Ottantotto Firenze

Ottantotto Firenze, a Michelin Key Selected property in Florence, Italy, consistently receives high praise for its unique charm, exquisite design, and prime location in the vibrant Oltrarno district. Housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance palazzetto, this boutique hotel offers an intimate and memorable stay for those seeking a tranquil retreat with easy access to the city's treasures.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Ottantotto Firenze enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with guest scores consistently ranging from excellent to wonderful. It holds a 9.2/10 rating on Booking.com and an 18.8/20 on Tablet Hotels based on verified stays. Guests frequently describe the hotel as a "gem," "magical," and a "peaceful property tucked away from the crowded city". The general consensus highlights a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere that feels more like a welcoming home than a traditional hotel.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Ottantotto Firenze for several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is celebrated for its stunning classic design, exquisite decor, and thoughtful details that beautifully blend antique charm with contemporary elegance. Reviewers frequently mention the "incredible conversion of an old building" and the unique, character-filled spaces.
• Location: Its placement in the Oltrarno district is a significant draw, offering a less touristy but vibrant experience with artisan workshops, boutiques, and trendy restaurants just steps away.
• Cozy Atmosphere: The hotel provides a "cozy atmosphere" and a quiet environment, making it a peaceful haven amidst the bustling city.
• Secret Garden: The beautiful interior garden, sometimes frequented by a magpie, offers a serene outdoor space for relaxation, especially during breakfast.

Room Quality

The seven rooms at Ottantotto Firenze are each unique, reflecting the historical quirks of the meticulously preserved heritage building. They are described as elegant, well-designed, tidy, and cozy, featuring a charming mix of antique and contemporary furniture. Specific room characteristics include barrel-vaulted ceilings or statement floral wallpaper. Superior rooms offer delightful views over the garden, while the spacious Suite boasts a mezzanine level, a kitchenette, a soaking tub, an impressive canopied bed, and a private rooftop terrace. All rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as air conditioning, private bathrooms (some with bathtubs), free toiletries, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, free WiFi, and premium bedding.

Dining Experience

While Ottantotto Firenze does not feature a full-service restaurant, it offers a highly-praised breakfast experience. Guests can enjoy a "lovely breakfast with a good selection of fruit, pastry", including homemade pancakes, eggs, bread, and fresh juices. This home-cooked breakfast can be savored in the intimate living room, the charming garden, or, for guests in Superior rooms and the Suite, delivered directly to their room. The quality and variety of the breakfast are consistently highlighted as excellent. Additionally, a cozy, fire-lit living room hosts an honesty bar offering a selection of wines, spirits, tea, and coffee.

Service & Staff

Feedback on the staff is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing them as "very friendly and attentive" and going "above and beyond to make the stay exceptional". They are consistently praised for being lovely, helpful, and accommodating. One guest notably commended Giulia for being "amazingly helpful and kind" after their luggage was lost. Concierge services are also available.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in the Oltrarno district is considered exceptional. Often referred to as Florence's "hipster neighborhood," Oltrarno offers a more local, less touristy experience, filled with artisans' workshops, boutique shops, and trendy bars. Guests appreciate being able to "easily walk everywhere in Florence," with major attractions like Pitti Palace (400m / 1312 ft) and Ponte Vecchio (700m-730m / 2297 ft) within comfortable walking distance. Public transportation, such as the Unità Tram Stop, is about a 15-minute walk away. However, due to its layout across four floors in a heritage building, the hotel may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Value & Pricing

Ottantotto Firenze is generally considered to offer good value, with Booking.com rating its value for money at 8.8/10 and Trip.com giving it a 9.4/10 for quality and value. Room rates typically range from approximately $166 to $422, with an average recent rate of around 217.53 EUR. Guests often feel the unique experience, stunning design, and excellent location justify the cost. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, the lowest prices are usually found in November and January, with Mondays and Thursdays often offering better deals.

Common Complaints

While highly rated, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Size: A few guests have mentioned that some of the classic rooms, particularly the 15-16 square meter Classic Double Rooms, can feel small.
• Soundproofing: There have been instances where guests reported issues with soundproofing between rooms.
• Staff Availability: The reception operates from 8 am to 12 pm, utilizing a "Smart Check-in" system for arrivals outside these hours. While staff are highly praised when present, some guests have noted that a more constant on-site presence would be beneficial for addressing issues like air conditioning problems or assisting with luggage and transportation outside reception hours.

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