LOCAZIONE TURISTICA

Hotel Description

You know what hit me first about Palazzo Testa? It’s tucked right into Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio, which honestly feels like stumbling onto Florence’s best-kept secret. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from the Duomo chaos, but this little square has this almost residential vibe – locals walking their dogs, old guys playing chess on benches, that sort of thing. The palazzo itself sits there like it’s been watching over the neighborhood for centuries, which it probably has.

The thing about staying here is you get that authentic Florentine apartment feel without sacrificing comfort. These aren’t hotel rooms in the traditional sense – they’re more like beautifully restored spaces that someone’s grandmother might have lived in, except with modern bathrooms and actually decent Wi-Fi. The ceilings are ridiculously high (I kept craning my neck the first day), and some units have these original frescoed details that make you feel like you’re living in a Renaissance painting. The floors are proper Italian marble, which sounds fancy but can get pretty cold in the mornings – just grab some slippers.

What really sold me on this place was how it sits in the neighborhood. You’re right between Santa Maria Novella and the Oltrarno area, so you can walk to Sant’Ambrogio market in the morning for actual groceries, then wander over to Via Tornabuoni for window shopping later. The Santissima Annunziata basilica is practically around the corner – not the most famous church in Florence, but the acoustics during evening mass are incredible if you’re into that. And here’s something the guidebooks don’t tell you: there’s this little enoteca on Via dei Servi that stays open late, perfect for grabbing a bottle of Chianti when you want to have a proper Italian evening on your terrace.

The management runs it more like a boutique operation than a big hotel chain, which means they actually answer when you text them about restaurant recommendations (and their suggestions are solid – they sent me to this family-run trattoria near Piazza della Libertà that I never would have found otherwise). Check-in was refreshingly simple, though fair warning: if you’re coming by car, parking is… well, it’s Florence. You’ll probably end up in one of those garage situations a few blocks away, but honestly, you won’t need the car once you’re settled in.

The 9.5 rating makes sense when you experience the place – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but everything works exactly as it should. The kitchenettes are actually functional if you want to make coffee the way Italians do, the beds are properly comfortable, and the whole place just feels thoughtfully put together. Plus, being in San Marco means you’re living where actual Florentines live, not just passing through tourist central. When you step out for your morning cappuccino, you’re joining the neighborhood rhythm rather than fighting through selfie sticks and tour groups.

Rooms

• Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Queen Room with Spa Bath with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Marcello from Colombia (10/10)

  The friendly attitude of both Tommaso and Giovanna. Wonderful smiles. Beautiful place. Would love to go back again .

• Underhill from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Beautiful room and comfortable bed. 15 mins walk to the Duomo. Very secure, 4 keys to get in to the room. Reasonable cost for a very nice place to stay. Staff great but you are only likely to see them on check-in. It's not a hotel with service onsite but you can contact them via WhatsApp. Highly recommended.

• Lea from Australia (9/10)

  Extremely comfortable room with luxurious hot tub, close to all facilities and attractions

• Gönül from Turkey (10/10)

  We had a very good time here! Everything was very clean, smelled perfect from the moment you enter the apartment. The location was very easily accessible from everywhere and had a beautiful park just outside. The room was very good, the bathroom (and even the products were highly qualified!). It was one of the most cleanest and comfortable sheets&pillows that we've stayed also. We had a little common kitchen downstairs with everything needed supplied. But mostly our host ❤️ many loves to her 💕💕 She was the best host ever! she helped us for a very bad situation and thank you for that again and again. We would prefer this place whenever we come here again!

• John from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Amazing accommodation in great location.

• Danielle from Canada (10/10)

  We loved this place to stay in Florence! We opted for the room with the jacuzzi and it did not disappoint. The room was extremely clean, the bed and pillows were comfortable and the air conditioning worked well. The host was extremely kind and able to accommodate our later check in. This place also offered a cute breakfast and coffee bar in the morning which was a nice surprise we weren’t expecting!

• Patricia from United States (10/10)

  This is a very small but very lovely place to stay. It is located in a residential area and we felt safe whenever we were out walking. It is close to all the places we wanted to visit in Florence. We walked to and from the train station and to all the other things we did in Florence.

• Judy from United States (10/10)

  Very modern decor…loved this place! It is in a quiet neighborhood, right across from a park.

• Jan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  It was beautifully appointed, the furnishings were exceptional & the bathroom a delight- including the tiny disco lights in the ceiling.

• Adela from United Kingdom (10/10)

  It was such a treat to stay here. The room was decorated with great taste, keeping the authenticity of an old Italian building. It was very clean, comfortable and exceeded my expectations. When you arrive, you need to call the owner to get inside the building because there are no signs outside. A little hidden gem 💎

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities