HOTEL PALAZZO NICCOLINI AL DUOMO

We were struck by the elegance and tranquility of this historic home in the bustling frenzy of Florence in July. Steps away from the Duomo, yet a world away from the hurly burly once you step inside the courtyard doors. The rooms, only 10, painstakingly restored to an authentic, classic period finish were capacious and refined. The staff were proud of their venue and at pains to point out it was not a hotel, but a palace that once housed the workshop for the great sculptor, Donatello, whose bronze statue of David seems pitifully fey beside Michelangelo's marble masterpiece of the same. Service was discrete and outstanding. A residence for the discerning traveller, and one to which we will return with pleasure, though at a less frenetic season in this magnificent, architecturally breathtaking city.

You have to stay here to believe it! The family and staff is top notch. The views of the Duomo are incredible. Book the Royal Suite for the most incredible stay of your life in Firenze! Bellissimo!!! Oltre la Luna!

Imagine stepping back 500 years to a palace and being the royal prince or princess. The furnishings, paintings and structure of this palazzo are grand, warm and cozy. The staff is fantastic and the owners--well they are descendants of the Niccolinis who built the palazzo. The duomo was right outside our penthouse windows --and we had the best view of Florence --360 degrees and the duomo was 100 feet from our 15 foot high windows. Breakfast was great. Croissants and fruit, yoghurt, eggs, cheeses. And you dine in opulence with 300 year old frescos. The room was clean and neat and the staff keeps things tidy. The afternoon tea is relaxing and if you want gelato the best gelato in town is downstairs and 5 feet away!! You CANNOT GO WRONG. Close your eyes and live the dream. Ciao.

We were in the Royal room. And royal it was! We felt like we were staying in a palace. And out every window, Il Duomo. It was so close it almost felt we were staying in it. Maggie Smith and Helena Bonham Carter would definitely approve! Also, if you plan on walking around the center of Florence, you cannot be any better situated. By foot, eight minutes to the Uffizi, eight minutes to the Accademia, and right next door is the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. If we return to Florence, no question about it. We will stay at the Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo. Fantastic.

This hotel was one of our favorites during our stay in Florence ! We were warmly greeted by the front desk and they were kind enough to offer us a upgrade to a beautiful suite ! The room was so comfortable and our daughter was able to have her own room which we was thrilled about . The breakfast every morning was so fresh and delicious! When we would return from our morning adventures there would be a poem on our pillows . Really enjoyed our stay here as well as our stay in Florence !