Hotel Cardinal
The rooftop terrace with its sweeping views over Florence's rooftops and the Duomo, best enjoyed with a self-assembled picnic and a glass of wine at sunset, is the heart of this clean, unpretentious, centrally located hotel, where staff members like Marco, Mario, and Giovanni go well beyond the desk to hand-draw maps, carry luggage up sixty-odd stone steps without complaint, and even accompany guests to hospital, making up handsomely for rooms that are compact, thin-walled, and occasionally showing their age.
How the cosy score works →Why it scores 6.3, from guest reviews
- Rooftop terrace with 360-degree Florence views where guests linger for morning coffee and sunset wine
- Warm, named staff (Marco, Mario, Giovanni, Leonardo) who hand-mark maps, carry bags upstairs, and treat guests like valued friends rather than transactions
- Rustic, charming interior with character; guests describe feeling safe and welcomed despite basic rooms
Best for
A strong fit for a rooftop, the view and walking everywhere. Guests point to rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of Florence where guests linger for morning coffee and sunset wine.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Hotel Cardinal located in Florence?
- Hotel Cardinal sits just a few minutes' walk from the Duomo, with everything within walking distance, the train station is about 20 minutes on foot, and there's a bus stop right outside. It's an ideal base for exploring the city centre safely and easily.
- How cosy is Hotel Cardinal?
- Hotel Cardinal has a cosy score of 6.3 out of 10, reflecting its character as a charming, basic but well-maintained property with genuine warmth from staff rather than luxury finishes.
- What do guests love most about Hotel Cardinal?
- Guests consistently praise the rooftop patio with its breathtaking views of Florence, the friendly and helpful staff who go the extra mile (carrying bags, offering local recommendations, even birthday upgrades), and the excellent location near major sights.
- Is the service good at Hotel Cardinal?
- Yes, staff are described as superb, warm, and incredibly helpful, taking pride in the city and going out of their way to assist guests with dining tips, directions, and practical support like carrying luggage up the stairs.
- What are the rooms like at Hotel Cardinal?
- Rooms are clean and basic with everything you need, though they're on the smaller side and walls are thin, so light sleepers may want earplugs. Note that the hotel is on the third floor with no lift, but staff will happily carry bags.
- Is Hotel Cardinal good for couples?
- Yes, guests on their honeymoon found it fantastic, praising the rooftop view as one of Florence's best and the attentive, accommodating service that makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just a room number.
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