If the price fits your budget . . . do not look any further. This hotel has captured all the service of a large chain hotel, all the comfort of a small bed and breakfast and all the size of a wonderful villa.

Although we had the "budget" room, it was the size of a 2 bedroom apartment, complete with full kitchen and living room. I kept imagining what it would be like to actually live there, as it was so comfy. We were only there for one night, and believe me, I wanted to stay longer!

The negatives . . . the bathroom did not have a tub, we had to carry our luggage up one flight of stairs, and there was a very odd odor that permeated the suite. Our suite also faced the street, so there was noise in the "living area" of the suite.

However, the palace is so delightful and different, that these negatives cannot overshadow the wonderful experience of this hotel. Beautiful public spaces, astounding breakfast area, museum quality paintings and artifacts throughout (including in the suite itself), and courteous, warm, pleasant staff.

We received an excellent recommendations for dinner and although we really did not have a chance to truly enjoy the hotel, the team made every effort to make us feel extremely welcomed. You can tell that this is a well managed hotel, where each team member has a personal investment in it's success. From the GM to each Service Agent, there was geniune pride and enjoyment in their carriage. It was my husband's birthday, and although I briefly mentioned it in a quick conversation, there was extra effort made to acknowledge it, that was not a put on.

I cannot stress enough how DIFFERENT this hotel is. After our stay, we went on to other "famous luxury 5 star accommodations" in other parts of Italy, and they paled by comparison. It was really not fair - like comparing apples to oranges - this hotel is that good.

Generally, I enjoy travel for the locations as well as the accommodations. I try to experience all kinds of places to rest my head, and am constantly on the search for the best spot. In Florence, I have tried some of the best , including the Westin Excelsior and the Grand, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Although this hotel has a wonderful 360 degree view, I have seen better views from other hotel rooftops in Florence.

But . . . despite the competition, the view, and the negatives, I think I have found my future first choice when in Florence. It offers something unique, a perfect combination of charm, history, location, size and beauty and service to die for!!!! If it is in your budget, don't look any further!!!!

Although we booked using hotels.com, we relied on tripadvisor reviews and were not disappointed. Our three night stay at the palace was outstanding! For this portion of our trip, we were traveling by car. We called in anticipation of our arrival, and the staff kicked into action. We were given easy and accurate directions as well as telephone instructions, so the valet could have the garage door open for us. Annalisa greeted us at the front desk to check us in. Like all the staff, she was courteous and attentive without being overbearing. We stayed in the Matilda suite. All our service was superb making our stay in Firenza one of the highlights of our trip. We strongly recommend this establishment.

We stayed 7 nights at the Palazzo 12/24 to 12/31/07. The description of the hotel that other travelers provided is true. We had the Livia suite, our kids the Guilia suite. The rooms were enormous with 20 foot
ceilings. There was a TV in the bedroom and one in the living room (Sky TV offered English and other language channels) We didn't watch much TV but it was fun to check out Italian game shows and imported American TV with Italian commercials) The rooms looked out on Borgo San Frediano, while not a busy street is like all Florence streets narrow so your view is of the building across the street. Some rooms face a couryard and some face south which has a view. You may want to specify. The housekeeping was good, lots of fluffy huge towels changed twice a day. Bulgari toiletries in 4 oz sizes replenished as needed. Our bathroom was huge, with 2 sinks, toilet and bidet in separate room.The kids bathroom was smaller, but their bedroom was larger. Nice tub and separate small stall shower. Shower pressure was
okay (we like it stronger). On checkin there was bottle of French chamagne in our room and scented soap to choose from.

The rooms are not off a hall but a huge salon where tea and coffee and
ice are replenished several times a day (and sometimes great chocolates are set out.) The elevator is big enough for 3, but is cute
and it being a small hotel, always available. Large bowl of assorted fruit by the elevator, if you need a snack.

Breakfast was nice, fresh fruitcups, wonderful crusty rolls, cheeses, hams, croissants, yogurt, fresh squeezed blood orange juice (among others) Capuccino came decorated with hearts made out of cocoa served by gracious staff with white gloves. (so retro) My son developed a liking for the the pancake (a baked huge pancake) and ate it 7 times. It was 5 euro extra. There were also eggs on the menu, but the rest of us were very happy with the continental offered.

The hotel staff speak good English. They arranged our airport transfers to Pisa which were 175 euros. That seemed like much but the transfer was in nice Mercedes van with a good driver.

There are many outings offered by the hotel for a steep price. We followe the advise of others on the board, booked independently and saved a lot.

The staff booked all our restaurant reservations in advance. I gave a list.

The location of the hotel is great. Though we were there in the winter
the center of Florence was still crowded beyond belief. (We are from New York City and know crowds) This part of the Oltarno is less crowed, maybe a 10 minute walk from the center but has a neighborhood feel. There are great restaurants just down every street and local people shopping in little groceries, pastry shops where they don't speak English but the caffe is under a euro and you sit l with locals not busloads of tourists. (Okay so we're tourists too) The terrace has
a great view, the billiard room is always yours, there is a gym if you have energy after walking all day....

Now the caveat......
The beds are firm. No not just firm, rock hard with a few lumps thrown
in. The comforter is filled with maybe cotton. It is heavy though warm. At first we didn't mind, we like hard beds. But after several nights we were definitely uncomfortable and grouchy.

This was true of beds in both suites. Most hotels pride themselves on their bedding. This was just unacceptable in a place that was billed as 5 star and in all other aspects really is 5 star. Good mattresses, down comforters and down pillows would have put this place over the top. For all we know the linens were Frette but you can't enjoy Frette
when you feel like a Medici lying on a hard tomb. I wrote a letter to the owner as when we left explaining the problem. Maybe if other travelers do the same, they will get the hint.

So overall, a great place for a 2 nights, then better move on. (unless
the beds have been replaced)

We were favorably impressed with the hotel. The staff was very helpful and courteous. We enjoy 6 leisurely nights. There are many good restaurants on the same street towards the Ponte Vecchio in all different price ranges. There are 3 bridges that connect to the main tourist areas and all are very close. The Altrano area is one of the oldest sections of Florence. The hotel helped us arrange travel to the airport and went out of their way by providing coffee, juice and rolls at 5:30 AM on the morning of our departure.