Grand Hotel Minerva - Florence

9.7

Unser Lieblingshotel in Florenz. Eigentlich sollten wir es gar nicht empfehlen, weil es dann noch häufiger ausgebucht ist. Prof. Dr. Erik Adam und Eva Födermair, Austria

9.2

We very much enjoyed our stay. It was worth every penny to relax on the rooftop and swim in a pool with the amazing view of the city and the surrounding mountains! Definitely recommend!

8.1

No surprise with this beautiful hotel ideally located in front of Santa Maria Novella church and close to the main railway station. Our room was a bit small this time but the location is still great despite the works on the square which are likely to last for a while. Service at breakfast very friendly and competent.

8.6

I knew going in that there was construction going on with the church, and it did not affect our stay at all. The piazza is now also under construction. Our room, 423, was lovely and just as pictured on the website. It was a junior suite overlooking the church cloister. The room was big enough, with a sitting area with a TV in both the bedroom and sitting areas. The decor was very calming, with golds and white, a small couch and side chair, and a desk. My husband does not go for the ornate decoration seen in some hotels, so he was pleased with the simple, but elegant decor here. There were two sets of French doors opening to a balcony, but it was quite small and not even deep enough for a chair. However, it was very nice to have such large windows with views of the church next door and the hills beyond. The air conditioning worked well and was quite welcome after walking all day in town during humid days. The bed was a very comfortable king (two twins pushed together) and the room was quiet when the windows were closed. The church bells rang about 7 am. The rooftop terrace was lovely with potted trees, tables and chairs, and a small pool. The pool closes on October 1, so we could not use it. The breakfast buffet offered plenty of choice, including some hot dishes such as scrambled eggs and bacon. Cappucino was served on request. I emailed the hotel in advance to book our museum reservations. I think we paid about 3 euros for a service charge. It was nice having that set up and paid for in advance and we were able to get the morning slots we requested. Another nice thing was the complementary internet access. They had two terminals off the lobby, but one computer was out of order while we were there, and the other one was in use nearly the entire time we were there. I finally got on to check my email on our last day. It is an easy walk from the train station. Don't forget to visit the church and museum next door- beautiful frescoes!

6.5

The hotel is great location and rooms are good quality. The breakfast was good. It's let down by the front desk staff (chaotic and unorganized) and the bar areas. The lobby and roof top were poorly staffed (i.e. none) and dirty uncleared tables.

7.9

overall very nice hotel exept for the breakfast staff. they are not so polite and they are alaways shouting and chatting loudly with each other and never ask you if you need something

9.9

Exceptional. For the price paid I have never stayed in a better hotel. Lovely staff, good breakfast in the morning. The pool and terrace are a wonderful facility. Have a swim or just sit an read and the view is incredible. No problem with the square. the people hanging around are just talking with friends. Not at all threatening. Had a terrific time and would hope to stay there again.

8.8

We chose this hotel because we love the Minerva in Rome. The area in front is a bit shabby, but it was convenient for the only one night stay during our trip. The room was lovely and we would probably stay there again. Breakfast was great.

8.8

This is a wonderful hotel and a great location. Breakfast is excellent. We stay at this hotel every time we visit Florence. Florence is a great city to visit and we will always stay at the Grand Hotel Minerva.

9.9

This hotel is an excellent hotel. We stayed in a superior room.

9.9

We were a bit concerned about the Piazza at first but the groups are not threatening or noisy or disruptive, just using the Piazza as a meeting place. Our suite was very comfortable. The staff, from housekeeping to reception, were friendly, helpful and efficient. The breakfast buffet was the best we've seen in Europe. Although we did not see any of the other rooms, we were very impressed with our suite and the hotel overall.

