The Artists’ Palace Florence

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Florence hotels, and The Artists’ Palace absolutely nails that sweet spot between character and comfort that’s honestly pretty hard to find in the centro storico. The location on Piazza San Lorenzo is just… well, it’s perfect if you actually want to feel like you’re living in Florence rather than just passing through. You’re literally steps from the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, but more importantly, you’re right in the thick of where Florentines actually go about their daily lives.

The thing that struck me first walking in was how they’ve managed to keep that authentic palazzo feel without making you feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. The rooms have these gorgeous original frescoed ceilings – and I mean actually original, not reproductions – but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms work like they should. You know what I really appreciated? The windows are thick enough that you don’t get woken up by the early morning delivery trucks that seem to rumble through every narrow street in this city around 6 AM. The staff clearly knows their stuff too; when I mentioned I was looking for a decent aperitivo spot that wasn’t overrun with tourists, the front desk guy immediately pointed me toward this little enoteca on Via Faenza that I never would have found otherwise.

Here’s the thing about staying right by San Lorenzo though – yes, you’re going to deal with some crowds during the day because of the market, but honestly? It dies down by evening and you get this incredible sense of being in the real Florence. Plus, and this might sound silly, but there’s something magical about stepping out your hotel door and seeing the Brunelleschi dome just sort of… there, framed between the buildings. I mean, you could walk to the Duomo in about three minutes, but you’re not dealing with the constant chaos of staying right on a main tourist drag. The 9.1 rating makes total sense when you experience it – it’s that rare place where the location, the building’s history, and the actual service all come together without feeling forced or overly polished.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with City View with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Family Suite with 2 single beds, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 single bed for 4 adults
• Deluxe Suite with 2 single beds and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults
• Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Supriya from India (9/10)

  We loved the location of The Artists' Palace. It was so convenient to come back and rest for a while and be back for sightseeing and eating in a matter of mins. Big ups to Dominico (I hope I remember correctly) and the other polite staff to give the right recommendations and make the stay so smooth. We especially loved the Library Bar at the accommodation. The rooms are spacious, clean, bathrooms perfect and the view of the Square below, even better.

• Chester from Philippines (9/10)

  Location was superb! just a few steps and you will reach Mercato Centrale, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi, Accademia and the shopping area. Wide selections of dining nearby.
  
  Room was small but has its charm. Our room was facing Basilica Di San Lorenzo and view was amazing.
  The library is also something noteworthy.
  
  Breakfast is located off the property. They give you a voucher and after a short walk, you'll get to the breakfast place. Breakfast was plated but more than enough to jump start your day. Breakfast was very good!

• Michelle from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Brilliant location with a fabulous view over the square. Lovely room and building. Friendly and helpful staff.

• Helen from United Kingdom (9/10)

  This is a beautiful old hotel with loads of history, right in the middle of Florence. Nothing is more than a 5 minutes walk away and the owner was really helpful and knowledgable. We will definitely stay there again.

• Karen from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location was superb and all the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. A big thank you to Silvana who was especially kind and helpful

• Tina from United States (9/10)

  Felt like home away from home with very large rooms and welcoming atmosphere in a perfect central location. We felt like we had the place to ourselves. We had two very lovely evenings enjoying the library atmosphere and spending time with our family in private.

• Karen from United States (9/10)

  Everything! I wouldn’t stay anywhere else

• Jill from United States (9/10)

  Great location! Very clean. Interesting building!

• Greg from United States (9/10)

  Location ideal
  staff wonderful
  owner was engaged and helpful
  Caterina in the library bar was a gem !!!!!!!

• Catherine from United Kingdom (8/10)

  We loved the history of the building and the quirkiness of the furniture on the different floors. There is a balcony to sit outside and in the evening you can listen to the bells of Duomo and watch bats fly.
  We also rated visiting Basillica of San Lorenzo opposite the hotel … an enormous wow factor and maybe better than Duomo as no queues?
  Although slightly disappointed that we had to walk a few minutes to have our breakfast the venue was beautiful and the breakfast very tasty.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities