Checking in at In Piazza della Signoria, a bed and breakfast in the very heart of Florence, feels like being welcomed into a family home, right down to the doorbell that guests ring upon arrival. In fact, that’s exactly what this 14th-century building once was — Sonia and Alessandro Pini, the Italian couple who now own the property, have taken pains to keep it true to its roots. There’s an art to preserving historical pedigree while also creating a warm, comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, and the Pinis pull it off admirably.
Directly on the piazza of the same name, In Piazza della Signoria is as central as it gets for Florence sightseeing. It’s next door to the Gucci Museo, steps from Palazzo Vecchio, just a few minutes’ walk from the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, and less than 10 minutes from the Duomo, to name a few marquee spots.
Santa Maria Novella station, the main point of entry into Florence by train, is a quick cab ride away. The property has no onsite parking, but for a fee, guests can arrange to park in a nearby garage and can even have their cars brought to and from the B&B’s doorstep.
In Piazza della Signoria has four Classic rooms, four Superior rooms and two Deluxe rooms, each named after an Italian arts legend such as Brunelleschi or Da Vinci. The difference is in the view: Classic rooms face an interior courtyard (which also means they’re quieter), while Superior rooms have a partial view and the Deluxe category offers a full view of the square. The first two categories sleep up to three people; Deluxe rooms sleep only two. Baby cribs are available on request for families with infants.
TIP: Guests with young children or limited mobility should know that the building is tall and narrow, with multiple flights of stairs. There’s a tiny elevator, but you’ll still need to climb a dozen steps to reach it. Note also that the tradeoff for the super-central location is a small degree of city noise. Light sleepers may want to request an interior-facing room.
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All of the accommodations are simply but comfortably furnished, including well-chosen antiques that complement the building’s storied air. My room, the Botticelli, had views of the piazza and the Duomo and felt spacious and inviting, with both a queen-size bed and an overscale daybed that can double as a sofa during the day. Room amenities include bathrobes, free WIFI, air conditioning, safes and more.
Bathrooms are pristine and clad in marble tile; each is designed with an individual look and feel. Be aware that some have showers only, and some have tubs with handheld showers rather than traditional showerheads.
Pricing for all room types is a terrific value for this location and the quality of the accommodations. Classic rooms start at 250 € per night; Superior at 280 € per night; and Deluxe at €300 per night.
In addition to the rooms, In Piazza della Signoria has a trio of onsite apartments — named for the Pinis’ three children — that sleep either four or five. The apartments include fully equipped kitchenettes; guests can opt either for a self-catering rate or a higher bed and breakfast rate, which includes the morning meal plus daily cleaning.
Apartments can be reserved on a daily or weekly basis. Pricing is based on the number of people and starts at €350 per day/€1,400 per week, self-catering, for a family of three.
As with many small B&Bs, In Piazza della Signoria has limited onsite amenities. There’s a pretty breakfast area where guests gather in the morning to enjoy a generous spread of cheeses, charcuterie, pastries and fruits, plus eggs cooked to order. If you’d rather eat in privacy, you can take breakfast in your room.
Although there is no full restaurant, in this location you’re spoiled for choice — dining in the immediate area is plentiful and varied. Guests also have access to a nearby gym, spa and pool with which the property partners.
What really sets In Piazza della Signoria apart from its peers is the service. The staff is warm, attentive and ready to lend a hand with restaurant reservations, attraction tickets, tours, transport and other needs. They’ll happily handle special requests to enhance your stay or celebrate an occasion. Someone is always onsite from morning through mid-evening; even after hours there’s a night porter on call. At the end of a stay, you’ll feel like you’re bidding farewell to friends.
Our full review of In Piazza della Signoria has more details about why the property works so well for families. Click the Check Availability button to reach out directly to the reservations staff for real-time information about available accommodations and pricing for your dates. Our Family Vacation Consulting team can also help you plan a fabulous vacation to Florence, including guides, activity recommendations and more. Visit CB! Vacation Consultants to send us a request.
Relevant Links:
Family-friendly review of In Piazza della Signoria
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Editor’s Note: In Piazza della Signoria provided complimentary accommodations in order for us to review the property. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Lisa Frederick except where noted.
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