Oltrarno Splendid

Oltrarno Splendid, a Michelin Key Selected property in Florence, Italy, consistently garners exceptional praise from guests, renowned for its unique blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Oltrarno Splendid receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing it as "spectacular," "delightful," and a "magical oasis". It boasts an "Exceptional" rating with a 9.9 for staff on Booking.com and an outstanding guest score of 19.4 out of 20 on Tablet Hotels. The general consensus highlights an outstanding blend of quality and value, promising a truly immersive Italian experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Oltrarno Splendid for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff are universally praised as "the kindest most helpful people" guests have ever met, offering exceptional hospitality and anticipating needs.
• Location: Situated in the vibrant Oltrarno district, it offers a quieter, less touristy, yet charming neighborhood feel, still within easy walking distance to Florence's main attractions.
• Design: The hotel's design is a significant draw, featuring a delightful boutique decor with luxurious Florentine details and an artistic culture. It's an eclectic blend of Renaissance architecture, contemporary luxury design, and 20th-century pop nostalgia, with each of its 14 rooms individually designed.
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, concierge services, and in-room espresso machines are highly appreciated. Some rooms even offer freestanding tubs, often with breathtaking views.

3. Room Quality

The 14 individually designed rooms, spread across the upper floors of an 18th-century palazzo, are a major highlight. Guests describe them as spacious, comfortable, and stylishly decorated, featuring unique Florentine elements and vintage furniture. Expect hardwood floors, original details like 200-year-old Toile de Jouy wallpaper or restored frescoes, and views overlooking the historic Via Dei Serragli or a peaceful internal courtyard.

Rooms are equipped with modern comforts including air-conditioning, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, soundproofing, hypoallergenic bedding, tea/coffee makers, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. The beds are frequently noted for their comfort. Room types range from Superior Double (24-33 sq m) to Deluxe King (42-45 sq m).

4. Dining Experience

Breakfast, included with the stay, is consistently praised as "spectacular" and a "delightful Italian breakfast bar". Guests can enjoy a generous spread of both sweet and savory options, including warm croissants, cakes, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries. The freshly made coffee and cappuccinos are a particular favorite. The dining area itself is a highlight, noted for its exquisite decoration with colorful tables, chairs, marble, and brass. Beyond breakfast, afternoon pastries and cookies are available throughout the day in the lounge area, and an honesty bar provides additional refreshment options. While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, the thoughtful breakfast buffet exceeds expectations.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Oltrarno Splendid receives near-perfect scores, with a 9.9 rating for staff on Booking.com. Guests describe the team as incredibly kind, helpful, welcoming, and attentive, often anticipating guests' needs. Individual staff members, such as Alberto at the front desk, are singled out for their exceptional charm and helpfulness, providing excellent tips for exploring Florence, assisting with restaurant bookings, and arranging transportation. The personalized approach and warm atmosphere contribute significantly to the positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Oltrarno Splendid is ideally situated in the Oltrarno district, a "quieter but no less cultured neighborhood" on the left bank of the Arno River. This trendy area, encompassing San Frediano and Santo Spirito, is rich with artisan workshops, local restaurants, and charming boutiques. Despite its tranquil setting, the hotel offers excellent accessibility to Florence's major attractions, with most within a short and pleasant walk:

• Arno River: a few steps away
• Pitti Palace and Ponte Vecchio: 8-10 minute walk
• Duomo: 11-15 minute walk
• Uffizi Gallery: less than 1 km, approximately an 11-minute walk
• Santa Maria Novella train station: 10-15 minute walk (about 1 km)

Florence Airport (FLR) is approximately 6-11 km away, accessible by shuttle bus, tram, or taxi. For those arriving by car, private parking is available in a nearby garage for around €30 per day. The hotel is located on the second and third floors of a historic palace, with access provided by both stairs and an elevator. However, it is important to note that the hotel is not adapted for wheelchair users.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests consistently rate Oltrarno Splendid highly for its value for money, scoring 9.2 on Booking.com and being described as offering an "outstanding blend of quality and value". Prices can start from approximately US$163 per night, depending on the room type and season. Given the unique design, personalized service, prime location, and comprehensive breakfast, many guests feel it is well worth the cost, with some even utilizing credit card points for their stay.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Some guests have mentioned that certain rooms can be exposed to a "noisy street," although the Oltrarno area generally offers a quieter experience than the bustling city center.
• Reception hours are limited, typically from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, requiring guests with late arrivals to arrange in advance.
• The hotel's entrance might be discreet and not prominently marked, potentially making it easy to miss upon first arrival.
• The property, being in a historic building, is not adapted for wheelchair users, and accessibility involves some stairs even with an elevator.
• Beyond breakfast, on-site services are described as "fairly minimal," which is typical for a boutique bed and breakfast rather than a full-service hotel.

Sources

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