Residence Hilda

Residence Hilda in Florence, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests for its unique blend of apartment-style living with the services of a high-quality hotel. It is celebrated for its exceptional location, spacious and well-appointed suites, and attentive staff, making it a highly recommended choice for both tourists and business travelers seeking comfort and independence in the heart of Florence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Residence Hilda consistently receives exceptional ratings, with scores often ranging from 9.5 to 9.8 out of 10 on various booking platforms. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful," "extraordinary," and expressing a strong desire to return. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its status as a high-quality stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Residence Hilda for several standout features:

• Exceptional Location: Its prime position allows easy access to major attractions while being on a quiet side street.
• Spacious and Well-Equipped Apartments: The property offers modern, airy apartments with fully equipped kitchens, providing the independence and privacy of a home combined with hotel comforts.
• Impeccable Service: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being friendly, helpful, and responsive, going above and beyond to assist guests.
• Cleanliness and Design: The suites are noted for their spotlessly clean, cool, and classy interiors with contemporary designer furnishings.
• Quiet Retreat: Despite its central location, guests appreciate the tranquil and quiet atmosphere.
• Unique Offering: The combination of self-catering facilities with daily maid service (including dishwashing) and concierge support is a significant advantage. The initiative to donate to a local animal rescue for guests opting out of daily cleaning is also a highlight.

3. Room Quality

Residence Hilda offers a range of suites, including Junior, Deluxe, Executive, and Top Floor Grand Suites, all designed for comfort and space. The apartments are described as handsome, modern, and beautifully decorated, featuring a calming cream palette. Key features include:

• Spacious Layout: Each suite typically includes a large bedroom, a lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. Larger suites can accommodate an additional bed for children.
• Comfortable Bedding: Guests benefit from Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses, and down comforters. Blackout drapes ensure perfect slumber.
• Modern Amenities: Rooms are equipped with air conditioning/individual heating, satellite TV, super-fast fiber Wi-Fi, a safe, and a courtesy kit.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: The kitchens come with a toaster, cookware, refrigerator, and allow for cooking or preparing tea/coffee.
• Luxurious Bathrooms: Bathrooms are spacious and well-fitted, featuring either a bathtub or shower, with fine Italian porcelain and black marble surfaces. One guest specifically praised an "excellent bathtub."
• Quiet Environment: Double-glazed windows effectively keep out street noise, contributing to a peaceful stay.

4. Dining Experience

Residence Hilda operates more as a serviced apartment complex than a traditional hotel with an on-site restaurant. There is no dedicated restaurant or breakfast room. However, it offers flexible dining solutions:

• Breakfast Options: Guests can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast (score 8) with Continental, Italian, or American options, either delivered to their apartment or at the famous "Robiglio" confectionery next door. A small breakfast set is provided in each kitchen.
• Self-Catering: The fully equipped kitchens are a major advantage, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. A grocery delivery service and even cooking lessons can be arranged.
• Meal Delivery: For those who prefer not to cook, complete meals from some of Florence's best restaurants can be ordered and delivered directly to the apartment.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Residence Hilda receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, often cited as a key reason for guest satisfaction.

• Hospitality: Staff are consistently described as friendly, courteous, helpful, and exceptionally responsive.
• Concierge Services: A popular and appreciated concierge is available to assist with information, reservations for restaurants and museums, excursions, and any other requests before, during, or after a stay.
• Availability: While the reception has limited hours (e.g., closed between 11 pm and 7 am, or 7 am to 7 pm), staff are always available on call or via WhatsApp chat for emergencies or assistance.
• Daily Maid Service: The suites benefit from daily maid service, including the kitchen, with dishes even being done for guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Residence Hilda boasts an "excellent central location," making it ideal for exploring Florence on foot.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's just a 3 to 5-minute walk from the Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, 1 minute from the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David), and easily walkable to the Uffizi Gallery, San Marco, and other major sites.
• Neighborhood: Located on a quiet side street just north of the Duomo, it offers a peaceful retreat while being close to shops, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets.
• Public Transport: The San Marco University Tram Stop is a 4-minute walk away, and Florence's Santa Maria Novella Train Station is about a 14-minute walk.
• Parking: While located within Florence's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), guests are allowed access. Self-parking and valet parking are available (for a fee), with a private garage facility that handles license plate registration. Public parking is also available nearby.
• Accessibility: The building has an elevator serving all floors, which is a notable feature in historic Florentine buildings.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Residence Hilda to offer good value, especially given its prime location and comprehensive services. Comments suggest it is "very economical for what it offered" and, while "pricey, to be fair, so are the equivalents." Typical nightly prices start from approximately US$171-$200, excluding taxes and fees. The inclusion of fully equipped kitchens and daily maid service adds significant value for travelers looking for more independence without sacrificing comfort.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated criticisms have surfaced:

• Limited Reception Hours: The reception is closed between certain hours (e.g., 11 pm to 7 am or 7 am to 7 pm), requiring guests to inform the hotel in advance for late arrivals. However, staff are always available on call or via WhatsApp for assistance.
• Isolated Negative Experience: One review mentioned issues with noisy old air-conditioning, a "depressing white wall" view, a missed shower gel replacement, and perceived arrogant management regarding after-hours arrival. This seems to be an outlier given the vast number of positive reviews.
• No Communal Areas: Beyond the reception, there are no public spaces, which might be a consideration for travelers seeking more social interaction within their accommodation.
• Pillow Preference: One guest expressed a desire for softer pillows.

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