Florence's Hidden Gem: Hotel Loggia Fiorentina - Unforgettable Stay!
Florence's Hidden Gem: Hotel Loggia Fiorentina - Unforgettable Stay!
Hotel Loggia Fiorentina: My Florentine Fantasia (and a Few Tiny Gripes)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a full-blown, messy-but-honest review of the Hotel Loggia Fiorentina. Forget those sterile corporate takes; this is real – unfiltered, emotionally charged, and maybe a little bit rambling, just like my last trip to Florence itself.
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- Focus: Comprehensive review of Loggia Fiorentina, highlighting accessibility, dining, amenities, and overall experience.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster with the Elevator!)
From the moment you step onto the cobblestone street (a classic Florentine adventure in itself!), the Loggia Fiorentina oozes charm. Think Renaissance vibes meets modern luxury. The lobby? Gorgeous, all soaring ceilings and that Tuscan sunshine pouring in. Now, I NEED to talk about the elevator. The hotel boasts "Elevator," and that’s accurate! It's there! But getting to it, especially if you have any mobility issues, can be a mini-Olympics. One moment, I was admiring the fresco-ed ceiling, the next, I was practically clinging to the wall, wondering if I'd miss dinner because of a rogue step. Then, the elevator itself – bless its slow-moving heart – felt like it was designed for a different century. Accessibility? Yeah, they try. They really do. More on that later.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honey!
Let's be brutally honest: Florence isn't Paris when it comes to accessibility. The Loggia Fiorentina definitely tries, but it's not perfect. The entrance is, thank goodness, ramped. But the mentioned elevator could be a problem, I'll be honest. The rooms themselves, thankfully, are surprisingly spacious, and the bathrooms, while not hugely adapted, were manageable. BUT, and it's a big but, navigating the breakfast buffet… Let's just say I saw a few folks struggling. It's doable, but you'll need patience (and maybe a helpful waiter, which, thankfully, the hotel provides). The hotel features "Facilities for disabled guests".
Rooms: Renaissance Meets Modern
Let's talk about the real stuff. My room! Oh, my room! I loved the Air conditioning, for god's sake! I chose a room with Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, and Internet access – wireless, and that was great! It had amazing High floor, Non-smoking! The Bathrobes and Slippers were a nice touch. The Blackout curtains were absolute heaven after a day of wandering around art galleries. Every single day, the Daily housekeeping was stellar. I especially loved the Wake-up service, and the simple, yet beautiful Mirror. In-room safe box was a great plus. The Bathroom Phone was a fun detail, I didn’t use it though.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh, My, the Food!
Right, food! This is where Loggia Fiorentina truly shines. The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, it was Italian. Think mountains of pastries (I may have accidentally eaten half a dozen croissants each morning), fresh fruit, and the best cappuccino I've ever tasted. There was a great Asian breakfast option, but I was all about the Western breakfast. The Breakfast service was top-notch. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always available. The Restaurants served the best food!
The A la carte in restaurant was delicious! The Desserts in restaurant were a dream! The Happy hour was a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. You could get the Bottle of water there! During the happy hour I met a group of friends from all over the world!
I spent a glorious afternoon at the Poolside bar, sipping an Aperol spritz and feeling like I'd stumbled into a Fellini film. One evening, I opted for room service [24-hour] and had pizza delivered to my room. I’d happily opt for Desserts in restaurant again! The Snack bar was a great option for my friends too. I really appreciated the presence of the Coffee shop!
Ways to Relax & Things to Do: Spa Days & Florentine Adventures
Okay, the Swimming pool [outdoor] with a view was breathtaking. Seriously. Picture this: you're floating in cool water, the sun is beating down, and you're gazing at the Duomo. Magical. The Spa was pure luxury. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage. I'm not going to lie; I may have drifted off to sleep during the massage. The Sauna was a welcome relief and the Steamroom was amazing.
For those who like to sweat, they offer a Gym/fitness.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanitized Sanctuary
In the current climate, safety is paramount. I was genuinely impressed with the hotel's commitment to cleanliness. The Staff trained in safety protocol was very obvious. I loved the Daily disinfection in common areas. The First aid kit made me feel safe. They really did a good job with the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I didn’t see anything, but I liked knowing that they have Anti-viral cleaning products.
