Family-run Florence hotel in a 15th-century palazzo between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio offers authentic Tuscan hospitality. Rooms feature terracotta floors and wooden beams, while the location allows easy walking to all major sights.
Hotel Davanzati occupies a historic fifteenth-century palazzo on Via Porta Rossa in Florence's Oltreduomo neighbourhood, one of the city's most walkable and historically dense streets. The Uffizi Gallery is approximately 350 metres from the front door, Ponte Vecchio lies 300 metres to the south, and Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo are reachable in five minutes on foot. This combination of medieval character and extraordinary proximity to Florence's major museums makes the hotel a reliable choice for first-time visitors and returning travellers alike.
The property has been owned and operated by the Davanzati family for multiple generations, giving it a warmth and consistency of service that larger chain hotels often lack. The building retains original architectural features including terracotta tile floors, exposed wooden ceiling beams, stone arches, and the original stone staircase, all of which contribute to a distinctly Florentine atmosphere. Rooms are classically decorated with period-appropriate furnishings, rich fabrics, and framed prints of Tuscan landscapes.
The hotel has 27 guest rooms spread across four floors, ranging from compact standard rooms to larger superior doubles and family rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and include Wi-Fi, satellite television, and private en-suite bathrooms. A lift provides access to all floors. Breakfast at Hotel Davanzati is a buffet featuring fresh Florentine pastries, local cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, and hot drinks, served in a vaulted dining room with stone walls.
The hotel offers a complimentary happy hour in the early evening — an unusual touch for a three-star property — typically including Chianti, Prosecco, and light Tuscan snacks. The front desk is staffed by fluent English-speakers who are enthusiastic about directing guests toward reliable neighbourhood restaurants, Chianti valley day trips, and less-visited churches and palazzi in central Florence. The hotel does not operate a dinner restaurant, but dozens of trattorias serving Florentine bistecca, pappardelle al cinghiale, and ribollita are within a short walk.
Amenities
- breakfast included
- historic building
- central location
- wifi
- air conditioning
- helpful staff
Location
Via Porta Rossa, 5, 50123 Firenze FI
43.7710, 11.2523 View on map
Highlights
- Fifteenth-century palazzo with original terracotta floors, wooden beams, and stone arches in the heart of Florence
- Steps from the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria — Florence's greatest concentration of art and architecture
- Multi-generational family management delivering personal, consistent service
- Complimentary evening happy hour with Chianti and Tuscan snacks
- Breakfast buffet with fresh Florentine pastries served in a vaulted stone dining room
Tips for visiting
- Book the Uffizi Gallery tickets online before arrival; same-day queues can stretch for two hours or more in peak season.
- Request a room on a higher floor for quieter surroundings and better views over the neighbourhood rooftops.
- The complimentary happy hour typically runs late afternoon and is a useful moment to plan the evening with input from the multilingual front desk team.
- Low-season stays (November through February) offer considerably lower rates while most major museums and galleries remain open.
- The area around Porta Rossa and the Mercato Nuovo is lively with street vendors; keep documents and valuables secure in crowded sections.
Accessibility
Hotel Davanzati has a lift serving all guest floors, making it more accessible than many comparable properties in Florence's historic centre. Ground-floor areas including the breakfast room and entrance are step-free. Some original flooring is uneven due to the building's age; guests with significant mobility limitations are advised to contact the hotel for specific room and facility guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast included at Hotel Davanzati?
A buffet breakfast is included in standard room rates and is served each morning in the hotel's vaulted dining room. Pastries, local charcuterie, cheeses, fresh fruit, and hot drinks are typically available.
Does the hotel have a lift?
Yes, a lift serves all four floors of the hotel, making it accessible for guests who prefer not to use the historic stone staircase.
How far is the hotel from Santa Maria Novella railway station?
Firenze Santa Maria Novella station is approximately 1.2 km from the hotel, walkable in around 15 minutes, or reachable by a short taxi ride.
Can the hotel arrange private guided tours of Florence?
The front desk team can recommend and contact reliable private guides for the Uffizi, the Accademia, and walking tours of the historic centre. Early booking is advised for tours during spring and summer.
Is the hotel suitable for families?
Yes, the hotel offers family rooms and can arrange cots for young children. The central location and abundance of gelaterias, parks, and walkable museums make it a practical base for families.