Residenza Santa Croce

Hotel Description

You know what? I almost walked right past Residenza Santa Croce the first time I tried to find it. Via di San Giuseppe isn’t one of those grand Florence boulevards – it’s actually this quiet side street that feels more like a local secret than a tourist zone. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes this place special. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the Basilica di Santa Croce (hence the name), yet when you step inside, it’s like the crowds just… disappear.

The building itself has that authentic Florentine thing going on – thick stone walls that actually keep the summer heat out, and these gorgeous high ceilings that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s elegant apartment rather than a hotel. I mean, Florence can get pretty noisy with all the street traffic and late-night chatter, but the Santa Croce neighborhood settles down nicely in the evenings. The rooms face the internal courtyard mostly, so you’re not dealing with scooters revving up at 7 AM like you might on some of the busier streets near the Duomo. The staff here actually knows the neighborhood – not just the big tourist spots, but where to grab the best aperitivo (there’s this little enoteca around the corner on Via de’ Benci that locals love) and which gelato place won’t have a line wrapped around the block.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to blend the old-world Florence vibe with stuff that actually works for modern travelers. The wifi is solid – I was able to work from my room without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. The bathrooms are updated but still feel like they belong in the building, if that makes sense. And the breakfast situation? Well, it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s proper Italian – good coffee, fresh pastries, and they don’t try to do some weird international buffet thing that just ends up being mediocre. Check-in was smooth too, which honestly surprised me because I’ve had some… experiences with smaller Florence hotels where nobody speaks English and the key system is from 1987. The location really is the star here though – you can walk to the Uffizi in about ten minutes, but you’re also close to the Oltrarno district where the real artisan workshops are. Plus, if you’re into that whole authentic Florence experience, the Sant’Ambrogio market is just a pleasant stroll away, and that’s where actual Florentines do their shopping. The 8.5 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, but it nails what it’s going for: a genuinely comfortable base in one of Florence’s most charming neighborhoods.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $170. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $178. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $185. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $194. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $213. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $259. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Favuloso! – Cherie from United States – 7 June 2025 (10/10)

  It was a cute apartment inside a secure building and a prime location.
  
  What could be improved: We had to go at many flights of stairs with too much luggage.

• Exceptional – Oleksandr from Ukraine – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful atmosphere, very comfortable residence to stay in. The apartment is clean and cozy. We really enjoyed it! Highly recommended!

• Exceptional – Johanna from Belgium – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was great! The owner was very helpfull

• Excellent apartment and location. – Ken from Australia – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Brilliant location and lovely apartment. Manager is great and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The shower cubicle is very small. It’s not easy to fit in if you’re 6’3😁.

• Highly recommended apartment in Florence. – Lilibeth from United States – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  The property is in a central location. A Safe place. Right across Basilica Santa Croce. It has everything you need. Kitchen is adequate .
  
  What could be improved: It can get noisy on Friday night to Sunday night. But it’s Florence nothing unusual . They provide earplugs for people sensitive to the noise.

• Nice work/ leisure stay in Santa Croce – Rafaela from Netherlands – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the property is perfect, you are next to the center without being in the most crowded part of Florence. The apartment has everything you need, it was really clean and the host was really friendly and helpful. In the same street of the building you can find nice restaurants so you don't have to look for restaurants if you don't want too.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine.

• Will definitely return – Mikhail from Germany – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  The location was (is) superb. You are in the center of everything. The flat I had was a one-bedroom flat, with a sofa-bed in the living room. The apartment is very comfortable. The supermarket is few steps (90 m) away. The kitchen has a dishwasher, which is great.
  
  What could be improved: The hosts provided dishwashing fluid, salt, sugar, tea, and a Moka coffee pot. Capsules for the dishwasher would have been a plus.

• Exceptional – My from United States – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  It was great !
  
  What could be improved: The only downside is that he communicated through messages video so I had to constantly repeat his videos to type in the door code. Texting would bebe easier

• Superb – Snyman from South Africa – 11 December 2024 (9/10)

  The location of the Residenza is magnificent. The windows of my 3rd floor apartment opened onto the ancient stone walls of the Santa Croce church. The stately entrance of the Residenza and the stone staircase contrasts beautifully with the modern interiors of the apartments. The kitchen is well supplied. The bedrooms are comfortable and airy. A haven to return to after a hard day of sightseeing.

• Exceptional – Desiree from Canada – 8 December 2024 (10/10)

  This apartment was in an amazing location, right beside the Basilica Santa Croce and is within walking distance to all other main attractions. The apartment itself was nice and clean and very spacious, with the added bonus of there being a washing machine. The host was very kind in ensuring self check in went great and being available should there be any problems. This was one of my personal favorite apartments I have stayed in Europe during my 3 month trip!

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