Things to Do & Getting Around: Exploring Florence
The Loggia Fiorentina is ideally located for exploring Florence. You can easily walk to all the major sights, but if you're feeling lazy (like I often was!), the Taxi service is readily available. The hotel offers Car park [free of charge]!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
From the moment you arrive, the staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. The Concierge was a godsend. I loved the Front desk [24-hour]. The Cash withdrawal was very useful. The Laundry service was invaluable after a messy gelato incident (don't ask!). The Luggage storage was a lifesaver on my last day when I had a late departing flight. The Elevator was a great help. The Daily housekeeping was perfect!
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and Why You Should Still Go!
Look, no hotel is perfect. The Loggia Fiorentina has a few quirks, a few minor accessibility hiccups. The Elevator situation could be improved. But honestly? These minor flaws fade into insignificance when weighed against the sheer charm, the incredible food, and the breathtaking location. This isn't just a hotel; it's a vibe. It's a slice of Florentine heaven. It's a place where you can forget your troubles, indulge your senses, and just be.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In a perfectly-timed, expertly planned, strategically-timed elevator ride, of course!
(Accessibility Recap)
While not 100% perfect, the Loggia Fiorentina makes a genuine effort for accessibility. Be prepared for some potential challenges with the elevator and navigating certain areas. However, the spacious rooms, helpful staff, and overall charm make it a worthwhile choice.
(Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Hotel Loggia Fiorentina Florence: My Florentine Fiasco (and Hopefully, Finding My Groove).
Day 1: Arriving in Florence with a Whimper (and a Cramp)
- 8:00 AM PST: Ugh. The alarm. Which meant the flight. Which meant a solid 14 hours of not being able to stretch my legs properly, smelling vaguely of recycled airplane air. And oh, the pre-flight anxiety sweat? Glorious.
- 10:00 AM PST: Taxi to the airport. Okay, at least the taxi driver appreciated my atrocious Italian (which is basically just a series of panicked vowel sounds).
- 1:00 PM EST: Touchdown in Florence! Glorious, sun-drenched Florence. Or so it appeared… until I spilled my lukewarm airport coffee down my front. Style icon, right here.
- 2:00 PM EST: Hotel Loggia Fiorentina! Finally! The building is beautiful, the facade is breathtaking, and it's taking every ounce of restraint to not give the receptionist a bear hug (after my coffee-soaked arrival, I REALLY needed a win).
- The room? Small, but charming. And the views! Oh man, those terracotta rooftops… and a random pigeon currently perched on the windowsill judging my luggage. Pretty sure he hates my packing skills - which is understandable.
- Side note: I’ll never understand packing. Why is it I can barely fit enough clothes for three days, but if I take a trip for a week? Everything and the kitchen sink. And I swear, I always forget the damn charger.
- 3:00 PM EST: Attempted to find lunch. Wandered aimlessly, said "Ciao!" to a bewildered-looking cat, ended up grabbing a panini from a tiny place that smelled of garlic and happiness. Best panini of my life. Possibly. The memory's a bit… hazy.
- 4:00 PM EST: The Uffizi Gallery. The REAL reason I was here. I actually cried when I saw Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Not a graceful sob, mind you. More of a strangled, "Oh. My. God." involving a lot of eye-wiping with a souvenir scarf. So embarrassing. But so worth it. The lines were long, I got a little lost, and I almost tripped over a tour guide. But Venus. Venus.
- 7:00 PM EST: Dinner at Trattoria Mario (highly recommended… by everyone). Cinghiale (wild boar) pasta. Heavenly. Accidentally ordered two servings. No regrets. My stomach is currently a happy little beast.
- 9:00 PM EST: Strolled across the Ponte Vecchio. The twilight hour's light was magical, and the jewelry shops sparkled like a siren's call. Almost bought a ridiculously expensive ring. Resisted. Just… barely.
- 10:00 PM EST: Back at the hotel. Crashed. Absolutely, utterly, perfectly crashed. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. And my feet hurt. Dear God, my feet.
Day 2: Lost in Translation (and Gelato)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up with a crick in my neck and a desperate craving to eat again.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Okay, the croissants are flaky perfection. And the cappuccino? Chef's kiss. My Italian got me through the order (with a lot of pointing).
