Palazzo Gamba

Practically within touching distance of the Duomo and situated right on the piazza is the wonderful Palazzo Gamba -- a classical, mid-range, boutique-sized hotel with apartment-style rooms. Its location is hands-down the best in Florence.  The privileged, closeup views of the magnificent cathedral from the privacy of many of its apartments is a major draw. Modest in features, this family-owned hotel provides only the bare essentials in terms of facilities. However, the independence of one’s own apartment is a major draw, and the knowledgeable reception staff are ready to help with local advice. 

Piazza del Duomo and its spectacular 15th-century cathedral is one of Florence’s most popular attractions, and the square is constantly bustling with tourists, street artists, and buskers. It’s jovial and lively, with sounds of street music, conversations, and noble church bells. Despite endless throngs streaming through the square in summer, guests can relax in the private comfort of their apartment while soaking in the atmosphere below. Once the 17th-century home of the noble Gamba family, the hotel retains many original features - including beautifully painted ceiling frescos, sculpted ceilings, and tall elegant windows. The antique Italian furniture may feel dated to some, but it’s an authentic view into classic Florentine living, attracting many guests from the USA, Australia, and Europe. Apartments are spacious and most come with two bedrooms, making them ideal for families and groups -- but the hotel also accommodates plenty of couples and business guests. 

Palazzo Gamba’s location is second to none, right on the Piazza del Duomo and just next door to the cathedral. A wine bar downstairs and pastry cafe across the street are convenient quick stops, while plenty of restaurants and bars can be found around the block. All major attractions are within easy walking distance: it’s a five-minute walk to the Mercato di San Lorenzo, with traditional stalls selling local goods and a popular food market. For a bit of culture and shopping respectively, first head to the Accademia where the "David" is housed and then to Via de’ Tornabuoni’s shiny designer storefronts -- both a seven-minute walk. The stately Uffizi Gallery is an eight-minute walk away, while the main train station is 10 minutes away on foot. The Ponte Vecchio, a characterful 14th-century stone bridge lined with shops, is also a 10-minute walk. Florence’s airport takes 30 minutes to reach in a taxi.

Palazzo Gamba’s 11 apartments are named after classical artists of the Italian Renaissance. They're spacious and include high ceilings, original features, and antique Florentine furniture. Many have spectacular views of the Duomo, which feels within touching distance from the tall, elegant windows. Details include sculpted ceilings and beautifully painted frescos depicting pastoral scenes from the Tuscan countryside. All apartments have a kitchenette and living room, plus flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and heating, and free safe access. Kitchens include both a dishwasher and fully functioning oven, as well as a welcome gifts of locally produced olive oil, Tuscan wine, and bottled water. Espresso machines are provided in some apartments, or can be requested free from reception. Although some bathrooms are a bit on the small side, all are clean, and many have traditional Florentine mosaic tiling. 

All two-bedroom apartments, which comprise the majority of options, have two separate bathrooms and plenty of space. The penthouse has three bedrooms, plus a lovely rooftop balcony with fantastic views over Florentine rooftops and the Duomo. There’s no soundproofing on the original shuttered windows, but the noise dies down significantly at night.

Palazzo Gamba operates more like a serviced aparthotel, offering offering little in the way of common features -- even standards like breakfast are missing. This is of little concern to previous guests however, as there’s a decent pastry shop just across the street, a wine bar downstairs, and plenty of cafes all around. Reception isn’t open 24 hours, but a 24-hour check-in is available for late arrivals. The hotel can also arrange private chauffeured tours of the area at a good value, including personally tailored trips to Tuscany’s wine regions. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hotel partners with a private garage for paid parking -- essentially the only way to store cars overnight in the congested city.