Le Stanze di Santa Croce
Florence, Italy
A friendly, cosy, mid-budget B&B, which feels more like home than hotel, in Florence’s colourful Santa Croce quarter
Owner Mariangela Catalani bills her Florence house as a ‘home
away from home’ and, clichéd though it might be, it
certainly rings true for her guests. From the first page her guest
book is full of thanks for the “endless help and
advice”, “exquisite sense of design and attention to
detail”, “tasty breakfast and cooking classes”,
and invitations to “come and see us any time”.
It’s the true spirit of B&B.
Mariangela does not live here; she comes in in the mornings to make
breakfast then returns in the afternoon to make sure everyone is
happy. The 4 rooms – double or twin bedded, with
ensuite bathroom – are small but sparklingly clean and
cleverly decorated. On the first floor is a covered terrace where
Mariangela serves a fresh and varied
breakfast.
She also dishes out valuable advice on what to see and do in
Florence. Those who've been before and seen all the main sights
will love the chance to now get under the skin of this rich and
fascinating city. She'll help you discover the most typical
trattorie and the most genuine gelati, to shop in
street markets and cook cucina casalinga. Benvenuti -
you’re in the right place!
Reviewed by Michael Cullen
Last updated 20 January 2012
Highs
- Mariangela’s warm welcome and service
- Invaluable travel advice and her tailormade cookery classes (taught in perfect English) are very popular
- Sociable breakfast terrace
- At one end of the street is Santa Croce Cathedral, at the other is Michaelangelo's house
- Colourful but not over-touristy neighbourhood
Lows
- The breakfast terrace is a bit shabby and would benefit from a spruce-up
- No hotel-type services during the day
- It gets booked up early
- Nearby alley gets noisy on weekends with lively teenagers
