Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence: my review
If you are looking for a luxury hotel that is much more than a place to sleep, the Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence is for you. Situated in the historic Pagliazza Tower, this truly unique building has witnessed centuries of Florentine history, from its Roman origins to the present day. My review is totally positive, I love this property!
The hotel is in the very heart of Florence, a few steps away from the Duomo and piazza della Signoria. It’s just a perfect location.
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Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence: my review
The refined and elegant Brunelleschi Hotel, is a four-star accommodation decorated with classic style. Everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail, and the staff is very welcoming and professional.
The hotel rooms are all different from each other, divided into rooms and suites, they are all very elegant and equipped with every amenity you may desire. Family rooms and connecting rooms are also available.
I visited one of the suites, which is on the top floor of an ancient tower adjacent to the Pagliazza, and it’s truly beautiful. The bedroom has a balcony where you can take in the panoramic view from your outdoor Jacuzzi. You can admire the Duomo and the Brunelleschi dome (plus you can see the back of the Pagliazza Tower). My review is more than positive!
The Brunelleschi Hotel is pet friendly: a welcome kit and a 24-hour pet sitter service are available for the pets of its guests.
- If you want to make your stay in Florence special, read about the best luxury and exclusive experiences in Florence
Furthermore:
- It’s accessible to people with disabilities
- It’s very attentive to food allergies and intolerances: it is possible to have excellent gluten-free meals from breakfast to dinner.
- There is a fitness area with a fully equipped gym and the possibility to rent equipment (e.g. elastic bands, yoga mats, foam rollers and massage balls).
- You can park your car in a private garage, with a pick-up and delivery service for the car.
No need to say the customers reviews are more than positive.
A short history about the Pagliazza Tower
Just a stone’s throw from the Duomo, the oldest tower in Florence is rising in the tiny piazza Santa Elisabetta and is known for being the only semi-circular building in Florence. The Pagliazza Tower was likely built between the sixth and seventh centuries on the foundations of an ancient Roman thermal spa.
In the Middle Ages the tower was used as a woman’s prison, which is likely how it came to be known as Pagliazza (paglia means ‘straw’ in Italian). The reason is because the women were allowed to sleep on straw, while male prisoners slept on the floor. Later it was annexed by the neighboring church of San Michel. Then it was turned into a private home, and finally became a modest hotel.
In the 1980s, Pagliazza Tower was transformed again into the elegant 4-star Brunelleschi Hotel, which incorporated the adjoining buildings. In the basement of the tower you can still see the ancient thermal baths and the original Roman floor. The artifacts of several centuries that were found during construction have been organized into a small but fascinating museum, called the Museum of Pagliazza.
You can visit the museum and the archaeological area below the tower even if you are not a guest of the hotel! Just enter the reception and ask about the museum, they will be happy to let you go there, and the entrance is free.
Restaurants
The Brunelleschi Hotel has two restaurants. The Santa Elisabetta Restaurant is on the first floor, and the Osteria della Pagliazza on the ground floor. The latter also offers outdoor tables on the piazza. Santa Elisabetta restaurant has been awarded with 2 Michelin stars. Osteria della Pagliazza is the more informal bistrot of the starred restaurant.
There’s also a lounge bar called Tower Bar, with a wonderful, lavish atmosphere. At Tower Bar you can try their international and classic cocktails, paired with sandwiches, salads and snacks.
Both offer a sophisticated menu that balances Tuscan tradition with the latest trends in contemporary cuisine. You can try either their tasting menu or the à-la-carte menu, and there are numerous vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options (which I tasted and they were incredibly good!).
Book the Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence
You can safely book the Brunelleschi Hotel on Booking.com to get the best fare and a free cancelation policy. On booking you can also read the many other enthusiastic reviews of post guests.