I went to Europe for the first time in May 2007. My friend (a veteran traveler) and I spent about 6 weeks meticulously planning a two-week tour of France and Italy. One leg of our trip led us to Florence. We had booked our stay at the Hotel Privilege online, and were hoping it was going to be okay.

Well, "okay" is a gross understatement. We got lost in Florence (as we did elsewhere on our trip), and when we finally found the hotel (on a one-way street on the Arno River), I pulled over, and my friend ran inside to find out where we were supposed to park. One of the managers (Emmanuello) came out, grabbed our luggage, escorted us to our room, and then went back outside and took our car (where, we never knew) to the place where it was to be parked for the remainder of our stay in Florence.

We were very happy with the size and amenities of our room. It was a large room with a sofa, large window overlooking a small courtyard garden, and a nice-sized bathroom with a tub, shower, bidet, and sink. Everything was spotless, free of strange odors (which is VERY important), and nicely decorated. As nice as the room was, however, it paled in comparison to the hospitality shown to us by our hosts: Emmanuello and Barbara. At the time they were the only two people working at the hotel, so one of them could always be found at the front desk, ready to draw a perfect map to a great place for dinner (La Maremma), or other sites in this beautiful city. Emmanuello even prepared breakfast for us one morning. They were both gracious beyond belief, and truly made my friend and me feel right at home. WHEN I go back to Florence, I will stay at Hotel Privilege.

This hotel has the most delightful host and hostess. They are a married couple who seem to always be available (don't they ever go home?). We felt most welcomed every time we came through the door way. The breakfasts were super! Boiled eggs, tortes, cheese, lox, fruit, juices, yogurt, espresso or cappuchino, milk, sliced meats--with encouragement from the hostess (You eat nothing!). A patio under the trees outside overlooks the streets.
We could not get lost because all we had to do was to find the Arno river, look for a tall landmark, and there we were, home for the evening!
They even made several long distance phone calls at no charge so that I could recover my driver's license that I had left as security at a bicycle rental shop a few hours south of Florence.
Our favorite room was 110, it opened onto a small interior patio, so we would sleep with the door open and not hear any of the outside traffic.
Very comfortable beds and nice bath.
Tell Emanuele that the California Sisters sent you!

Wonderful small hotel on the Arno River. The managers were very helpful and could tell you just where to go and what to see. Breakfast was wonderful and the service was too. The room we had on the water had a wonderful view of the river, but it became a little warm for us with the windows and shutters closed since the AC was off (some guests thought it was getting cold, but we’re from Alaska). We were moved to an interior room the next night and all was well since we could let a breeze blow through. I would recommend this hotel to anyone in this price range.

Hotel Privilege is well situated for visiting Florence. We stayed with a group of ten people for four nights, and found the accommodations comfortable, the breakfast excellent, and the hospitality of Barbara and Emmanuelle to be warm, gracious and helpful.

Hotel Privilege overlooks the Arno about three long (long) blocks up river from Ponte Vecchio. It is also handy to the neighborhood around
Piazza San Ambrigio, which has my favorite outdoor market and shops.

The rooms included air conditioning, which was welcome even in late September. The beds were comfortable, and the rooms good sized.

I can't speak highly enough of the service Emannuelle and Barbara provide. They both speak English, Emannuelle more that Barbara. They were happy to help us with directions, reservations, cabs, and information.

If you do visit, tell them Tom & Erin from California say "Hi!"