HOTEL PALAZZO NICCOLINI AL DUOMO

Location, location, location and the Palazzo Niccolini is perfect for putting you in walking distance of everything in Florence, not to mention right out the door is the Duomo. And whats not to love about a beautiful room in a Renaissance palace. The hotel occupies the upper floors of a historic building, You play for the luxury but if you can afford it, the experience is well worth the money.

We had reserved a single room at this lovely hotel. When we arrived later than we expected because we had missed our train, the hotel manager upgraded our room to an incredible suite to make us feel better. The suite was absolutely beautiful and spacious with a living room, bedroom, large bathroom. The bathroom even had a great bathtub. There was an espresso maker right in the room with great coffee. Breakfast was very good as well. We stayed two nights and were able to walk across the street to tour the Duomo. Great restaurants and even an Irish Pub very close. I would highly recommend this hotel.

The location was superb- the staff was helpful. The room was just above the street facing The Duomo... I didn’t mind the street noise as much the continued loop of canned violin music(I will never be able to listen to theme song from the titanic again)for three nights straight. The room was a bit “musty”. The bath products were Subpar- definitely need an upgrade...My biggest disappointment was the hotel arrangement for a private driver through the chianti region. While he was quite nice -it was expensive and he was nothing more than a driver -not a guide . My recommendation is to go with a group tour. You are most definitely paying for location.

We had wanted to stay here for several years since our last trip to Florence when we first found the Palazzo. The location is unbeatable for touring Florence and on-site parking is a plus (however, given the cost of the room, the charge for parking was overkill, especially since we appeared to be the only people who were staying there who had a car). While several of the staff were courteous and helpful, the owners were downright rude and superior acting when they were at the reception desk. We had a decent accommodation, however, the amenities were greatly lacking, especially in a residence that cost so much per night--for example the shower and a hair dryer that literally burned my hair. The toiletries were mediocre. Breakfast was an ordinary affair as well. The furniture in the salon is rickety and uncomfortable. This is not more than a glorified B & B, but at nearly $500/night, so much more should have been provided. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!

You cannot fault the location if you want to be smack in the middle of the historical part of Florence. Views from certain rooms will be of the Duomo, close enough to touch (!) while your preferred rooms faced the side street or the small courtyard downstairs, because they were more quiet. Rooms are comfy, we sampled four different rooms which varied in size. Bathrooms nicely done and spacious. Very nice breakfast buffet with generous mountain of croissants and nutella tart!! Toast buns, scrambled eggs, ham, fruit etc. You'll have to walk off your breakfast before you head to Perche No! for gelato. Staff very helpful and discreet. Guests were mostly classy couples. If you don't want to hear musical rendition of "Four Seasons" or "Beauty and the Beast" every night, or the chatter from the restaurants down below, and early morning street cleaning, be sure to ask for one of their back facing rooms. Equally lovely just no view of the Duomo.