Berchielli Hotel Florence

This was a great find for my husband and I. We could get anywhere, were treated very well and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

I researched many hotels before deciding on this one to stay a week in Florence. It turned out to be a great choice. First of all the location was great. It is a short walk down river from Ponte Vecchio. Always a great view. This made it easy to visit activities on both sides of the Arno. I recommend walking up to the Piazzale Michelangelo when you first get there while you have the energy and to give you a great overview of the city. We were there Oct 9-16. We lucked out on perfect weather. We took a taxi to the hotel from the airport which took about 20 minutes. It cost 25 euros, a little more since it was Sunday. At the Berchielli, the staff is excellent. This includes front desk, breakfast and daily maid service. We booked the basic room so was pleasantly surprised to get a nice room on the 5th floor with a terrace overlooking the courtyard. This was fine because we wanted it to be quiet with an inside room and it was. You do hear a church bell but it just made it more charming. The room configurations are all different. Ours included a desk and small stocked minibar with enough room for our own bottle of water. The bed was on the firm side but surprisingly comfortable. We slept well. The bathroom was clean with a shower/bathtub combo. If you like lotion or hair conditioner, bring your own. I thought the blow dryer worked well. One reason I decided to stay here was because it had a full buffet breakfast. There were scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, thin pancakes, rolls, bread you could toast, pastries, whole and cut-up fresh fruit, yogurt, custard, cereals, cheese, juices, ice, coffees and tea. I like a big breakfast so I don't need to worry about a big lunch and instead use the time to visit the museums and sights. I didn't find anywhere special to recommend for dinner but it was all fairly good with similar offerings. We took a bus tour to Siena and San Gimingano one day and would recommend that. We also took a bus tour one afternoon to Pisa which I enjoyed but wish I had time to see more on both tours we found on the internet. I couldn't imagine some of these places in the heat and crowds of summer since I thought it was fairly crowded most places we went. Expect lines at the Uffizi and Accademia which we got reserved tickets ahead of time. Also there can be lines at the Duomo both to go inside and to climb up to the top of the cupola for amazing views. May not be good for those afraid of heights or claustraphobic. Plan on going to the Cathedral's museum to learn about what it was supposed to look like. Try and catch a guide for better understanding. Visit the Piazzas especially della Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi. We really visited most museums and churches that were recommended by quide books. Something to appreciate and learn in them all. Plan on visiting the Pitti Palace and take plenty of time to see all the exhibits and gardens. There is always more to see at museums that you think. Prices may seem high for some but it's part of the experience. We also took a train to visit Lucca. Love exploring little Tuscan towns. Do your research and plan wisely so you can see all you want as well as take in the beauty and charm of the area like sunset on the bridges, eating gelato and enjoying evening walks. The city is well lit-up at night. It is full of every high-end name brand store. Plan to have enough Euros on you since most museums just take cash. Also be prepared that the museums don't allow photos to be taken and are well watched. I think so you have to buy the books. Be stealthy. This is a wonderful hotel and place to visit especially if you appreciate art, architecture and history. Yes, there can be mosquitoes so be prepared if you are not covered up.

The room was large and comfortable. We had a beautiful balcony that was the highlight of the room. Bathroom was small with a strange shower. No English speaking TV stations. Breakfast was included and was very good. Hotel staff was helpful. It is not a 10 minute walk from the train station. It took more like 30 min. Would recommend taking a taxi as dragging the luggage though the streets was not fun. 5 min walk to the Uffizi and a 20-30 min walk to the Accademia depending on how lost you get. Good location for shopping as it's very close to the markets. I would recommend this hotel and would stay here again.

We were very happy with our hotel. The location directly across from the Arno River was gorgeous! Everything was within walking distance!

An excellent hotel with equally excellent service in a beautiful city. We would recommend this hotel and definitely stay there when we are next in Florence.

Very nice hotel with an excellent location. Sumptuous breakfast buffet and we also enjoyed the small bar where Giovanni was serving his very dry martinis.

Perfect location; walking distance to all! Strolling from place to place sampling local food and wines was dreamy. Our last night sunset along the Arno was memorable.

Hotel was very clean. Room was large, in fact for three adults there was a single in a small separate room and an additional bath. Staff was the best of all my stays in Italy. Very helpful and pleasant. Breakfast exceeded our expectations. Only drawback is that the WIFI is slow and sometimes unresponsive both in the room and in the lobby. I will stay here again on our next visit. Great location along the river. No view from our room but right in the middle of the attractions.

Great Hotel in the middle of it all, right on the ponte vecchio. The most beautiful bath I've seen in a hotel. Just a short walk to the piazza Della signorina. Internet connection was spotty, but soon learned that's just Italy (next time I'll leave the computer at home) Would go back in a second!

The magic began as we were shown to our room.We opened the shutters and the curtains framed an unforgettable view of the Arno River. Looking to the left there was the Ponte Vecchio, looking to the right there were layer after layer of bridges crossing the river with their perfect reflections mirrored in the water. Looking across, there was a bell tower, a fixture of of Old Europe. The buffet breakfast was such a spread, a variety sure to please everyone and the service was supreme, people just waiting to meet your every need. This service level lasted for the entire nine days and we were never disappointed. It was obvious that someone spent a lot of time ensuring that the details defined their hotel. Location, location, location we are told is of utmost importance. Well, again this hotel comes out on top. Shopping, trattorias, historic sights, all within a few feet of your hotel. Your main worry is "Can I do it all?" If there was any complaint at all it was with the master control of the room temperature. It was controlled centrslly by the hotel powers that be, and if your comfort level didn't agree with theirs, your only means to control room temp was to open or close the window. It was not a big deal, but just took a day or two to adjust to that style of modulating a comfort zone.. It's a bargain at any price. All in all, run, don't walk to the Berchielli