"Why book? With a location at the heart of the hip Oltrarno district, rooftop views, a dreamy loggia and latter-day ‘Room-with-a-View’ vibe, this is one of Florence’s most charming three-stars. Set the scene Renaissance-era Palazzo Guadagni stands on buzzing Piazza Santo Spirito, the focal point of life in this authentic Florentine neighborhood. Formerly the quirky Pensione Bandini (where E. M. Forster’s Lucy Honeychurch would have been quite at home), it has legions of long-standing fans, the sort of independent travelers who enjoy the echoes of old Florence and opt for timeless atmosphere over five star services. On summer evenings, the arched, top-floor Loggia Roof Bar is a popular cocktail spot for droves of young Florentines much to the annoyance of the long-term guests who remember the days when it was theirs and theirs alone. It is much quieter during the day. The backstory The hotel occupies the top floors of the aristocratic owner/manager’s ancestral palazzo and is filled with antiques, paintings and prints from the family vaults. The owners have done a good job of bringing the old pensione into the 21st century without destroying its character. The rooms Each of the 15 rooms is different from the next, but all are traditionally furnished with antiques and pictures from the owners’ collection. Several have vast carved stone fireplaces, some have ceiling frescoes; most have fabulous views over terracotta rooftops to the city’s most famous monuments. If you don’t want to be disturbed by the partying in the piazza (especially lively on summer nights), book a room at the back. Food and drink The lack of restaurants isn’t a problem as there is a wide choice of eating options in the immediate neighborhood. The breakfast buffet is laid out in a powder blue dining room with background classical music; it adds to the feel that you are part of an Edwardian novel. The loggia bar has a menu of cocktails, wines, and snacks in the evenings. The neighborhood/area Lovely Piazza Santo Spirito is the hub of Oltrarno life. Overlooked by the iconic blank façade of Brunelleschi’s last church, shaded by lofty trees and lined with pavement cafés, bars, and restaurants, the piazza is home to a small daily produce market and still has an air of ‘Old Florence’ in spite of an increase in tourists in recent years. This part of the Oltrarno is known for the many artisan workshops; a wander round the narrow cobbled lanes will reveal papermakers and bookbinders, wood carvers, cobblers, furniture restorers, and cabinet makers. The serviceOwner-managed, a small team offers very personalized service; recommendations of where to eat and how to get the very best from a visit to Florence come from the heart.Accessibility No special facilities; there is an elevator up to the hotel, but steps into the entrance. Anything left to mention? There are two huge, frescoed suites on the first floor (separate from the rest of the hotel) with balconies overlooking the square." - Nicky Swallow