- 10:00 AM: Attempted to visit the Duomo. Epic fail. The line stretched around the block, and I was not willing to sacrifice another chunk of my day. Plan B: wander. Get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- 11:00 AM: Got gloriously, wonderfully lost. Found a hidden piazza, which was basically just a tiny, sunny square, a fountain gurgling merrily, and a handful of locals chatting animatedly. Tried to eavesdrop. Failed miserably.
- 12:00 PM: Gelato. Because. Chocolate and pistachio. The world is a better place with gelato. Facts.
- 1:00 PM: My brain started to melt a little. So many people, so many beautiful things, so little space in my overworked brain.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to find some authentic experience. I thought I would go to the market and try to haggle with the locals.
- The Market Disaster: I got lost again, ended up in a cramped market. I wanted to get some leather souvenirs, I felt like I'd entered a labyrinth. I tried to haggle (I'd read it was de rigueur). My Italian, as you can imagine, was still terrible. I’m pretty sure they thought I was insulting them. I felt like I was doing improv comedy routine. I left with a single, slightly stained leather notebook that I probably overpaid for.
- 5:00 PM: Tired, defeated, and slightly ashamed of my haggling skills, I sat down on a bench near the Arno River.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Pizza! The pizza was perfect, not too much/too little.
- 8:00 PM: Back at Hotel Loggia Fiorentina. The room is starting to feel like home. Okay, maybe it’s because my dirty laundry is starting to pile up in the corner. But still. Home.
Day 3: The Accidental Renaissance (and a Near-Disaster)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up - surprisingly refreshed. Maybe the gelato was the cure for all.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to try and find a leather artisan workshop. Heard they abound in Florence. Another quest. Another adventure.
- Artisan Dreams (and Smelly Leather): Found one! It was tucked away down a tiny alley, and the air smelled intensely of leather and something… else. The artisan was this tiny, ancient woman with eyes that could see right through you. She spoke very little English, but with a lot of hand gestures and even more enthusiasm. She showed me how they make the leather products.
- Suddenly, I wanted to be a leather artisan. I wanted to make a bag. I wanted to master the skill. She probably saw the sparkle in my eyes!
- She handed me a piece of leather and showed me the basics. Epic Fail. I managed to stab myself with the awl thingamajig. It was a minor wound, but it bled dramatically. The ancient artisan and I had a moment of unspoken understanding. We both knew I was not getting any bags made in my lifetime.
- 12:00 PM: More gelato (shocking, I know).
- 1:00 PM: The Boboli Gardens. Okay, the gardens were beautiful. The perspective. The statues. The sheer scale of it all… But I was more interested in the ducks.
- 3:00 PM: Accidentally stumbled into a hidden wine shop and did a wine tasting. Ended up buying a bottle I couldn’t actually afford. But it was delicious. Regrets? Zero.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place I can't remember the name of. Great steak. Probably should have written down where it was.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to find the leather shop for the second time. No luck. The maze-like quality of Florence made me give up after an hour.
- 9:00 PM: Returned to the hotel. Found my missing charger! It's the little victories, people.
Day 4: Leaving with a Heavy Heart (and a Suitcase Full of Stuff)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Tried to savor everything, knowing it was all ending.
- 9:00 AM: Packed. Which was an absolute disaster, as usual. My suitcase is a mess, I'm pretty sure there's a rogue olive in there somewhere, and I still haven't figured out how to get the wrinkles out of my clothes.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around the neighborhood. Said a silent, teary goodbye to the charming buildings, the friendly locals (even the grumpy ones), and the gelato shops that have made my life complete.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Said a silent prayer that I wouldn't spill anything else down myself.
- 1:00 PM: The flight home. The bittersweet feeling of leaving and the excitement of coming back.
Final Thoughts:
Florence, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful beast.
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Hotel Loggia Fiorentina: So, You THINK You Want the Inside Scoop? (Brace Yourself.)
Okay, but *really*, what’s the deal with this "Hidden Gem" hype? Is it just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real. Marketing is a beast, right? They *all* say they're "hidden gems." But Loggia Fiorentina... okay, I’ll admit it. It *almost* lives up. It's not some perfectly polished, Instagram-ready palace. Thank GOD. It’s more like, think a really cool aunt's apartment in a historic building. Slightly creaky floors, maybe a wonky key, but a view that'll make you weep. Seriously, I nearly cried the first time I saw the Duomo from the balcony. It wasn’t a dignified sob, mind you. More of a, "Oh my GOD, I can't *believe* this!" kind of blubbering. And the location? Utter chaos during the day, but somehow, magically, peaceful at night.
