Porcellino Gallery Art Boutique BB

Hotel Description

You know that little covered market in Florence where tourists go to rub the bronze boar’s nose for good luck? Well, right there on Piazza del Mercato Nuovo sits this gem of a place that most people walk right past while hunting for leather goods. The Porcellino Gallery Art Boutique BB is tucked into one of those gorgeous old Florentine buildings that makes you wonder what stories these walls could tell – and honestly, staying here feels like you’re part of that story rather than just another tourist passing through.

What struck me first wasn’t the art (though there’s plenty of it) but how the owners actually get what travelers need. I mean, you’re literally steps from the Ponte Vecchio, but you’re not dealing with the chaos of staying right on a main tourist drag. The rooms have this perfect balance of old-world charm and modern comfort – think original frescoed ceilings but with air conditioning that actually works (crucial in July, trust me). The breakfast setup is more intimate than your typical hotel spread, served in this beautiful space where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over crowds. And here’s something you don’t always find in historic buildings – the Wi-Fi is solid and the water pressure is excellent.

The location is honestly brilliant if you know Florence at all. You’re a five-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station, which sounds touristy but is actually perfect for day trips to Siena or Pisa. Via Tornabuoni is right there for window shopping (or actual shopping if your budget allows), and you can cut through the little side streets to reach the Duomo without fighting the main pedestrian masses. What I loved most though was coming back in the evening – while the day-trippers are heading back to their cruise ships or tour buses, you get to experience the neighborhood as it settles into that golden hour rhythm. The staff clearly lives and breathes Florence; they’ll point you toward that little enoteca on Via delle Terme where locals actually drink, not the tourist traps. Sure, you might hear some street noise during busy periods (it’s the heart of a Renaissance city, after all), but it’s the kind of ambient urban sound that makes you feel connected to the place rather than isolated from it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $180. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $203. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $232. Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Location – Philip from United States – 24 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location, rooms and common areas.
  
  What could be improved: Our laundry was partially lost.
  Could use better lighting for reading in bed.

• Superb – Liqin from Australia – 15 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location, nice staff.

• Fabulous place to stay – Tiffany from United Kingdom – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  We loved that it was so unusual. We like quirky! The room was a great size and the shutters kept out the light. Bed was very comfy. Breakfast was lovely and had something for everyone with cereal, yoghurt, fruit, meats, omelette, pastries & cake. The staff were so helpful and friendly. We arrived early and were able to leave our luggage so we could get some lunch before check in. Live music outside in the market square after the market leaves. We had opera singers, cello & violinists as well as larger ensembles. The closeness to the main centre was perfect as only a 5-10 minute walk. River was also only 5 mins away. Can recommend this hotel and the mama mia restaurant below. The food was lovely there. We would stay again
  
  What could be improved: Just bear in mind that the live music can go on until 10.30pm and there is no soundproofing. There is also an Irish pub around the corner has a very late kick out at the weekend. We are light sleepers but found that earplugs solved this issue. We were a little uncertain about using the shower over the bath so we had baths mostly.

• Great location, wonderful property. – Robert from Australia – 25 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very nice hotel close to absolutely everything in Florence. Easy walking to galleries and sights with lots of restaurants close.
  
  What could be improved: If you are a light sleeper you might want to take good earplugs. Street noise at night time is a minor inconvenience for being in the centre.

• Highly recommend!! – Lisa from United States – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  Stunning accommodations

• Superb – Vishali from United Kingdom – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location and beautiful hotel. Very tastefully decorated. A really good continental breakfast

• Good – Shagun from Kenya – 21 April 2025 (7/10)

  Great property… the owner has made an effort in decorating and maintaining the property. Very pretty and classy. I would highly recommend this place.
  
  What could be improved: Staff…. Probably a language issue but I found the manager lacking customer service skills. We stood in the rain waiting for him to open the door because he was busy buying food from the food stall outside. Also the google maps location is incorrect. The property name is hidden by the food stall shed outside. Finally, the noise outside can be overbearing.

• Took my wife children and partners and they all loved it – Nordi from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location and quality of the rooms
  
  What could be improved: No issues at all

• It was a magical trip. We enjoyed the hotel and all of Florence – Alison from United States – 12 January 2025 (9/10)

  Very home-like and comfortable in an exceptionally good location
  
  What could be improved: Bathtub in the center of the room was difficult because I was traveling with my teenage son

• Superb – Kiran from Canada – 5 January 2025 (9/10)

  Stay was perfect
  
  What could be improved: Not much variety for breakfast for those vegan eaters

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities