We stayed here on our honeymoon in December 2010. I know, I am a late reviewer.
Hotel Intro:
This hotel was the biggest surprise, and the most wonderful experience. Please note, this hotel is actually found on one floor of a building. There is a sign, but it is small, and unexpected. When you walk in, you see a small elevator and a large stair. On the signage for what is in the building, we saw several dr. offices, one dentist and one psychiatrist. Also, I think an interior decorator, and a private residence. Also on (as I recall) floor two is the Hotel Giglio. Yes, you are in the right place! My husband put the bags in the old fashioned lift, just big enough for my major over packing and me, and up we went! As we walked in, we were dubious. Had I made a mistake? For the price of under $100 per night with breakfast, I hoped not. We were warmly greeted at the front desk, and given a quick tour. Next to the tiny check in desk was a lovely coffee bar where we could get morning breakfast drinks. As we were offered a seat at the bar to fill out the check in paperwork, we were given free cokes, and told to relax. After the paperwork, we were showed the small library of games and books in all different languages and for all ages. They also had a DVD selection, again in all different languages, and we were told that each room had a DVD player. We then were showed the small breakfast room.
Room:
Our room was HUGE! Bigger than Rome by lots, and bigger than our Venice room. The room décor was a little sparse, and the bed was an old fashioned ornately carved wood frame. Finally, a frame that did not allow two mattresses to separate. And yes, we had a little TV and DVD player, as well as a large wardrobe for clothing and luggage, and a desk. The bathroom looked brand new with heated marble tiles, and also was quiet large.
Breakfast:
Ok, but the staff was eager to make me a cappuccino! Yogurt, lunch meat and cheese, with several different pastries. There were hard boiled eggs, a toaster and toast, and cereal.
Staff:
Nothing short of amazing. They reconfirmed our tours, and got one of the companies to come and pick us up from our hotel. They also told us that there were strikes causing the Academia and the Uffuzi to be closed, and called every day to see if they had ended so we could get in. Although the strike didn't end, we used that free rainy day to relax with the hotel's DVD collection.
Location:
The location is good, and IS within walking distance of the Duomo and Ponte Veccio (I know because we walked it), but it is a good 15-20 minute walk. What is nice is that you are away from the super touristy places, and have a chance to experience real Florence. We ate at an AMAZING restaurant nearby recommended by the hotel, and although the name now escapes me, it was the best in all of Italy. We were also close to a Laundry Mat and several markets.
This hotel is NOT Americanized, and NOT like a traditional hotel. Before you decide to book here, you need to be ok with this style of accommodation. There is a reviewer a few down that was really mad by the fact that it is one floor of a larger building, and that its not obvious to find, but for travelers who are looking for an adventure, and a NICE stay for a LOW price, choose the Giglio.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC