Does anyone have any personal information on either of these two Florence hotels? I have read some negative reviews on Bigallo on Trip Advisor saying that some people have been sent to a different hotel when they had confirmation at Bigallo. This is worrisome to me if common or true. I know that RS recommends Soggiorno Battistero. I have the option of staying at either one of these for 5 nights in June. Any pros or cons for either? Both pretty much in same location overlooking the Duomo. I know about the noise related to both, but am thinking with earplugs, air conditioning, and windows closed for sleeping, hopefully, that won't be much of a problem.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
Frankly you couldn't pay me to stay in either. Here is your solution. A hotel (I think RS even stayed here and liked it) on the Piazza del Duomo at about the same room rates as the 2 hotels you mentioned is the Hotel Duomo Firenze at Piazza del Duomo 1. It is nice, right at the Duomo and so you'll be in area you want to be. You will have no noise problem as this hotel has both air conditioning and soundproof windows! There is a pitiful elevator but it's there. Views are gorgeous. Ask for a superior king room for the most comfort. You also will have free wi-fi and satellite tv. Their email is info@hotelduomofirenze.it and their phone is +39 055 219 922 You can see the hotel, rooms, and other things surrounding it at www.hotelduomofirenze.it There is a nice full breakfast buffet and balconies to sit out and enjoy the scenery. You are literally in the center of the attractions you are likely to want to see.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2261 posts
Whoa Nelly-I slept like a rock at Soggiorno Battistero, no earplugs, no AC. Sure it's right there (well, 3rd Floor) at the Duomo, but what a thrill, we loved our three nights spent there. The window sash have been retrofitted with double pane glass, which makes them more sound resistant, and there are heavy drapes too which darken and help quiet the room. And by the way, windows alone will not make a room "soundproof". Nice simple breakfast in the morning brought to the room, the personal service and central location of the B & B were wonderful.
And, talk about a view.
Posted by
OP
Hot Springs, AR
47 posts
Thank you Terri Lynn. The hotel you recommended does look beautiful and I certainly wouldn't mind staying there, but for my dates it will be almost double the cost of the Soggiorno. Have forwarded the info on to my daughter and son-in-law who will be there in September when the rates are lower, so they may be interested.
Dave, thank you as well. It is encouraging to hear some positive feedback from someone who has actually stayed at SB. Will be canceling Bigallo and staying at SB, unless I get some horribly negative response from someone else.
Posted by
1 posts
I went to Florence in 2010 and had a wonderful stay at Casa Rabbatti (recommended by RS). We were with our 2 teens and the room was perfect, great location and Mama Rabbatti was the Italian Grandmother we wanted our kids to meet! She did not speak a lot of English but I had learned some Italian - saved me often! Great choice and very reasonable - no breakfast and quiet with the shutters closed. Josée
Posted by
Brookline, MA
61 posts
We stayed in Soggiorno Battistero on our 3rd trip to Florence in 2013. Loved it. Basic rooms, but the location is the key.
Posted by
Brookline, MA
61 posts
We stayed in Soggiorno Battistero on our 3rd trip to Florence in 2013. Loved it. Basic rooms, but the location is the key.
Posted by
OP
Hot Springs, AR
47 posts
Thank you Sampa. Hope SB will be great for me also, because that's what I ended up booking.
Posted by
4 posts
I am biased, but I like Soggiorno Battistero. (Full disclosure: My cousin, Kelly, owns and runs it with her husband). Every time anyone in the family visits Italy its a MUST. A lot of the family that is closest to her side of the family are accustomed to staying in much more lavish surroundings on a regular basis and they never have any complaints. I think it says something if our Aunt (who's accustomed to 5 star golf resorts and isn't your typical "Risk Steves - live out of a back pack" sort) raves about it. I am more the DIY'er and the back packer sort and this is more than comfortable for low-maintenance people like ourselves who would rather stay somewhere a little less commercialized and more local.