Residenza Vespucci

Hotel Description

You know what really gets me about Residenza Vespucci? It’s right there on the Arno – I mean, literally on Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci – but somehow it doesn’t feel touristy at all. When I first walked up, I honestly wasn’t sure I had the right place because it looks more like an elegant Florentine palazzo than your typical hotel. The entrance is understated in that effortlessly Italian way, and once you’re inside, you realize they’ve done something pretty special here.

The location is actually perfect if you know Florence at all. You’re in Santa Maria Novella, which means you can walk to the train station in literally five minutes (super handy when you’re dragging luggage), but you’re also right by some of the best neighborhoods for wandering around. The Oltrarno district is just across Ponte alla Carraia – that’s the bridge locals actually use instead of fighting crowds on Ponte Vecchio. I spent most evenings just walking along the river, watching the light change on the buildings across the water. The rooms facing the Arno have these tall windows that frame the view like paintings, though honestly, even the interior rooms are lovely because the building itself is so well-designed. The staff clearly knows their stuff too – they pointed me toward this little enoteca on Via del Moro that I never would have found otherwise, and when I mentioned I was interested in artisan workshops, they had specific recommendations in Santo Spirito that weren’t in any guidebook.

What really sold me on this place, though, was how it felt like staying somewhere real Florentines might actually choose. The decor strikes that perfect balance between historic character and modern comfort – you get the high ceilings and period details, but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms actually work (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always a given in these old buildings). The breakfast room overlooks a quiet courtyard, and in the mornings you can hear the city waking up without the chaos of tour groups. I mean, you’re still in the center of Florence, so it’s not exactly silent, but there’s something rhythmic about the sounds – delivery trucks, shopkeepers opening up, the occasional Vespa. It felt authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find. The 9.4 rating makes complete sense once you’ve stayed here – it’s not flashy or trying too hard, just genuinely well-run with that attention to detail that makes you want to extend your stay. If you’re the type who appreciates being close to everything but still having a peaceful base to return to, this is exactly what you’re looking for.

Rooms

• Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Luxury Double or Twin Room with Balcony and River View with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Suite with Balcony and River View with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Flexible Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Amena from United Arab Emirates (10/10)

  The location was really great, close to all places.. it’s very clean and the owner make you feel home .. he extended our check out time for more than half day with zero amount which was great and we really appreciate it .. he guide us to local good restaurants and how we can get tickets to enter the museums .. the was no breakfast which was for me very good as this helped to explore the restaurants and bakeries for yummy sandwiches and croissants.. the place was very quiet and as I like ..

• George from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The generosity of the hospitality and furnishing – made to feel at home. Perfect location.

• Alison from Australia (9/10)

  Great view over the river.
  Great location, so easy to walk to all major sites, everything within 10mins walk.
  Only 20mins from the airport by taxi.
  Friendly, helpful staff.
  Eclectic decor and interesting rooms, comfy beds.

• Melanie from Canada (9/10)

  the little balcony overlooking the river and the stocked fridge were big winners. Bed was comfy.

• Amani from Kuwait (9/10)

  The room is very beautiful with a lots of vintage antiques I loved it. The host is very cooperative and gave us information about the tourism places. The have daily cleaning and a very nice small lobby. I booked the room with river view and it was magnificent.

• Michael from United States (10/10)

  This property is amazing. Located in central Florence with easy 15min walk to train station and all the tour assembly locations. It is two bridges west of Ponte Vecchio on the Arno river giving you a front row seat to all the great sunset views. This is a lovely boutique hotel with a great management team that makes you feel at home. They had great suggestions for local dining, set up reservations when needed and provided drinks and snacks at any time of day. I can't wait to go back.

• Farshad from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The best welcome we have ever had to a residence. Francesco and Adriana made us feel as though we were home. They looked after us the whole time. Prosecco and parmigiana on arrival, free drinks for all our stay, the most luxurious room on the river, glorious bed, and perfect distance from central Florence.

• Terry from United States (10/10)

  Francesco and Adriana were great, very welcoming, and helpful. The hotel dog Lupo was a great bonus, as we were missing our furry child. They had a great selection of snacks and refreshments available free of charge, which was a great bonus. The room was very clean and had plenty of room. We were impressed at how quiet the room was, the only noise came through the vent in the bathroom, which was easily solved by keeping the bathroom door closed at night. The location is very convenient for all of the tours we had planned and the best gelato was a pleasant walk over the bridge. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby, and also a market and pharmacy. There is a laundry service that allowed us to not have to pack 2 weeks worth of clothing which was helpful.

• Lisa from United States (10/10)

  We had a wonderful room with a balcony overlooking the river. Perfect! The room was clean and comfortable. The host was very welcoming and helpful.

• Robert from United States (10/10)

  Great Location, wonderful staff and a unique decorum that enhanced the Florence experience.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities