Relais Uffizi

If you are looking for a hotel in Florence that offers both a fabulous location and reasonably priced, pleasant rooms, the simple Relais Uffizi is for you. The double wood doors of the ancient building are located on the Chiasso del Buco, a quaint narrow back street accessed through an ancient arch from the Chiasso de’ Baroncelli, off the Piazza della Signoria. Upstairs in the main reception lounge, the gracious owner, Elisabetta Matucci, or one of her friendly assistants will give you a warm welcome. Because there are so few rooms and the hotel is family-managed, guests are known by name and made to feel like friends. Nothing is contrived or overly sophisticated: instead there is an informal, comfortable ambiance. The heart of the hotel is the lounge where large windows look down upon the famous Piazza della Signoria with its statues and outdoor cafes. From this marvelous perch, you can relax in quiet comfort and enjoy all the drama and activity of Florence unfolding just below you. Although this is a simple hotel with remarkably low rates, no deluxe hotel in Florence can surpass this view of Florence. A maze of hallways leads to the individually decorated guestrooms. They vary in shape and size (number 3 with a canopy bed is especially spacious), but all are attractive in decor and have some antique furnishings. Best of all, they are immaculately clean and offer all the basic amenities.