Ad Astra

Ad Astra in Florence, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, lauded for its unique charm, exquisite design, and exceptional service. It stands out as a serene and stylish retreat within the vibrant city.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Ad Astra enjoys a "Superb" rating of 9.3 out of 10 based on numerous guest reviews, with many describing it as "wonderful" and "charming". The general sentiment is one of delight and appreciation for a unique and memorable Florentine experience. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its high quality and distinctiveness.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features of Ad Astra:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is praised for its "beautifully designed rooms" and a "wonderful and considered design" that blends modernist Italian pieces from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s with classic Florentine craftsmanship and contemporary art. The atmosphere is described as light, chic, romantic, and feeling like a luxurious family home.
• Location & Serenity: Its tranquil setting in the Oltrarno district, overlooking the vast private Torrigiani Garden, offers an "oasis" away from the bustling tourist crowds while remaining conveniently close to major attractions. The wraparound garden-facing terrace is a particular favorite for its unbeatable views and peaceful ambiance.
• Exceptional Service: The staff repeatedly receive accolades for being "incredible," "wonderful," "helpful," "considerate," and "accommodating".

Room Quality

Ad Astra features sixteen unique rooms, each with its own distinctive character and personalized decor. The design thoughtfully combines original architectural elements like frescoed ceilings, stucco work, and parquet floors with eclectic, stylish furnishings and eye-catching contemporary art.

Guests consistently report spacious and "super comfortable" rooms with king-sized beds. Many rooms feature freestanding roll-top bathtubs in the bedroom, complemented by separate showers in the private marble and glass bathrooms. In-room amenities include coffee machines, HD televisions with satellite channels and DVD players, free WiFi, and C.O. Bigelow bath products. Room views vary, with some overlooking the quiet Via del Campuccio, others offering stunning garden vistas, and some on the first floor providing direct access to the terrace. Two premium suites are uniquely "immersed in the lush greenery of the garden itself".

Dining Experience

A buffet breakfast, included in the room rate, is served daily from 8 AM to 10 AM. Guests particularly enjoy having breakfast on the historic terrace, which offers charming views of the private garden. The breakfast spread features an array of house-made goods, including farm eggs, prosciutto, local cheeses, freshly baked pastries, quince jam, and "the creamiest cappuccino".

While Ad Astra does not operate a full-service restaurant, it offers aperitifs, and the staff are highly praised for their excellent recommendations for local restaurants in the Oltrarno district. Some guests, however, have noted the breakfast selection as "basic" or "underwhelming" compared to the overall luxury, although the quality of products is generally good.

Service & Staff

The staff at Ad Astra consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional hospitality. Guests describe them as "incredible," "wonderful," "helpful," "considerate," and "accommodating". They are commended for their assistance with recommendations for activities and dining, as well as for scheduling taxis and ensuring daily housekeeping keeps rooms "like new". The prevailing sentiment is that staff are genuinely happy to host guests, creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere. While reception hours are from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, guests can reach staff 24/7 via phone for any needs.

Location & Accessibility

Ad Astra is ideally situated in the Oltrarno district, south of the Arno river, providing a peaceful escape from the main tourist hustle. It boasts a unique position overlooking the Torrigiani Garden, the largest private garden in Europe. Despite its tranquil setting, the hotel is remarkably accessible to Florence's main attractions, being just a 10-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio and within 10-15 minutes of Pitti Palace and Santo Spirito Basilica. The surrounding Oltrarno neighborhood is celebrated for its authentic local feel, offering a wealth of independent bars, traditional restaurants, artisan workshops, antique dealers, and boutiques.

For those arriving by car, the hotel offers limited parking (four spots) by prior reservation for a fee, and can assist with ZTL registration. Florence Peretola Airport is approximately 3.1 miles away, and Santa Maria Novella train station is a two-kilometer drive.

Value & Pricing

Guests frequently praise Ad Astra for offering "incredible value for money". While providing a luxurious and unique experience in a historic setting, it is generally considered well-priced for the quality it delivers. As of January 27, 2026, prices for a 1-night stay for two adults were noted to start from approximately $174.49, though prices are subject to change based on dates and availability. An extra bed for guests over three years old incurs a charge of EUR 30 per night.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism or aspects to be aware of include:

• Garden Access: Guests are not permitted to independently explore the private Torrigiani Gardens due to safety concerns and the protection of fragile ruins. This can be a slight disappointment for some who wish for more direct garden access.
• Limited Reception Hours: The front desk operates from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, meaning late arrivals require advance arrangement for self-check-in.
• Breakfast Variety: A few guests have found the breakfast selection to be somewhat "basic" or "underwhelming" in variety, despite the good quality of the products.
• Accessibility: Due to its 18th-century structure, the hotel is not particularly suited for wheelchair access, though it does have a lift.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed on the property.
• Parking: Limited parking (4 spots) is available and requires prior reservation and a fee.

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