What is Hotel Calimala?

Hotel Calimala is a Selected hotel located in Florence, Italy. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Hotel Calimala have?

Hotel Calimala has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Hotel Calimala located?

Hotel Calimala is located in Florence, Italy, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Hotel Calimala?

You can view more details and booking information for Hotel Calimala through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Hotel Calimala | Selected in Florence, Italy

Name: Hotel Calimala
Address: Florence, Europe, Italy
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Hotel Calimala

Hotel Calimala, a Michelin Key Selected property in Florence, Italy, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century palazzo, the hotel offers a sophisticated and memorable experience in the heart of the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel Calimala is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "magnificent". It boasts high review scores, including a 9.4 out of 10 overall rating, with particularly strong marks for location (9.9), staff (9.7), comfort (9.6), and cleanliness (9.5). Guests often highlight it as an outstanding choice, with some even preferring it over 5-star hotels in other cities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Calimala for its unbeatable central location, the remarkable friendliness and helpfulness of its staff, and its stunning design. The hotel's rooftop restaurant and bar, Angel Roofbar & Dining, is a significant draw, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. The hotel's carefully curated aesthetic, blending original architectural features with modern touches, is also a frequently mentioned highlight. Additional amenities include a fitness center, free WiFi, and concierge services.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Calimala are described as clean, comfortable, and beautifully designed. They feature modern interiors with a classical foundation, incorporating intricate details and a mix of velvet, brass, and marble textures. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds (including sofa beds), soundproof windows, and large, modern bathrooms with rainfall showers and full-sized lavish toiletries. Many rooms offer high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and unique artwork, with some even boasting multiple exposures for extra light and city views or balconies. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, espresso makers, and complimentary bottled water.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Calimala offers diverse and high-quality dining options. The Angel Roofbar & Dining, located on the rooftop, serves Southern-Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern, and international cuisines, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Breakfast is a highly-rated buffet, available in either the rooftop dining room with panoramic views or at Meze. The buffet includes a generous spread of hot and cold dishes, such as fresh fruit, pastries, cakes, eggs, cold cuts, and cheeses. The hotel also features Mezè Wild Dining, a bistrot and tapas bar that offers a culinary fusion of Mediterranean and Tuscan flavors with an international flair.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Calimala consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently praise the staff for being friendly, kind, helpful, courteous, hospitable, knowledgeable, and professional. The concierge services are particularly noted for their excellence in assisting with recommendations and reservations.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered a major asset, scoring 9.9 for location in guest reviews. Situated in Florence's historic Centro Storico neighborhood, it is exceptionally central and within easy walking distance of major attractions. Key landmarks such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery are just a few minutes' walk away. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transport options, including train stations and tram stops, providing access to other parts of Florence and beyond. The property offers good accessibility with elevators and wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxurious experience, Hotel Calimala is often seen as providing good value, especially considering its prime location and amenities. The average price for a room is around $457, which is higher than the average hotel room price in Florence ($289). However, prices can vary significantly depending on the room type and time of year, with some rates found as low as $151.49. The low season (December) can see prices drop by an average of 45%, while August is typically the most expensive month.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. A few guests have experienced issues with room temperature, finding rooms too hot, and noting that the thermostat might not be fully functional due to central temperature regulation. Due to the central location, opening windows at night can lead to street noise. One review mentioned a slight sewer smell from the lift shaft, although this was not universally experienced. Additionally, the rooftop plunge pool, while an amenity, has been described as being small, "roughly the size of a hot tub," and potentially a bit claustrophobic.