Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
A five-star hotel in two Renaissance palaces set in one of Florence's largest private gardens, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
Hotel Casci
A family-run hotel opened in 1926 in two 15th-century palaces on Via Cavour, about 150 metres from the Duomo, with 24 individually decorated rooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Family-run historic hotel
- Area
- San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- hotelcasci.com
Good to know
- Frescoed ceilings
- Family run since 1926
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
Why we recommend it
Hotel Casci is one of the longest-running family hotels in Florence. It was started in 1926 by Mrs Casci, and the local press of the time welcomed it as the first hotel in the city with hot and cold running water in every room. It occupies two 15th-century palaces from the Medici era on Via Cavour, and the rear part of the building was once a convent. Original frescoed ceilings and long, carpeted corridors give it a character that newer hotels cannot match.
There are 24 rooms, each different in size, decoration and view. All have a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a telephone, a safe and a refrigerator. Some rooms are compact, as is usual in historic buildings, so check the room descriptions when booking if space matters to you. Breakfast is served each morning and is consistently praised by guests, and there is a small bar on site for a drink in the evening.
What sets the hotel apart is the personal service. The English-speaking staff are known for helping guests with practical matters, from booking wine tours to recommending restaurants, which is especially useful on a first visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and homely rather than formal.
The location is excellent. The hotel is about 150 metres from the Duomo, close to the Galleria dell'Accademia, and about ten minutes' walk from the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. The Medici-Riccardi Palace is a short walk south, and the Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo are a few minutes west. Santa Maria Novella station is around ten minutes on foot.
It suits couples, families and solo travellers looking for good value and a historic setting in the centre without the price of a luxury hotel. Rates are moderate for the location but rise in spring and early autumn, so book early. As with all hotels in the historic centre, a city tourist tax is charged per person per night, and the street is in the restricted traffic zone, so arrive by taxi or on foot from the station. Check which rooms have frescoed ceilings if that matters to you.
Hotel Casci FAQs
When did Hotel Casci open?
In 1926, founded by Mrs Casci.
Where is Hotel Casci?
At Via Cavour 13, about 150 metres from the Duomo.
How many rooms are there?
Twenty-four rooms, each with a different size, decoration and view.
What facilities do the rooms have?
Private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe and refrigerator.
Is the building historic?
Yes, it occupies two 15th-century palaces with original frescoed ceilings.
Is there a bar?
Yes, there is a small bar on site.
How far is it from the station?
Santa Maria Novella station is about ten minutes' walk away.