We spent five nights here split across two rooms. Both rooms were charming, the first had an inside view onto a very pretty courtyard, but had a damaged slat in a shutter allowing the early sun to stream in. We had reported this but maintenance couldn’t find the issue (at night), so the hotel kindly changed our room with little hassle beyond having to pack. The second room was even nicer and looked out over a square at the front.
The location is ideal with major attractions, dining and shopping within easy walking distance, plus the main train station. We took a taxi to the hotel from the airport, which was inexpensive, although the drive of our vehicle (#591) “forgot” that there is a flat rate until reminded of that fact. That said, the difference was only a couple of Euros. However, a far better option, which we used for the return is the T2 Tram to/from the Unita stop which goes between the front of the airport and the front of the hotel for e1.50 per person.
Breakfast was included in our booking and was in the form of a buffet on the fifth floor with spectacular views of the city. It includes a choice from several options including yoghurt, breads, hams, eggs and bacon, etc. and was very good. One tip: the coffee in the dispensers is pretty rough, so it’s better to ask the staff to bring you a cup from a machine – that way you can also get drinks like cappuccinos.
In general, the hotel is a great balance between what you would expect from an older hotel with character and what you expect from more function oriented modern hotels. You only get the three pins-in-a-row Italian power sockets, and you won’t get a box of tissues or security peepholes, but everything else is there. The rooms were very clean, had firm beds, functional plumbing and a free mini-bar stocked with a generous supply of soft drinks. Internet was free and just about fast enough to stream (via a SlingBox) a major college football game from the States, but with an occasional pause. Staff were very friendly and helpful, although I don’t recall ever seeing any door staff.
Note though that the smart card system is particularly finicky even though we had used many such systems before – staying in various hotel chains enough to have high status and even lifetime status in a couple. As far as I could tell, if the door reader misreads (you may hear a click but still get two red lights), you have to wait for the green light to come on. I also noticed that the maids and bellman who helped us with the system hold the card horizontal unlike the instructions in the elevators. You also have to hold the card there for several seconds for it to register.
Overall, we had a wonderful time in the city and this hotel. Typically, we will visit cities more than once: the first time to do the essential tourism thing, and thereafter to have more relaxed time enjoying the local culture and experiences. I have little doubt that we will want to return to Florence in the near future, and when we do, that the Grand Hotel Baglioni will be our hotel of choice.
