Hotel Cardinal Of Florence

This hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its stunning rooftop terrace which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, including the Duomo. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff as a major asset, making every interaction pleasant and supportive. Its central location is also a significant draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions. However, a recurring point of feedback is the absence of an elevator, requiring guests to ascend several flights of stairs to reach the hotel entrance. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, couples seeking romantic views, and solo female travelers who appreciate feeling safe and well-supported. It is particularly suited for fit travelers who are comfortable with stairs. To maximize your experience, be prepared for the stair climb and consider utilizing the beautiful rooftop for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most celebrated amenity is its rooftop terrace, offering spectacular 360-degree views of Florence and its iconic landmarks, including the Duomo. This space is highly valued by guests for enjoying coffee, bringing their own drinks, or simply relaxing and taking in the city's beauty, though some note a lack of shade during the day. A significant point of note is the absence of an elevator, as the hotel reception is located on the third or fourth floor, requiring guests to climb multiple flights of stairs. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though some guests experienced slow or spotty connections. For convenience, a self-service coffee machine, juice, and water are provided throughout the day, allowing guests to refresh themselves at their leisure.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is somewhat mixed. Most guests found their rooms to be clean and generally comfortable, with some describing them as spacious and well-appointed. However, a notable number of reviews mentioned that rooms appeared dated or in need of renovation, with specific concerns about cracked walls, mold in bathrooms, or dirty shower seams. While many praised the comfortable beds, some found the mattresses to be less than ideal or bouncy. A significant and recurring issue is noise, with many guests reporting thin walls that allowed sounds from neighboring rooms and the corridor to be easily heard. Additionally, rooms facing the street were often affected by loud street noise from nearby bars and late-night activity, leading some to require earplugs for a restful sleep. The air conditioning was generally effective, though some experienced issues with its control or noise. Showers were frequently described as small, with occasional reports of low pressure or maintenance issues.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is varied. Most guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast, describing it as good, fresh, and covering the basics, often including croissants, pastries, and biscuits. Some found the breakfast to be quite basic or essential, with limited variety, while a few noted that it was not always available as advertised. A self-service coffee machine is provided, offering coffee, juice, and water throughout the day, allowing guests to help themselves. However, some guests found the coffee quality to be mediocre, noting it did not compare to the rich taste of traditional Italian espresso. It is important to note that the hotel does not feature an on-site bar or full restaurant, with guests typically exploring nearby eateries for lunch and dinner. The availability of free water and juice throughout the day is a welcome convenience for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, consistently praised by guests for its convenience. It is situated just a few minutes' walk from the Duomo and other major Florence attractions, making it incredibly easy for guests to explore the city on foot. Many reviews highlight the ability to walk everywhere, from museums and churches to popular restaurants and shopping areas. The hotel is also within a reasonable walking distance, about 15-20 minutes, from the train station and tram depot, facilitating arrival and departure. While the immediate area is lively with bars and restaurants, especially at night, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere, some guests noted that this also leads to street noise. For those arriving by car, parking is available nearby in a private garage, though guests should be aware of potential costs.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at this hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, standing out as one of its strongest assets. Guests describe the team as exceptionally friendly, warm, helpful, and attentive, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. A frequently highlighted service is their willingness to assist with luggage, carrying bags up and down the multiple flights of stairs to the hotel entrance, which is greatly appreciated given the lack of an elevator. Staff members are also highly commended for providing excellent city guidance, offering insightful recommendations for restaurants and attractions, and assisting with bookings or directions. Their proactive and caring approach, from offering welcome drinks to helping with unexpected emergencies, creates a truly personalized and memorable experience for visitors.