LOCANDA ORCHIDEA - B&B

Really liked the changes made; now has new ensuite bathrooms and nice decor; a new breakfast room as well. However, street-side rooms are extremely noisy until almost 2:30 am due to the pub down the street. This was my 3rd stay here (because it is so close to the Duomo area) but doubt will stay again due to the noise.

From the moment we arrived at historic Orchidea - B &B ( an 800+ year old building with the mixed charm of old world styling, modern electricity, plumbing, free wifi) we were greeted with efficiency,respect and genuine friendliness from our “Inkeeper” Luciano and his lovely wife. . The bed was quite comfortable and appeared to be a new mattress, a big priority and plus for us...who have endured less comfortable and more primitive conditions in other hotels round the world. The included daily breakfast offered a marvelous coffee machine, various intriguing and delicious fresh baked croissants, rolls, cakes and specialty pies, a pleasant array of cheeses and meats, yogurts, cereals and juices. The area is obviously chock full of things to do and see, and Luciano provided very helpful advice, referrals and maps on how to get anywhere. We didn’t rent a car for our entire stay in Florence, and thus happily avoided crazy driving through labyrinthine small streets, much more fun to see and explore on foot anyway. While there is no subway in Florence, there are busses and a rail system not too far from the hotel. Dining? You cannot walk very far without finding myriad choices for casual and delicious eateries. We have the privilege of being able to travel all over the world, and the combined accommodations and pleasant nature of Luciano made Orchidea one of our favorite places to stay in Europe. We will definitely book there again for any future trip to Florence.

Beautiful!

It was a mini-vacation in Florence with three-night stay in the Locanda Orchidea. It is pretty small hotel located in an ancient tower more than 800 years old. We saw a graving in local museums, where this tower still stays alone, without surrounding buildings. However, room was spacious (like bedroom and living room separated), air conditioner works well and Internet is quick enough - what do you need more after a day of walking in hot Florence weather. Owner is available on site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Coffee and water are available in the shared fridge (there is no fridge in room) for 50c round-the-clock. Breakfast is fresh and tasty enough. Location is great and close (1 km or less) to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, grocery shops, Santa-Croce basilica, Uffizi Gallery, etc. From the breakfast room, you can see pretty inner garden with ancient statue and bath. It is usually locked but you could ask owner to open gates for a moment. What is not so positive is that the shower cabin is too tight, if you are a really big man. However, where do you see something different in Italy, for exception of luxury hotels?

Orchidea is a B & B built in 1250. High ceilings and A garden in the back. We rented a 3 person room and the extra room was more than worth the nominal extra cost. Breakfast is basic continental w some fruit. Service is fine. The location is great. Every part of the city is in walkable distance. The street itself is cool with good local eating places and nice shops. Felt like we had an apartment would stay here again.