San Giuliano Inn

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about San Giuliano Inn? The lobby actually smells like old Florence – that mix of aged stone and polished wood that you get in buildings that have been standing since before America was even a thing. It’s tucked right on Via Cavour, which honestly is one of those streets where you feel like you’re walking through history but still have decent wifi and a good espresso bar around the corner.

The location is pretty brilliant, actually. You’re maybe a seven-minute walk from the Duomo (I timed it because I’m nerdy like that), but far enough from the madness that you won’t hear tour groups chattering at sunrise. Via Cavour runs straight toward San Lorenzo market, which means you can grab fresh produce and those little leather goods the vendors push on tourists – but here’s the thing locals know: go early, around 9 AM, before the cruise ship crowds descend. The hotel staff actually told me about this tiny osteria called Il Latini that’s basically hidden in the side streets near San Lorenzo. I mean, you’d walk right past it, but they serve this ribollita that’ll make you question every soup you’ve ever had.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep that authentic Florentine feel without making you suffer for it. The rooms have these thick stone walls that keep things surprisingly quiet – even when I had a room facing the street, the double glazing actually worked. The beds are proper comfortable (not those rock-hard European mattresses that leave you walking like a question mark), and honestly, the shower pressure was better than my apartment back home. There’s this courtyard area where you can sit with morning coffee, and in early evening, the light hits these old terra cotta tiles just right. It’s sort of magical, but I don’t want to oversell it.

The staff feels genuinely local rather than hotel-school polished, which I appreciate. They’ll tell you real things, like how Via dei Ginori gets absolutely packed around 11 AM when the cooking classes let out, or that Thursday evenings the street musicians set up near Santa Maria Maggiore and it’s actually worth the detour. Check-in was smooth – none of that standing around while they photocopy your passport three times nonsense.

One small thing: parking is basically non-existent right there, but there’s a decent garage about two blocks away on Via Nazionale if you’re driving. Most people don’t need to worry about this since the train station is walking distance and Florence is totally manageable on foot anyway. The breakfast spread is solid – proper Italian coffee, fresh pastries from somewhere local (not those sad hotel croissants), and they actually have decent prosciutto and cheese. Nothing fancy, but it sets you up right for a day of dodging selfie sticks at the Uffizi.

With a 9.5 rating, you’d expect this place to be flawless, and while it’s not revolutionizing hospitality, it just does everything right without trying too hard. It feels like staying at your cultured friend’s family place in Florence – assuming your friend has excellent taste and understands that comfort doesn’t have to be boring.

Rooms

• Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Suzanne from Germany (10/10)

  The San Giuliano Inn is fantastic! From the moment we arrived, we felt special. We were greeted with a smile from the owner of this small, 6 room hotel. Dexter took care of every need in the mornings with our coffee and croissants, the perfect way to start our day. He is one of the highlights of our vacation. Exceptionally clean rooms to come back to after a day of exploring Florence. Great location, just a few minutes to the Duomo square area. We won’t stay anywhere else but here on our next visit. It was perfect!

• Donald from United States (10/10)

  We loved the room! Everything was really nice. Clean, well appointed, great location. The staff were friendly, helpful and available as needed. The elevator was really a plus.

• Sharon from United States (8/10)

  Breakfast was delicious: a fresh croissant and coffee. Yum. Frig was stocked with water and juice. Staff was charming.

• Theresa from United States (9/10)

  It was a lovely room

• Preston from United States (10/10)

  The San Giuliano is well located within a 15-20 minute walk from the train station and most of the major attractions in Florence (Duomo, Uffezi,Accademia,etc).
  The Inn was exceptionally clean and well appointed. The largest bathroom and shower on our 2 week stay in Italy.
  The staff was very nice & helpful with directions and being certain our needs were met. They provide cappuccino & croissants each morning as well as a refrigerator stocked with water, beer & wine (gratis).
  If we ever return to Florence, we would stay here again.

• Jones from United States (9/10)

  Good
  Good

• Alex from United States (9/10)

  The room and staff were fantastic. Waking up in the morning to a double espresso and croissant cannot be beat. There is an elevator to take you to the living space which makes things very easy. Location cannot be beat as it was an easy walk to all of the Duomo, etc.

• Douglas from United States (10/10)

  Great location, staff was super helpful, coffee and croissants in the morning were perfect for our needs.

• Bernardo from Uruguay (10/10)

  Everything was perfect.

• Lee from United States (10/10)

  Beautifully appointed, comfortable beds/pillows, living room gathering spot for friends in another room. Fabulous location, terrific & helpful staff. Highly recommend!!!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities