Help hotel in Florence Loggiato dei Serviti/Hotel Torre Guelfa
 

There a 5 of us traveling in June 2001 to Florence. We have reserved 2 rooms at the hotel Torre Guelfa but have heard some people had problems there. I inquired on the Loggiato dei Serviti and they have a triple room and double available. Is it worth changing hotels? We will be there 4 nights and I did hear that Loggiato was not in the best area. There will be 2 children (age 6 and 10) with us. Also Torre Guelfa just took a credit card # no cancellation if you cancel 10 or more days before the vist. Loggiato is requiring a certified bank check. Can you help?

Hi if you search here on the dei Serviti you will find many past recommendations, I don't think I 've ever read a negative comment about it.

Beth: I stayed at the Loggiato dei Serviti in 1998 and highly recommend it. The hotel itself is a wonderful mixture of the 16th century and the modern, and its location in the capacious Piazza Annunziata, across from the Ospedale degli Innocenti and adjacent to the lovely Santissima Annunziata is ideal. I had a little problem with the room I was given, a small leak in the bathroom. I informed the desk and was immediately (and without any questions asked) transferred to a much larger room down the hall at no additional cost. I was impressed — as I often am with the Italians — by the hotel’s willingness to take me at my word. (I still have never had a ”conductor” check my ticket when I board a vaporetto in Venice.) Have a great trip!

Just returned and stayed 8 nights at Torre Guelfa. So...........what's Hot: Hotel only has 15 rooms, location next to Ponte Veccio, all but one of the staff (the morning "grumpy old man" which you must win over with your cheerfulness), view from the tower in the afternoon (what a sunset!), size of a few of the rooms (didn't see all, but ours was good sized), morning coffee, Christina Wespi who serves tower drinks after 5pm and also runs a day tour around Toscana (she's fabulous!) What's not: Beware of any room which has a window on the west side due to vendor carts rolling around at 05:30 (if your aircon is running, you likely won't hear a thing, though), "breakfast" not till 7 on some mornings. <BR> <BR> <BR>BTW...I bet you could a cancellation through Carlo if you absolutely had to cancel, particularly in June. I would just call at about 5pm, their time so to catch him. Such a nice guy! <BR> <BR>That's the deal! Contact me directly if you want more (I can send you a view of the Duomo from the tower at sunset, if you want.) We'd stay there again, but haven't tried others, so maybe don't know what we're missing.

Dave <BR> Thanks so much I think we will keep our reservations at the Torre Guelfa. I like the location. I think we will do fine there.

Beth, <BR>My husband & I stayed at the Torre Guelfa in July - We also stayed at Villa Rosa in Chianti which is owned by the same people. I would stay at Torre Guelfa again in a second! The location is fabulous - Walking distance to EVERYTHING. The tower is so cool & the view of the duomo from the rooftop is to die for! Carlo & Sabina were terrific - very nice people. When we return to Italia - we will surely stay with them. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. I have visited Italy twice & my husband was born in Italy (southern) so I am happy to share any info w/you. <BR> <BR>Mary