Fodor's Expert Review Palazzo Castri 1874

Starkly white and modern with touches of a world gone by, this boutique hotel is a high-end property with a lot to love. Inside, guests are treated to a variety of luxuries like a decadent spa, complimentary afternoon tea, and a wondrous oversized hidden garden in the back. Service here is also top-rate and the helpful and friendly staff provide a welcoming experience to make your Florentine stay feel like home.

Book directly with the hotel and you’ll get a welcome drink as well as a 10% discount at the bar and spa.

room

There are a variety of room types, but you can expect most rooms to have hardwood floors, modern white designs, chic art on the walls, and flat-screen TVs. All rooms come equipped with Handy devices – a helpful gadget that provides free Wi-Fi anywhere in the city. The best rooms are the superior variety with individual terraces looking out over the garden.

There is one deluxe room in the entire hotel that has a stunning Renaissance fresco on the ceiling. Ask ahead if you want to book this unique spot in the hotel.

bathroom

Sleek bathrooms come equipped with bidets and rain showers flooded with ominous blue lights (you can turn them off). Toiletry kits provide the essentials and Dr. Vranjes bath products are the norm.

lobby

The lobby area is replete with deep red couches, lots of reading material, and features an original fresco on the ceiling – so don’t forget to look up! There is also a computer in the corner for guests to use.

pool

An indoor/outdoor hydro-massage pool (fancy name for an oversized hot tub) provides guests with a relaxing and soothing retreat. You won’t be swimming any laps, but the jets can massage your muscles.

spa

The spa area includes the pool and gym and also features a Finnish sauna and emotion showers (their words, not ours). In addition to a variety of beauty and massage treatments, the spa also has a relaxation room with futuristic white lounge furniture for leisurely naps.

gym

The minuscule gym is open from 7 am-10 pm and has a few Technogym machines and free weights. It’s enough for a workout – but why don’t you go out and walk around – you’re in Florence for god’s sake.

dining

On the main floor of the hotel is the Florentia Café, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included with your booking, and the menu during the rest of the day includes sandwiches, pastas, and smoothies.

Also free with your room is the hotel’s afternoon tea service. Served just off the lobby, the service includes tea and the hotel’s own delicious cakes and biscuits made with the lemons from their garden.

drinking

A small indoor bar is adjacent to the café and offers a mix of craft cocktails.

gardens

The true raison d'être (wait, we’re in Italy – ragione per essere) of the hotel is the hidden garden dubbed, La Limonaia – named for the lemon trees walled off on one side. This 1,000 square-meter space has flowing palm trees and flowers and loads of lounge chairs. In summer months, an outside bar feeds guests with snacks and booze and also doubles as outdoor seating for the café.