There is no single corner of this boutique hotel that will not inspire you. A XIX century mansion that exquisitely combines the contemporary with the old of the mansion. If its design conquers the traveler’s heart, the gastronomic experience during its aperitivo will make a foodie fall in love again. Our experience at Palazzo Lorenzo seemed very Italian to me and here I tell you why!
The palazzo
To start, as I mentioned earlier, it is a XIX century building with very high ceilings and a beautiful serene stone staircase (a very typical material in Tuscany), which gives you that feeling of being in a luxurious old mansion. Although the hotel has an elevator, I wanted to take the stairs to take pictures because I loved the combination of the stone on the stairs, the moldings on the walls and ceilings, with modern paintings and iron lamps.
It also has a beautiful lounge with contemporary furniture and decoration, but where the original wooden ceiling prevails (stunning by the way), which invigorates that mix of times and styles. Here we stayed for a long time talking and leafing through the table books while we had a bottle of Chianti.
The rooms were very spacious with plenty of natural light, and the decoration continued in the same style as the entire hotel, fusing styles, respecting the classic concept, but with all the modernity that makes the stay more comfortable. And of course with a bathroom and a great shower.
The hotel also has a patio that opens onto another building called the Seventy House, which is like an extension of the palazzo with only six rooms. Those rooms have a seventies-style design (although everything is new), but what I liked is that if you travel with your group of friends or with several family members, you can rent those rooms and have more privacy.
The typical aperitivo
This was my favorite part. To start, both breakfast and aperitivo are served in a very nice room (well, honestly everything is beautiful at the Palazzo Lorenzo); like the other areas, it has modern iron lamps, wooden furniture, a high ceiling with plaster moldings, etc. But the food was delicious.
The aperitivo was obviously very Italian with focaccias, paninis, cold meats, cheeses, olives, prosciutto with melon, tomatoes with basil, which we accompanied with Italian wines. In short, it does nothing but remind you why Italian gastronomy, with everything and its simplicity, is one of the favorites in the world.
Location
It is located very close to Piazza della Libertà; I had previously written about this area that is more residential and just on the border with the historic center of Florence. In a few words, by foot, you are only 15 minutes from the Galeria dell’Accademia and 20 minutes from the Duomo.
It is not in the core of the historic center, but it is not that far away either. And as I had previously mentioned, this area is very beautiful, it allows you to see a more residential part of the city and rest from the hustle and bustle. The advantage of staying in this area, is that although it is not a cheap hotel, it is not outrageously expensive either, and I am sure that if it would be in the heart of the old town, it would actually be very expensive.
What type of traveler do I recommend it to?
To lovers of designer boutique hotels and old buildings. I found it very romantic to enjoy as a couple, although I saw many families. And especially to the traveler looking for a great accommodation with a minimum of 4 stars.
*Thanks to the Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique for its friendly hospitality.
If you want to travel to Italy and would like me to organize your trip or event through our travel agency Tripdreaming, contact me at silvia.lucero@tripdreaming.com.
For editorial questions, please contact me at silvia.lucero@latrotamundos.com.
