Hotel Davanzati

Hotel Davanzati is a small, family-run three-star hotel on Via Porta Rossa, right next to the medieval Palazzo Davanzati from which it takes its name. The Fuzier Cayla family has run it personally for years, passing hospitality down through the generations, and the welcome from staff is one of the things guests mention most often.

Rooms are decorated in a Florentine style with pastel tones and modern comforts, and are divided between Classic and Superior doubles. They are not large, as is usual in historic buildings in the centre, but they are comfortable and well kept. A breakfast buffet is served each morning, and the hotel lists a happy hour among its amenities, a pleasant way to start the evening before dinner. A transfer service can be arranged for arrivals and departures.

The location is excellent. The Uffizi is about 300 metres away, the Duomo about 450 metres, the Galleria dell'Accademia 850 metres and the Boboli Gardens about 900 metres, and Santa Maria Novella station is around a ten-minute walk. Via Porta Rossa runs between Via de' Tornabuoni and the Mercato Nuovo, so shopping streets, cafés and restaurants are all on the doorstep. Piazzale Michelangelo is about 1.3 kilometres away for a sunset walk.

It suits couples, solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors who want a central base and friendly service rather than luxury facilities. It is a good choice for a first visit, when being able to walk everywhere is the priority. Rates rise in spring and early autumn, so book early, and check the official website for current offers. As with all hotels in the historic centre, a city tourist tax is added per person per night.

The Palazzo Davanzati next door is a museum showing how a wealthy Florentine family lived in the 14th century and is well worth a visit. The Mercato Nuovo, with its bronze boar statue, is a minute's walk away, and the Ponte Vecchio is about five minutes south. Rooms vary, so ask about the options when booking if you have a preference. The staff are happy to recommend restaurants and help with museum reservations, which saves time during a short stay.