LOCANDA DEI GUELFI, Florence

Locanda Dei Guelfi sits on the third floor of a historic building in the San Lorenzo Central Market area, placing you steps from the Fortezza da Basso, the Congress Palace, and the Duomo. The train station is a 5-minute walk, and the tram from Florence Airport arrives at the same station for €6. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and handicraft shops are on the surrounding streets. The terrace delivers sweeping rooftop views over Florence's churches, monuments, and alleyways, while the nearby tram stop and bus connections make it easy to reach the city centre or explore further afield. The immediate area is lively during the day, with many people about, but rooms with double glazing can help keep street noise at bay.

All rooms have private bathrooms with showers, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries. The Classic rooms blend Tuscan style with wooden and terracotta floors, period furniture, and double pillows. Superior rooms are the largest, adding a sofa corner that can serve as an extra bed for a third person. A mini-apartment with a kitchenette and small fridge is available for groups of 4-5 people via two communicating rooms, one with a cosy attic and wood-panelled ceiling. Every room includes individually controlled air conditioning, a 30-inch smart TV, a safety deposit box, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. Queen beds measure 160 x 195 cm. Rooms without footboards can be requested for taller guests. The property has no elevator, so those on upper floors must climb about 70 steps. Some rooms are in the attic with skylights. Rooms with double glazing improve quietness; those without may experience street noise. Daily housekeeping is provided, and towels are changed frequently.

Breakfast is a buffet offering bread, pastries, cereal, fruit, yogurt, and hot drinks, including made-to-order cappuccino and espresso. It is available for an additional €10 per person and served from 8:00 to around 10:00. The dining room has a direct view of the Duomo's dome. There is no restaurant or bar on site, but the surrounding streets have many dining options within a short walk. The kitchen is used by staff for meal preparation, so cooking smells may occasionally be noticeable in nearby areas. No hot a la carte breakfast items are available. During spring and summer, drinks (not breakfast) were previously served on the roof terrace, but that service has been discontinued; the terrace remains accessible for guests' own use.

The roof terrace is the main leisure facility, providing a space to relax and take in the skyline. Access is via a tight spiral staircase from the top floor. The terrace is open year-round, though it can be cold in winter and hot in summer; there is no shading or seating beyond the existing furniture. It offers a unique perspective of the city's churches, monuments, and alleys, making it popular for sunset moments. No other wellness or leisure facilities - such as a spa, gym, pool, or garden - are available.