The Old Palace- Luxury Suites Signoria

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Old Palace? It’s actually tucked away on this tiny cobblestone street – Via Calimaruzza – that most tourists completely miss, even though you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Duomo. I mean, I’ve stayed in Florence probably six times over the years, and I’d never even noticed this little alley before. The building itself has that weathered stone facade that screams “I’ve been here since before America existed,” but honestly, that’s half the charm.

The suites are where this place really shines, and I’m not just saying that because they slap “luxury” in the name. The ceilings are ridiculously high – we’re talking those dramatic vaulted ones with exposed beams that make you feel like you’re sleeping in a Renaissance painting. My room had these massive windows that opened (not just cracked, but actually opened) onto a quiet courtyard, which was a godsend because Florence in summer can be… well, let’s just say you’ll appreciate the cross-breeze. The bathroom was surprisingly modern without feeling out of place, though I’ll warn you – the shower has serious water pressure, which caught me off guard that first morning.

What I really loved was how the staff seemed to know their stuff about the neighborhood. The guy at the front desk (Marco, I think?) steered me away from the touristy spots near Ponte Vecchio and pointed me toward this incredible little osteria on Via del Porcellana where locals actually eat. That’s the kind of insider knowledge you can’t get from a guidebook. Location-wise, you’re in Santa Maria Novella, which means you can walk to pretty much everything that matters – the Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, even across to Oltrarno if you’re feeling ambitious. But here’s the thing: you’re just far enough from the main drags that you won’t hear tour groups chattering outside your window at 7 AM.

The whole place has this lived-in elegance that I find way more appealing than those sterile luxury chains. Sure, the WiFi occasionally hiccupped (this is Italy, after all), and the air conditioning took a minute to kick in, but these feel like minor trade-offs for staying somewhere with actual character. I particularly appreciated that they didn’t go overboard with the “old world” theming – no fake tapestries or cheesy medieval decorations. Just good bones, quality linens, and that unmistakable feeling that you’re sleeping somewhere with serious history.

If you’re the type who needs a full concierge service and a fitness center, this might not be your spot. But if you want to feel like you’ve discovered some well-kept secret in the heart of Florence – somewhere your friends back home definitely haven’t stayed – then yeah, The Old Palace is worth booking. Just don’t expect to find it easily on your first try; even my taxi driver had to circle the block twice.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $226. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $232. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $238. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $243. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $262. King Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $360. Deluxe Triple Room with 2 single beds, 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Very good – Alexandra from Switzerland – 15 July 2025 (8/10)

  Other
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast is only croissants/butter and water, and delivered later than implied. Bakery opens 8am, you will get it towards end of 8-9 window. Just something to know

• 10/10 – amazing room, location and staff. – Lucy from United Kingdom – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Absolutely 10/10 experience through the whole stay – from booking, check-in to our stay, it was perfect.
  
  The location is amazing – 1 minute walk from the major square and lots going on. The room was HUGE and exceeded our expectations in terms of decor and cleanliness.
  
  Croissants, coffee and water delivered every morning on a tray was a special touch.
  
  Communication from staff was fantastic and responded quickly.
  
  I cannot fault our stay at all – thank you! We loved it & would highly recommend to anyone.

• Wow! – Gilad from Israel – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  Evans was a helpful guy and the place was beautiful new and overall amazing. Looking forward to going again!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Great staying Historical Centre of Florence – Marie from Australia – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Size of Room, ComfortableBed, Great Storage, Very Clean, Excellent Location, Morning Croissants, Lovely Bathroom. Air Con and Lift.
  
  What could be improved: No dedicated iron in the room or Ironing Board.
  
  Hair Dryer only had one speed (low) that worked.
  
  No #3 on the Building on Callamaruzza Street, so difficult to see the small hotel sign in amongst others.

• Exceptional stay in the heart of Florence! – Esmeralda from United States – 28 May 2025 (10/10)

  This boutique-style B&B was the perfect home base for exploring Florence. The location is unbeatable, right in the center, and within walking distance to all the major attractions, restaurants, and shops. The property was charming, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Breakfast was a great bonus, and the host, Evans, went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. He was incredibly helpful with recommendations and local tips. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Florence!

• Perfect experience in Florence, highly recommend – Rares from Romania – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  10/10, it was amazing
  
  What could be improved: I had nothing that i did not like

• Comfortable, relaxing property. Met all our expectations. Evans, the manager, was wonderful! – Alexandra from United States – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean. Good bath and shower. We loved it that we had an actual top sheet and comforters as we needed them, instead of the impractical all in one top sheet/ comforter cover that seems to be so common these days. Beds were super comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: I disliked the smell upon entering the building and the elevator smell. But the second floor, where the Old Palace is was fine.

• Excellent for the location and price. – Roberto from United States – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very modern and nice location
  
  What could be improved: They charged for leaving the luggage after checking out.

• Superb – Jessica from Indonesia – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  Not too far from train station and city center. Great host too. Evan made as early breakfast as we had train to catch. Thanks😊

• Perfect for sightseeing and really comfortable – Lili from Hungary – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location was perfect, the bed is comforable. The rooms are clean and spacious. We got surprise breakfast which was very delicious.
  
  What could be improved: The nights can be really noisy because of the people on the streets. We bought earplugs and it solved the problem.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities