Palazzo dal Borgo Hotel Aprile

Set in a 16th-century palace built by the Renaissance-era Dal Borgo family, this is a comfortable boutique hotel with charming old-fashioned style. Original features such as worn frescos and vaulted ceilings create an authentically historic vibe, while classic Florentine floral patterns and soft rose hues add a romantic touch. Rooms are individually decorated, each with a unique charm reflecting its own historical eccentricities: a mysterious floating staircase in one is thought to have led Renaissance-era residents directly down to the street. Although some furnishings may be a bit worn, the hotel is a good value for the money -- and the long-serving staff add a personal, local touch.Despite its setting on a busy street, the hotel is quiet and calm (except in some street-facing rooms). The courtyard garden, in particular, is a pleasant space where guests can enjoy breakfast or evening drinks. A free novella authored by the hotel’s owner, detailing his own special love for Florence, is available in all rooms, adding even more local personality. Though the hotel attracts mostly couples from the U.S., Australia, and Italy, it also sees occasional families and business guests. 

Hotel Palazzo Dal Borgo Aprile’s location on busy Via della Scala is a blessing in disguise: it’s less touristy than other areas, while all major attractions are still within reasonable walking distance. High-end shopping on the popular Via dei Tornabuoni is just a five-minute walk away, while the main train station is six minutes away on foot. Mercato Centrale, the local food market, is nine minutes away on foot, and cultural attractions such as the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery are 10- and 13-minute walks, respectively. Florence’s airport is only a 15-minute drive from the property, depending on traffic. 

All 34 rooms are individually designed in a traditional style, with romantic touches such as four-poster beds, sheer curtains, or classic Florentine floral patterns. Modern amenities help add value and include lightly stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, slippers, air-conditioning, safes, and Wi-Fi access -- but no tea or coffee facilities. Bathrooms are clean and classic, with white and gray marble tiling plus showers or tubs. A small novella by the hotel’s owner is available in all rooms for anyone interested in a native’s insight into the Florentine lifestyle and mentality. Classic Rooms are the entry-level category, while Superior Rooms add more space and special touches like four-poster beds, city views, or frescoed ceilings -- they also come with free bathrobes. Families can opt for Triples, Quads, or Family Rooms -- the latter of which sleeps a total of six. Junior Suites have a small area with lounge seating, and also come with bathrobes. Keep in mind that rooms facing the street are often subject to traffic noise.

Hotel Palazzo Dal Borgo Aprile’s highlight is its charming courtyard garden -- a tranquil space decorated with orange trees and Tuscan terra-cotta tiling. It’s a favorite guest spot during the hotel’s free breakfast buffet, which includes hot options such as scrambled eggs and sausages offered when American guests are present, as well as a gluten-free corner. The bar is a cozy, characterful space with rose-paneled walls and vaulted ceilings, and free Wi-Fi is available here as well as throughout the hotel. The hotel’s art history lectures are a unique touch as well, hosted free for guests and led by faculty members from the art department of the University of Florence. These take place weekly. For those with a car, paid garage parking with included valet service is available via a nearby garage.