Granduomo

Rooms

The 6 mini apartments branch off from the central light-filled atrium, with a lift that glides between the 4 floors.

Décor wise, things are very similar throughout - discreet shades of gold and cream - and first impressions are good: spacious, light, and elegant. Curtains are theatrically gathered gold brocade, high beds are dressed in crisp white Italian linens, parquet flooring gleams. We felt they could be pepped up - especially the rather dark Comfort Apartment - but larger apartments have a couple of cool details such as dressing tables with bright blue Perspex stools or sloped, beamed ceilings, which lifts them.

But the real reason to upgrade is for a view. We stayed in the Deluxe Apartment with Duomo view, which had 3 tall windows looking out onto the breathtaking cathedral of Florence; quite astonishing on arrival. It seemed as if you could open the window and touch the marble facade, yet the double glazing is so good you could barely hear the hubbub outside. And as a result, we slept very well - although we could hear people walking about overhead, so light sleepers may like earplugs. Our apartment was also very spacious, with room for 2 extra beds.

Bathrooms throughout are in travertine marble, and generally spacious with a shower over the bathtub, or a walk-in shower. Toiletries await in little gold bottles, a cube of perfume subtly scents the room, and a hairdryer hangs in an embroidered bag.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box

Eating

Although there's no restaurant at Granduomo, the in-room kitchenette is perfectly adequate for rustling up a simple meal. You get an electric hob (no oven), kettle, microwave, a couple of saucepans, knives and basic crockery. Families with children will find it very useful. They usually supply some fruit, tea and coffee - but in any the Mercato Centrale is close for other groceries.

But when you have the wealth of Florence's eateries on your doorstep, who would want to miss out? Marinella and Gino have a very good knowledge of the city's restaurants, and will carefully tailor their suggestions towards you; they pride themselves on personal service. They sent us to Ristorante Paoli, and it was excellent. A traditional trattoria with mock frescoes on the wall, a low cellar-like ceiling, and a lovely buzzy atmosphere. The food was top-notch; pesto gnocchi in a gorgonzola sauce (heavenly), pork chops with a cannellini bean sauce and lemon oil, and a delicious tiramisu.

For a lunch snack on the hoof, try the famous and wildy popular All’Antico Vinaio : they serve up the best focaccia sandwiches in the city. The queues snake up the street, but move fast.

Features include:

• Coffee maker
• Hob or stove
• Kids' meals
• Kitchenette
• Microwave
• Restaurants nearby
• Toaster

Activities

• Admire the tri-coloured marble facade of the Duomo and its adjacent baptistery and bell-tower. If you want to climb to the top, get up early (you're perfectly placed!) as soon after opening, the queues go round the block. Brunelleschi's massive dome is still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world
  
  
• Spend half a day in the ultimate Renaissance picture collection, the Uffizi, where you'll find works by Lippi, Botticelli and da Vinci. Book in advance via reception
  
  
• The Bargello Museum has the finest sculpture collection in northern Italy, with a huge room devoted to Michelangelo
  
  
• Piazza della Signoria is Florence's loveliest square; go and admire its statues and sculptures, which include Neptune and Michelangelo’s David
  
  
• Amble over the Ponte Vecchio, admiring the jewellers’ shops, the river Arno and the street performers
  
  
• One of the world's oldest pharmacists, Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, is close. Go and see its magnificent frescoes and chandeliers, then buy some of its exquisite potpourri
  
  
• Stroll and people watch; stop for gelati and caffe in the lovely riverside cafes

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife

Kids

The larger Granduomo apartments, sleeping 4, are ideal for families. You are in easy walking distance of Florence's key attractions, and Marinella loves children and will spoil them rotten. It's a great city to visit with older children (e.g. 8+) who you can trail round art galleries with the promise of ice cream to follow - as Florence is the birthplace of gelato, it would be wrong not to! The apartments are not really equipped for babies and toddlers (e.g. no high chairs or stair gates), but you can request a cot.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Deluxe Apartment with Duomo view (2 bedrooms) and Deluxe Apartment with Fiesole view can accommodate 4 in total and they have a bathtub and shower. The Deluxe Apartment with Fiesole view for 4 has a loft space where children can sleep (there's a nifty pull-out bed) and the Deluxe Apartment with Duomo view (2 bedrooms) has a separate twin room at the back, where it is quietest.

Babies are welcome in all Apartments, and a cot can easily be added, but note that there is no other baby equipment.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Hospital: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Granduomo is on the Piazza del Duomo in central Florence.

By Air
There are some flights to Florence Peretola airport, but most people fly to Pisa Galileo. Rome and Milan airports are about 3 hours from Florence. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport
You could take a taxi from Florence airport, or there's an airport bus which drops off at the Santa Maria Novella train station, and from here it is an easy 10-minute stroll to the hotel. If you fly into Pisa, take a train from the airport to Florence train station - approx 1 hour.

By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence quite easily from London. See the excellent Seat 61 for details.

By Car
You won't need a car if this is just a city visit, but if this is part of a wider tour of the region see our car rental recommendations. The hotel can arrange parking; enquire when booking.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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