Park Palace Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels in Florence over the years, and the Park Palace Hotel is one of those places that just gets it right. It’s perched up on Piazzale Galileo – and I mean literally on the piazza, not just “near” it like some hotels claim – which means you’re already starting with one of the most spectacular views in the city. When you wake up and pull back those curtains, you’re looking directly down at the Arno snaking through Florence with the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio spread out like a Renaissance postcard. Honestly, that view alone justifies the stay, but there’s more to it than just the Instagram potential.

The thing about this location is that most tourists think of it as just a viewpoint to visit and leave, but staying here actually puts you in this perfect sweet spot. You’re above all the crowds and noise of the centro storico – I mean, you can literally watch the tour groups come and go from your window – but it’s only a fifteen-minute walk down Via San Miniato to hit Oltrarno, or you can catch the 12 or 13 bus right from the piazza if you don’t feel like tackling those hills (and trust me, after a day of walking around Florence, sometimes you just don’t). The hotel itself feels properly Italian in that effortless way that’s hard to fake. The lobby has this warm, lived-in elegance with marble floors that actually look like they belong in a Florentine palazzo, not like they were ordered from a catalog. Check-in was smooth – the staff spoke excellent English but weren’t overly polished, if that makes sense. They knew their stuff about the city and gave me genuinely useful restaurant recommendations, not just the usual tourist traps.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid four-star Italian hotel – well-appointed without being flashy, comfortable beds, and bathrooms that actually have decent water pressure (not always a given in Florence, let me tell you). But here’s the thing that really won me over: the breakfast room. It’s got these huge windows facing the city, and having your cappuccino while watching Florence wake up below you is pretty magical. They do a proper Italian breakfast spread too, not just stale pastries and instant coffee. I stayed there in late May, which is honestly perfect timing – warm enough to sit on the terrace they have, but before the July crowds make everything unbearable. The only minor thing I’d mention is that parking can be a bit tricky since you’re right in the city, but they have arrangements with nearby garages, and the concierge sorted it out without any fuss. For the price point and that location, it’s honestly hard to find anything to complain about.

Rooms

• Single Room with 1 double bed for 1 adult
• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Quadruple Room with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 4 single beds for 4 adults
• Double or Twin Room – Annex with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Annex – Family Suite with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 4 adults
• Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Andrea from Canada (9/10)

  Beautiful setting outside the city centre. Breakfast was good.

• Sarah from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The most beautiful hotel in the most peaceful of locations, in a very established residential area close to parks and about 20 mins walk into Florence main attractions.
  We could not fault our stay, on arrival we were upgraded to the most amazing “room with a view” along with a large tray of assorted fruit! 🍇
  Breakfast was excellent, great coffee and ample choice of good quality food, pastries, eggs, jams and cheeses. Lots of choice of where to have breakfast in dining room, terrace overlooking pool or lounge.
  The staff were discreet and very welcoming, particularly reception.
  Wonderful bistrot with great quality food served, was closed on Sundays.
  Just the most perfect few days, like staying in a private mansion with staff really! Would book again for sure

• Davis from United States (9/10)

  We loved everything about Park Palace. The historic hotel and beautiful grounds were the perfect place from which to enjoy our days in Florence. Room 1 Giardino offered a deep private balcony overlooking the pool and a spectacular ancient evergreen tree. We enjoyed dining outside on the lovely veranda in a wide array of weather, and loved passing time sketching and reading the art books in the hotel’s cozy salon with beautiful lighting. Every morning’s hot breakfast was delightful, with much variety and served on white tablecloths. Though we spoke no Italiano, the sincere, friendly and professional staff made us feel special and helped at every turn: arranging a taxi if needed, etc. The ancient cobblestone lane we traveled on foot to Bardini Gardens, Uffizi, etc. was a
  charming, serene walk through history with very few cars—a nice contrast to the noisy core.

• Mariana from Portugal (9/10)

  Location just outside the ZTL zone, which was good for people arriving by car (as was our case). Bus really close got us to the city center. Beautiful hotel with a very pleasent pool are. Great breakfast!

• Kellie from United States (9/10)

  Up in a beautiful neighborhood with cedar trees.

• Gilani from India (9/10)

  The room was spacious and very Clean with and easy check in Process, The staffs are amazing especially Uliana at the front Desk, who went above and beyond despite the heavy train she ensured i got transportation when no cabs were available, A big Shout out and Thanks to her!

• Lisa from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful place and great location. The staff was kind and attentive. A wonderful experience.

• Nene from Italy (8/10)

  The location, the villa, the staff, the breakfast were so lovely!!!
  I was very impressed by the kindness, professionalism and assistance of the staff.
  It really made the difference not being in the center of Florence and being surrounded by trees and super close to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato Church.
  It felt amazing also having the option to use the beautiful living room and the garden close to the swimming pool.
  I also loved the little details, all very Tuscan.

• Sue from United Kingdom (9/10)

  It was like taking a step back in time. The hotel was beautiful and so were the gardens.

• Jonathan from Germany (9/10)

  Lovely room and a great breakfast for Italian standards, especially good were the staff who were all friendly and helpful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities