Relais Gaia

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of places in Florence, and Relais Gaia on Via Guelfa is one of those spots that just gets it right. You know what I mean? It’s tucked into this quiet stretch maybe a five-minute walk from San Lorenzo Market – close enough that you can smell the leather from the stalls in the morning, but far enough that you’re not dealing with the tourist chaos right outside your window.

The building itself has that worn Florentine charm – I mean, everything’s old here, but this feels authentically lived-in rather than museum-perfect. When I walked in, honestly, I was expecting something a bit more generic for a 4-star place, but the lobby actually surprised me. They’ve got this mix of traditional touches and modern comfort that doesn’t feel forced. The staff seems to know their stuff too – when I asked about getting to Oltrarno without dealing with the Ponte Vecchio crowds, they pointed me toward Ponte alle Grazie like they actually live here.

The rooms are… well, they’re what you’d expect for Florence, which is to say not huge, but thoughtfully laid out. I stayed on the third floor (no elevator complaints – this is Italy, people), and you could hear the city waking up in the morning, but it wasn’t that jarring traffic noise you get closer to the station. More like the gentle hum of Vespas and the occasional animated conversation drifting up from the street. The AC actually worked – and if you’ve been to Florence in July, you know that’s not always a given. What really got me was the bathroom – decent water pressure and they’d clearly renovated recently without losing the character of the place.

Here’s the thing about Via Guelfa that most people don’t realize: you’re literally around the corner from some of the best neighborhood spots. There’s this little wine bar, Enoteca Guelfa, that locals actually go to, and you can walk to the Mercato Centrale in about three minutes. But you’re also perfectly positioned for the big sites – the Duomo is maybe a seven-minute stroll, though I’d recommend going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the selfie stick parade.

The 8.2 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s solid, reliable, and the kind of place where you can settle in and feel like you’re staying in Florence rather than just passing through. I mean, the breakfast was pretty standard Continental fare, nothing revolutionary, but the coffee was properly Italian and they had decent pastries. What more do you need?

If you’re looking for Instagram-perfect luxury, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want a comfortable base that feels connected to the actual city – where you can walk to dinner without a map and wake up to the sounds of real Florence rather than tour buses – Relais Gaia delivers. Just book early if you’re coming in peak season; places like this that locals actually recommend don’t stay secret for long.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $132. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• It was a wonderful overnight stay – Junel from United States – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was great. Very close to train station
  
  What could be improved: No shampoo/soap holder inside the bathroom.

• Superb – Marion from United Kingdom – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  The staff was really lovely and kind. Great places for breakfast around and great location

• I would stay here again – Barbara from United States – 17 May 2025 (8/10)

  Cute, cozy
  
  What could be improved: Too many mirrors and less than orivate shower in our room

• A very comfortable stay! – Colin from United Kingdom – 16 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very quiet at night. Bed very comfotable. Great nights sleep. Spacious room well kitted out. Superb internet. Very clean. Staff very friendly. Good check in instructions. Good bathroom. Great family restaurant directly across the street. Loads of restaraunts and cafes near by. The traib station is 5 minutes walk. Everything you want really!
  
  What could be improved: We were uncertain how to open the door onto the patio. There was a small blue light beside switches near the patio door which we did not know what this was for. Perhaps some explanation would help guests?

• Perfect location for restful city break – Nathalie from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location, lovely and clean, so close to so many fantastic restaurants. Very quiet.

• Smaller room but practical, clean and a pleasant place to stay. – Sefton from Australia – 12 November 2024 (9/10)

  We booked this accommodation at the last minute due to a train strike. Close to station, easy self check in and close to restaurants. Clean and quiet even though there is a restaurant across the road.

• Great place. Cute – Julie from Canada – 6 November 2024 (8/10)

  Close to train and easy to get to the centres
  Good breakfast served to our room
  Nice striates outside.
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen server was just outside our door and noisy by 0730 for 0830 breakfast

• Clean, comfortable, close to public transportation. – Patricia from United States – 6 October 2024 (7/10)

  Our room was clean, the beds were comfortable, we had good space to move around and unpack our suit cases in the deluxe room, very close to public transport and a 12 minute walk to the heart of the historic district.
  
  What could be improved: For the 5 days we were there , we were never replenished on the initial 2 water bottles or the two packets of instant coffee. We did ask about the coffee and water and were told we would need to pay extra for it after the first day. They have a teapot, but no way to make regular coffee.

• Lovely small intimate room. Instructions were very clear and easy to follow to find hotel. Breakfast was lovely and beds – Tresa from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (8/10)

  Great location
  Breakfast was lovely and so nice to be brought to room
  
  What could be improved: Kept being woke up all through night with the main big door being opened and closed. People coming in and out of main door. Also wait con kicking in and starting up. Didn’t get a good sleep unfortunately due to this.

• Great stay, neat and comfortable room – Stuart from Ireland – 11 August 2024 (9/10)

  Good location, walking distance to all attractions. Clean and quiet area. Air conditioning was great and a good breakfast.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities