Smart hotels can mean lots of fuss - ingratiating porters, time-tabled meals, achingly slow room service and (worst of all!) other guests - which can leave you less relaxed than when you arrived. At the elegant Residence Hilda you get more privacy than at any 5-star hotel, more freedom than your own home, and you set the agenda.
Whether you want to get up at the crack of dawn to be first to the sights, party all night with friends, make your own breakfasts or stay in bed until teatime, this is the place. Here you can come and go as you please with your own pass key. With 12 carefully crafted apartments over 4 floors, this tranquil haven is perfect for families and discerning couples alike. Centrally placed 3 blocks north of the Duomo, this historic apartment building was transformed after an 18-month refurbishment. Interiors are light and streamlined, designer details conspicuous only by their restraint. And their efficient and helpful team is there to help with whatever you need – from booking tours or taxis to recommending restaurants.
Highs
- Excellent central location for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife
- Well equipped serviced apartments, each with a bedroom, kitchen and living room (some have an additional sofabed)
- No minimum stay length - unusual for a self-catering set up
- Cool, classy interiors which are kept spotlessly clean, with truly impeccable service
- There's a lift - rare in Florence's historic buildings - and 2 wheelchair-friendly rooms
Lows
- No restaurant or breakfast room, but breakfast available at the cafe next door or delivered to your apartment. Room service or lunch and dinner available
- No communal areas apart from reception, but each apartment has its own sitting area (or, in the Executive, a separate sitting room)
- Check-in is restricted to 3-7pm; if you intend to arrive later, you need to clear it in advance
Best time to go
Florence is a city with something happening at all times of the year. Late March, April, September and October are the busiest times. Midsummer (July, August) can get very hot and a tad crowded and most Tuscan life takes to the hills. Winter (mid-Nov to mid-March) is quiet, with just a few ‘indoor tourists’ - art-lovers, fashion buyers, friends and parents of those studying here.
Location
Residence Hilda is centrally located just a few blocks north of the Duomo.
By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence and Tuscany quite easily from London. See the excellent Seat 61 for details. Santa Maria Novella central station is 1.2 km from Residence Hilda by foot (2.3 km by car).
By Air
There are some flights to Florence Peretola airport. However, most people fly to Pisa Galileo. Rome and Milan airports are about 3 hours from Florence.
From the Airport
Residence Hilda can arrange airport transfers. The journey is around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
By Car
You won't need a car if this is just a city visit but if this is part of a wider tour of the region see our car rental recommendations. If you do have a car, let Residence Hilda know in advance as they can organise private garage parking for you. There is public parking behind the Residence, free at night and on Sundays. Be warned that you are inside the pedestrian zone here.
Full directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Florence-Peretola 10.0 km FLR
- Pisa Galileo 85.0 km PSA
Other:
- Beach 70.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
It was an ideal choice for us - superb location, comfortable, spacious and spotless junior suite with two beds and reasonably quiet. It represents excellent value for money and I would recommend it.
The cleaning and concierge service were first class. Valentina on the reception desk was wonderful and she oriented us as soon as we arrived and organised the missing dinner reservations. She also recommended great places for lunch. Coquinarius was good for lunch, serving Tuscan dishes that ranged from light to heavy. Osteria delle Tre Panche served a filling, relatively inexpensive dinner in a marvellous atmosphere created by diners who were really enjoying themselves. Ora D'Aria is a gem if you want creative Tuscan cooking and great wine and are willing to pay.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape