Looking at the hotel's website and reading reviews, I am a bit intrigued by this hotel's room 15 that has a private garden terrace. I am planning a Nov/Dec trip to Italy and the room is available for 200 euro a night which is a bit out of my budget (I was thinking no more than 100 euro per night). But maybe I can make up for it by selecting cheaper accommodations else where. Has any of you forum people stayed in this room and would it be worth it? Tell me about the room and view if you can.
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
Kelly, don't have any experience with this particular hotel room. However, if you are looking for a roof top terrace, I can highly recommend Residenza Giotto next door to the Gucci shop close to the Duomo. While the terrace is not private to one room, the residence only has about 6 - 8 rooms. Nice views of the Duomo. We shopped in the market and bought a picnic dinner and had out there one night. Very enjoyable. Paid 140 euro Oct 08 for a double. They have a cappucino machine in an area right next to the terrace. The terrace was also a nice place to have your morning coffee.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
I will be at Hotel Torre Guelfa next week and will let you know. They have a roof terrace on the top of the tower I think where I look forward to having a glass of wine-looking out over Florence.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
We stayed at this hotel as part of a Rick Steves tour in Nov 2008. We weren't in Room 15 though, so I can't help with that.
Overall, the hotel is decent. The tower is a nice bonus giving you some views of the city. You can also get views by climbing the Duomo but it's a longer climb & you obviously can't see the Duomo itself when you're up there. The staff is professional if not exactly warm and fuzzy. The rooms are clean, if a little worn--or at least the one we stayed in (#37 I think) was. On the other hand, it's a 13th century building so...
Breakfast is decent & typically Italian. I seem to recall there being fruit, pastries, and yogurt. They will bring you cappucino or tea on request and the dining room is nice and light.
I personally wouldn't spend 200 euro a night to stay there, but then my priorities are different. Also, keep in mind that Florence in Nov/Dec can be quite cold. I had to buy a new pair of gloves there because the ones from home were woefully inadequate. You might not want to spend much time on said private garden terrace.
Posted by
OP
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
I appreciate everyone's input! I can't see spending 200 euros either but just wondered if for those who did it, was it worth it.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
I loved Hotel Torre Guelfa last week. I didn't get to see Room 15 inside, but saw that it was at the top of the hotel and the terrace looked very large. I climbed the hotel tower and the 360 views were fabulous-same views I think you would have from the terrace.