81meganf
Google
We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect place for our second visit to Florence! Our first trip over a decade ago had us staying in the city center, but this time we wanted to immerse ourselves in the more local, artsy feel of the Oltrarno neighborhood. The Altana Luxury Apartment at Palazzo Ridolfi was everything we’d hoped for and more.||The panoramic views from the apartment are absolutely breathtaking. I’m someone who loves being able to see the Duomo and the skyline, and this apartment delivered in spades. Every morning felt like a dream! Opening the windows to hear church bells and birdsong while the city slowly came to life was pure magic.||We arrived close to midnight and used the self-check-in process since the office was closed. Everything went incredibly smoothly! The instructions were clear, and we had no issues getting inside. The building has an elevator to get you most of the way up, but do note that the apartment itself is spread over several levels with internal stairs between the kitchen/bathroom and main living/bedroom areas. This wasn’t a problem for us, but it might be something to consider if stairs are a concern.||The kitchen was well-equipped for our 3-night stay. While we didn’t cook, we really appreciated having the espresso machine (with complimentary pods and biscuits!) and used the dishes when we brought dinner in one evening.||The bathroom is beautifully renovated, and I especially appreciated the spacious drawer under the sink for storing our toiletries. The hairdryer worked well, and the provided robes and slippers were such a cozy, thoughtful touch.||The air conditioning was a standout feature, especially in late spring! There are two units (one in the bedroom, one in the living room), and both kept the apartment perfectly comfortable.||Breakfast each morning was a delight. We were served eggs made to order, frothy cappuccinos, and truly outstanding croissants - some of the best I’ve had anywhere.||The location is unbeatable for exploring the Oltrarno. The apartment is just steps from Piazza Santo Spirito, which became our nightly ritual spot for people-watching, relaxing with a book, and savoring gelato. We also did a food tour with EatingEurope that took us through the surrounding streets - this neighborhood is packed with hidden culinary gems.||Highly recommend checking out:||Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - Get a reservation and don’t miss the filet with Chianti sauce!||Ristorante Beccafico – Excellent for a relaxed, delicious lunch.||Gustapizza – Worth the wait!||La Sorbettiera – Incredible gelato.||DiVin Boccone – For wine tastings and fantastic prosciutto. Say “ciao” to Massimiliano for me!||The apartment also had strong Wi-Fi, was surprisingly quiet for such a central location, and felt safe and secure throughout our stay.||I can’t recommend this apartment highly enough. While I’m sure the other rooms in Palazzo Ridolfi are also lovely, the views from this one truly made our trip unforgettable. We’re already dreaming of coming back.