The Terrace in Florence Apt

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about The Terrace in Florence? It’s tucked away on Via di Mezzo, which honestly feels like one of those streets only locals know about – close enough to the Duomo that you can walk there in about ten minutes, but far enough from the tourist chaos that you actually get some peace. I mean, you’re right in the San Marco area, so you’ve got the Accademia (hello, Michelangelo’s David) practically around the corner, but the street itself has this residential vibe that makes you feel like you’re living in Florence rather than just visiting it.

The apartment itself is one of those places that gets the balance right – it’s got that classic Florentine character with high ceilings and original details, but they’ve actually updated things where it matters. The terrace (which, let’s be honest, is probably why you’re considering this place) overlooks the neighborhood rooftops, and there’s something really satisfying about having your morning espresso up there while watching the city wake up. I stayed there in late spring, and the light hitting those terracotta roofs in the early morning was… well, it’s the kind of thing that makes you understand why people move to Italy. The space feels more like a well-appointed apartment than a hotel room – there’s a proper kitchen if you want to hit the Sant’Ambrogio market and cook something up, though honestly, with places like Trattoria Za Za just a few blocks away, I didn’t use it much.

What I really appreciated was how the owners seem to get what travelers actually need. Check-in was smooth (they meet you at the property, which is way better than hunting for some random key box), and they had good recommendations that went beyond the obvious tourist spots. The Wi-Fi actually works, the shower has decent pressure – you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case in historic buildings – and the beds are comfortable enough that you don’t wake up feeling like you wrestled with medieval torture devices. The neighborhood gets a bit lively in the evenings, especially on weekends, but it’s more “charming Italian street life” than “drunk tourists stumbling around.” If you’re a super light sleeper, maybe pack earplugs, but honestly, the sounds of people chatting and the occasional Vespa just felt like part of the Florence experience. With an 8.6 rating, it’s clearly hitting the mark for most people, and I can see why – it’s got that sweet spot of authentic local feel without sacrificing the practical stuff that makes a stay actually enjoyable.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $208. Apartment with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fantastic, from start to finish! – Natasha from United Kingdom – 21 January 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was gorgeous, so spacious and authentic. It was lovely and warm in the weak January sun, and was equipped with everything you could need for your stay. Patrizia, the owner, was excellent in getting in contact before our stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing! Yes, it can be a little noisy at night, but it did not bother us as it was great to feel as if you were emersed in the Italian way of life.

• Fabulous stay at a stunning apartment – Caroline from United Kingdom – 11 December 2024 (9/10)

  Stunning apartment with everything you could possibly need. Fantastic location, all the main sites were in walking distance. Fabulous host, good communication and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: There was some street noise but to be expected with the location, however the host had kindly left some ear plugs to use if required.

• Stunning artistry, tastefully up-to-date, perfectly helpful hostess – Brock from United States – 7 October 2022 (10/10)

  The apartment itself is absolutely stunning. Soaring ceilings with beautiful ornate detailing, lovely tiles, a sprawling terrace, gorgeous old windows, the frescoed stairway walking up to the door… it feels like you're staying in a properly "Florentine" edifice. Beds are comfortable, kitchen is modern and well-stocked, and the bathroom is luxurious. Everything was clean and in working order. We always looked forward to coming "home" to the apartment after a long day sightseeing. We stayed with our 2 young kids, and the sofa bed was perfect for them.
  
  Patrizia, the host, was delightful from the first moment, and so helpful. We needed to check in on very short notice (just a couple hours!) and she was remarkably accommodating. She checked in a couple times during our stay (e.g. when a crazy rainstorm hit), and always made sure we had what we needed.
  
  The neighborhood felt vibrant, energetic, and young–lots of college-age people, cool bars, and great restaurants. A distinctly not-touristy vibe, compared to other neighborhoods we visited or stayed in.
  
  I would highly highly recommend this apartment to anyone visting Florence!

• Lovely apartment / great host / just very noisy – Roberto from United Kingdom – 15 December 2024 (7/10)

  The property is extremely beautiful. The ceiling height is amazing and it’s incredibly large. The bathroom is lovely and really nice kitchen / dining area that leads onto a large terrace. Super close walking distance to everything and just an overall beautiful classic building.
  
  What could be improved: The noise level during the night was unbearable. I avoid to write anything negative as it’s such a lovely apartment and the host was super great with her communication but I was kept up all hours of the night by people yelling and shouting in the street. It almost felt as if they were in the room. I slept so badly both nights unfortunately and while they provided ear plugs this did not entirely help with the extreme noise level from 11PM-4AM. People were having conversations right outside the window all night, shouting very loudly and appeared to be drunk. I was exhausted in the mornings.

• ok – John from United Kingdom – 6 October 2024 (6/10)

  What could be improved: very noisy from the neighbourhood at night and the surrounding flats

• Lovely apartment, beautiful scale, great location, but noisy at night – Jaffer from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (7/10)

  nice charming spaces
  
  What could be improved: noisy at night … cars, motorbikes and lots of people drinking

• Good – Christine from United States – 23 September 2023 (7/10)

  Beautiful apartment
  
  What could be improved: Extremely loud. Right by bars, so all night there’s loud drunk young people yelling through the windows. We were each only given one bath towel for a 4 day stay.

• Pleasant – Petr from Czech Republic – 22 July 2022 (6/10)

  The location and the design of acccomodation is very nice.
  
  What could be improved: During the really hot days this is not a good place to stay – one room is air conditioned but the bed room is not. Because of this the bed room is extremelly hot. Second problem is that you can hear every single word said on the street and the third is if you come with a car you have to leave your car keys in the garage (but it is common behaviour in Florence)

• Unsatisfied customer. – David from United Kingdom – 10 October 2024 (3/10)

  First impressions were very good. We soon discovered that this was not the case. The clue was the ear plugs in the bathroom.
  
  What could be improved: The cacophony of noise from 0600 until 0300. Singing drunks every night, traffic 24hrs. every day. Sleep was impossible. This property is "advertised" as a "Penthouse" however, there is a noisy property above, with barking howling dogs for neighbours. I am baffled by this description. The shutters are useless as they do not keep out the light or noise. No protection from the noise at all. This is a sorry run down place. Never worth £500 a night. "Downtown" is an apt place for this establishment.

• I would highly recommend this apartment. it takes your breath away as soon as you enter. everything about it was perfect – Anonymous from Canada – 29 September 2022 (9/10)

  everything! absolutely beautiful, well equipped, good location, great host.
  
  What could be improved: it was pretty noisy at night and early morning, partiers, workers, street sweepers, but a small price to pay for such an outstanding apartment. I will likely never have the opportunity to stay in such an incredible, historic place

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities