Il Giglio d’Oro

Situated in a charming and rustic Tuscan-style home with a classic terra-cotta roof, the Il Giglio d'Oro is a small property that rents out four rooms and is also inhabited by the owners, Edo and Celia, who live there with their daughter. While simple, the accommodations are homey, and many guests feel as if they’re staying at a friend’s home, raving in particular about the hospitality of their hosts. While the guesthouse has few common areas, the back garden is cozy and charming with a stone wall, greenery, and a red brick patio with a table and chairs and a wicker sitting area. Rabbits -- pets of the hosts’ daughter -- roam the backyard. The property has a familial vibe, and guests are often couples or small families who want a taste of the real Florence along with easy access to city sights. 

Located in a busy, safe, and charming residential neighborhood a little over a mile north of the Duomo, Il Giglio d'Oro gives guests a taste of the real Florence. While situated beyond the city center, the property is still in close proximity to several local eateries as well as to public transportation, which can take guests to Florence’s city center in about 10 minutes. There's a bus stop in front of the guesthouse, and the Cionfo Binlecure train station is a six-minute walk from the property. Guests can also get to Florence’s historic city center in about 20 minutes on foot. Some guests prefer to take a taxi back from the city center when it’s late, as bus service becomes more irregular at night. Edo, one of the property's owners, gives guests a tour of the area and a rundown on the public transportation upon arrival. 

• Six-minute walk to the Cionfo Binlecure train station
• 14-minute walk to Piazza della Libertà
• 11 minutes to Galleria dell’Accademia (with Michelangelo's David statue) via public transport (or 20-minute walk)
• 17 minutes to Duomo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore via public transport
• 23 minutes to Ponte Vecchio bridge via public transportation
• 30 minutes to Uffizi Gallery via public transport (or 30-minute walk)
• 20-minute drive to Peretola Airport (40 minutes via public transport)

The property’s four rooms are individually decorated with a country-cottage feel and charming details such as a vintage streetlight-style pendant light, a wrought-iron bed, a wood beam ceiling accent, or a brick fireplace with a decorated mantle. Floors are tiled and beds are topped with pretty quilts. Each room is named after a color, and a standout is the romantic Purple Room, decorated with rose accents and featuring its own private courtyard with outdoor seating. All rooms have air-conditioning, small LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles for coffee or tea. Some rooms also have pull-out sofas, mini-fridge, or private terraces. En-suite bathrooms are tiled in pink or brown and usually include toilets and bidets, shower stalls, and vanity sinks. They're stocked with body wash and soap and include hairdryers. Rooms facing the street can be noisy, so light sleepers may want to choose a garden-facing room.

This property’s standout feature is the hospitality of its owners, who make guests feel welcome, offering a tour of the neighborhood and of the transportation options. The owners are knowledgeable about the city and can help reserve tickets for museums or make reservations for restaurants. The other highlight of this property is the charming back garden, surrounded by a stone wall and complete with both lounge furniture and separate table and chairs. Despite being called a bed-and-breakfast, this guesthouse does not actually offer breakfast, though it has an agreement with the bar next door, which offers Italian-style breakfast for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.