The view... you keep mentioning the view. Is it actually good? Like, *really* good?
Good? Girlfriend, it's practically illegal. Okay, maybe not *illegal*, but it feels like you're getting away with something. I'm talking breathtaking, jaw-dropping, "I'm never leaving this balcony, ever" kind of good. I had the room with the Duomo view, which was, frankly, the single best decision I've made in a long time. And listen, I've made some questionable decisions in my life. This one? Genius. Watching the sunset over the terracotta roofs... I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Bring your own snacks and a bottle of *vino* because you won't wanna move. My only regret? Not bringing more cheese.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Are they all crammed and tiny like some Florentine hotel rooms are?
Yes and No. Some are probably cozy, like, "charming shoebox" cozy. But the one I had? It was surprisingly spacious. Not a ballroom, mind you, but enough room to not feel claustrophobic. The decor? Definitely "Old World Charm." Think slightly faded frescoes, antique furniture... you know, the kind that *looks* like it could tell a million stories. (Probably about some scandalous affairs, knowing Florence). It felt lived-in, in the best way. Like a home, not a sterile hotel room. Okay, there was that one tiny power outlet that didn’t work. And the Wi-Fi was... let's just say, it had a personality. But honestly, who cares? You’re in Florence! Get off your phone and look at the Duomo! (Yes, I’m yelling. Still.)
Breakfast? Dish or Disaster?
Breakfast is... a very Florentine experience. It's not a huge buffet situation, thank goodness. (Buffets are the devil, especially at 7 am). It's a continental-style spread, with pastries, fruit, yogurt, and coffee. The coffee is STRONG, which, coming from an American, I can *absolutely* appreciate. The pastries were *amazing*. I may or may not have snuck a few back to my room for later. (Don't judge me.). The service was friendly, though sometimes a little... relaxed. Don't expect to rush. Embrace the Italian pace of life. It's part of the charm. (And, again, the pastries were worth the wait).
Help! I can't decide if I should book it. Talk me into it or out of it!
Okay, let's be brutally honest.
Book it if: You want an authentic Florentine experience, you desperately want a stunning view, you're a romantic at heart, you're ok with a few "quirks" (creaky floors, wonky wi-fi, etc.), you appreciate friendly, but not overbearing, service. You like pastries.
Don't book it if: You need pristine perfection, you're easily frustrated by slow service, you demand 24/7 concierge assistance, you hate stairs, and you can't live without a flat-screen TV the size of your car. Like, if you're *that* type of traveler, it is not for you. It really isn't.
Personally? I'd go back in a heartbeat. The view alone is worth the price of admission. And that, my friends, is the raw, uncensored truth.
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.
Ah, the eternal question! Florence is, shall we say, *lively*. The hotel is in a central location, so you're going to hear *something*. Traffic, people chattering, the occasional Vespa screaming down the street. My room, the one with the heavenly view, was relatively quiet at night (blessedly, frankly). I'm a light sleeper and was ok . But if the slightest sound keeps you awake, bring earplugs. Seriously. Pack the good ones. Or, maybe, just embrace it. It’s Florence! You’ll sleep when you’re dead, right? (Kidding! Mostly.)
How good is the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Clueless?
The staff? They're... lovely. Really. Not like, over-the-top, fake-friendly. They're genuinely nice. They were happy to offer restaurant recommendations (which were usually spot-on), arrange taxis, and answer my endless questions about where to find the best gelato (a very important query, obviously). They were patient with my terrible Italian. There was a slight awkwardness the first day, when I accidentally locked myself out of my room on the balcony (yes, it's *that* tempting), but after a short while (and a sheepish apology from me), everything was fine. They made me feel like I was staying at a friend's, not in a corporate hotel. Which, honestly, is priceless.
Is there parking nearby? Because driving in Florence looks terrifying.
Run. Just run away from the idea of driving in Florence. Seriously. The streets are narrow, chaotic, and filled with Vespas driven by what seem to be stunt drivers. The hotel itself *doesn't* have parking. They *will* probably have a contact for a garage, but it's going to be expensive. And honestly? Florence is a walking city. Everything is easily accessible on foot. Take the train. Fly in. Just don't drive. You will regret it. I'm saying thisEscape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury in Condado, Puerto Rico
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