Garibaldi Blu

Unlike many of Florence’s hipper hotels, which can be a little bit too self-regarding, Garibaldi Blu injects a sense of fun into its designer-cool spaces; it feels both slick and modern yet relaxed. Plus it’s in a great location just minutes from the main railway station. The 18th-century townhouse has been pared down to its original features — stone floors, Corinthian pillars and stone vaulting in the central lobby-lounge; frescoed walls in some of the bedrooms — and then mixed with whimsical items such as fake palm trees (made out of recycled tyres) and life-size models of cartoon super-heroes such as Superman and Wonder Woman (the latter are an homage to Giuseppi Garibaldi, General and politician, who made a speech from one of the building’s balconies). The rooms are cool and spare with parquet floors, retro-style furnishings, modish-coloured walls in denim blue, grey or cranberry, and modern art. The best ones overlook the piazza; some have a balcony; the inner-courtyard rooms are the quietest. Breakfast is a buzzy affair with a decent choice of cheeses, meats, pastries and eggs. In the summer months, bag a table in the courtyard.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Walking distance restaurants
• Huge range of eateries for all tastes and budgets
• No restaurant
• Breakfast only
• Free wifi
• Private dining room
• Internet
• Bar

• Shops
• Air conditioning
• Wifi
• Concierge
• Suites
• Sitting Room

• Sights nearby
• 10-minute walk from Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery and 450 yards from Santa Maria del Fiore
• Museums
• Take your pick from the masterpieces of the Uffizi, Palazzo Strozzi and Bargello

• Designer Shopping
• Ten minutes walk from one of Florence's finest designer shopping streets
• Local markets
• Browse the neabry Mercato Centrale

Why do people love staying in your hotel? The right mix between history & modern comfort and the great location

What is there to do in the area? Our location right in the historical city centre, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, is the best place to discover Florence. First the Church of Santa Maria Novella, one of the most beautiful and famous in Florence. Then the Duomo and the Central Market are just 5 minutes walk and the Accademia & Uffizi Gallery (15 minutes). If you love Shopping Via Tornabuoni and the famous shopping district are just around the corner…

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Open from 7.00 am to 10.30 am, the hotel offers a continental buffet and American breakfast, with a selection rich with fresh organic produce. Gluten-free products for coeliacs and those with intolerances are also available upon request.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Our concierge is always at your disposal to suggest typical restaurants where our guest can find the real Florentine atmosphere

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Certain Deluxe rooms and Junior Suites have a privileged view over the church of Santa Maria Novella, original walls and ceilings, their authentic frescoes having been preserved to feature works by artists from the nineteenth century.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? The hotel’s common areas display life-sized Marvel superheroes. Children under 3 years old may stay in their parents’ room free of charge. Upon request we have cots, toiletry products for babies, bottle warmers and high chairs available at no extra cost. For all of our younger guests, a welcome surprise is in store for you. A babysitting service (at a fee) may also be pre-arranged upon request.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? If you are lovers of history or design or you are are just seeking something unusual and original, the Hotel Garibaldi Blu is your ultimate destination in Florence.