It has been 19 years since I have last been in Florence and I was very curious to see how much had changed during all those years. Upon arrival, I left the train station and walked to where I would spent my first night, after almost two decades, in one of my favorite cities in the world. So, I had my first experience on this return at the Palazzo Castri 1874; how was it?
Each building is a surprise in Florence, they all have a history or are impressive mansions. With the boom of boutique hotels in historic buildings, each one has to have its own identity and provide something different; and this palazzo offers a refreshing, sophisticated experience to live Florence in a more stylish way.
A hidden oasis
I will start with what makes it different from other hotels. It has a garden called La limonaia, which is large enough to give privacy to the guests looking to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Let’s not forget that Florence is one of the most touristic cities in Europe.
La limonaia has lounge chairs and sofas with umbrellas to rest under the palm trees. And as a good relaxation garden, it has an ice cream cart, a bar -of course- and a pool that connects to the hotel’s spa.
By the way, the spa has a swimming pool with HydroMassage, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, a resting room, treatments and all those things that we love when we take the time to pamper ourselves. I specifically like this hotel for that, for when the traveler’s priority is to relax and get spoiled.
The modernity behind the palazzo
The concept of the hotel is totally contemporary, but classic. This is how you experience it from the moment you enter the lobby, with its contemporary decoration, paintings and design books, but without leaving aside the classic touch of the mansion in which it is located.
We got a very nice comfortable room, overlooking the garden, and from where we were able to see a bit of the Duomo. The space was very good and included a small desk to work on and a modern cabinet with a mirror. By the way, this was the first time where I saw that they offer the traveler a complimentary cell phone, to use during their stay at the hotel. I found it quite practical.
The bathroom… I always like to talk about the hotel bathrooms that leave me completely satisfied, since as I have mentioned in other articles, this is very essential during the stay. Even if they are small (because let’s face it, in Europe they tend to be smaller), they do not have to sacrifice modernity and especially the comfort of the guest.
In this case, it was noticeable that it was new, simple but very nice, illuminated with a blue light that they put for you to relax. The shower was a rain style (I love that they have good showers) and they give you products that the Florentine brand Dr. Vranjes created exclusively for the hotel under the name of La limonaia, such as its garden.
Tuscan breakfast
The hotel has a very nice restaurant overlooking the garden, I really liked its design, especially its hive-like ceiling. Here, they serve you the buffet breakfast every morning, made with Tuscan products.
The location
The hotel is a 7-minute walk from Santa María Novella station and just opposite Piazza Indipendenza. In that street you can find many little bars and restaurants. In fact, we had dinner at a very good brewery that was just a few meters from the hotel.
I was surprised to find Florence just as I left it years ago, I think it changed very little, but I was delighted to see the diversity that is occurring in the hotel industry and how they are rescuing and transforming those historic buildings into contemporary hotels that offer maximum comfort to the traveler.
For what type of traveler is the Palazzo Castri 1874?
I really liked it, I would recommend it to everyone, but I know that each traveler is different. I loved this one for couples and for those who prefer boutique hotels. Also for those who are willing to pay a little more for a more sophisticated experience. Those who like design and modern hotels with a lot of style.
*Thanks to the Palazzo Castri 1874 for its friendly hospitality.
If you want to travel to Italy and would like me to organize your trip or event through our travel agency Tripdreaming, contact me at silvia.lucero@tripdreaming.com.
For editorial questions, please contact me at silvia.lucero@latrotamundos.com.