10

Review by 2 families the Drakes & McFaddens: We were pleasantly surprised at the accommodations. This was a cute little boutique hotel right next to the Santa Maria Novella church. The rooms and bathroom were spacious. The staff were very helpful. They operated the hotel using standards you would find in a four star hotel in Europe. The only disappointment was the restaurant referred to us by Marzia at the front desk. We were two couples with little children (total six folks) and I asked for an affordable, family friendly restaurant that was close by. She sent us to Ristorante Buca Mario and we wound up spending almost E200 and we didn't have anything to drink other than two bottles of water (no wine) with our food!!! The food was extremely expensive and was okay quality wise. We were very disappointed at the price on the menu but worse, the service was extremely lacking. All other restaurants in Italy gave us great service because we had the kids and they made sure the little bambinos were fed quickly. Not so here. After we complained to the owner, he did speed up the food but he didn't offer any concessions (such as a discount on the food or anything). Marzia, our hotel contact, was horrified when she heard how much we spent and even more so when she heard about the service. Restaurant review by the Drakes: We ate at the Ristorante La Spada which is only a couple of blocks from the hotel. They specialize in roasted food. We ate 3 course meal,bread,1 bottle water,under 35 euros. They except credit cards. Food was delicious! large servings. Service was excellent! Restuarant review by the McFaddens: We ate dinner at the acclaimed Il Latini. Recommendation from Rachel Ray on her show "40 Dollars a Day". Food was delicious, service was great! 2 adults 1 child ate a 4 course meal with 1 bottled water 4 less than E50 ( don't accept credit cards). We would recommend to Il Latini to everyone. It is family run and a must have experience for Flor

8.0

La temperatura en la habitación era ligeramente baja (19-20ºC) y no había posibilidad, en el mes de octubre, de que funcionara el aire caliente del aire acondicionado.

8.9

The hotel room was very spacious, especially by European standards. Location was perfect; it is close to the train station but once aorund the corner invisible! We walked everywhere, found great places to eat. The staff was very helpful in getting us tickets to things we wanted to do. I would highly recommend this hotel to visitors in Firenze. I do hope the outside Piazza is restored; it would be a nice place to sit in the evenings.

5.9

This time was the third that I utilized this accomodation. When we arrived and maked a check-in I received an impression that the receptionists might be blunt and rough. Our room, a junior suite was so smaller than I expected. I booked also a single room for my sister, which was also very small. I rated that relationship between quality and price is not so good even taking into consideration that the property exists nearby the centre of great Florence. We utilized their restaurant and was enjoying Tuscun cuisine. But the women of the italian family that sat next to us was so offended and blamed a waitress for their some failure. The atmosphere of the restaurant was uneasy. Although the impression about this accomodation was obviously worse than one of the first visit, when I checked out, the attitude of the receptionist was so friendly and candid. I felt vaguely that it might be italian way.

9.5

This is a beautiful hotel in a great location. The rooms were very spacious and beautiful. The staff was very accomodating and helpful but not necessarily overally friendly. But I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone and would definetely stay there again.

7.7

As we were on our honeymoon we were welcomed with a bottle of champagne. A large red heart shaped flower was placed on our bed and sprinkled with red flower petals when we got home on the first night. What a nice welcome!!!

8.3

Great location and breakfast. I stayed a couple of other hotels in Florence, and I strongly recommend this hotel.

10

We were very pleased. Only problem was we kept having to ask for tiolet paper...we're Americans!

9.9

Excellent location, excellent price/quality ratio, superbe view terrace with pool.

10

Thankyou - we had a fantastic time. And we especially enjoyed the use of the bicycles!

9.9

great location in easy walking distance from the Duomo; museums;; and, the Uffizi area. The short walk to the train station makes for easy transport to Pisa, Rome, Venice. The hotel is excellent in rooms, hospitality and food. Just a wonderful experience.

7.1

L'hotel est vraiment pas mal. Par contre, je trouve qu'un 3 etoiles auraient été plus juste. Il est certes tres bien mais pour avoir deja voyagé dans d'autres hotels, je l'ai trouvé un cran en dessous. Il est tres bien situé, et propose un service de garage (très pratique).

7.7

the staff at the reception was not very frindly

10

The Grand Hotel Minerva is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Florence. We have stayed in many hotels in Italy and this hotel is by far our favorite hotel. The rooms are great, quiet, and the breakfast is tops. The location is perfect for walking to everything. There is one young man at the front desk that is exceptional. Unfortunately I do not remember his name. I believe his family is from Sicily. He made sure we were well taken care of and that our stay was most pleasurable. Just an outstanding individual. All the staff was great.

9.8

wonderfull hotel very close to train station,2 mins walk away. Would like to stay again.

8.7

Very lovely clean Hotel. Loved the swimming pool on the roof terrace. I would have no hesitation in recommending the hotel. Enjoy and Relax. Centrally located.

8.2

Hotel was very nice,good sized room,which was very clean. Large buffet breakfast was excellent. Had chosen hotel because of pool on roof but did not use the pool at all,however, the roof top terrace has a great view. The square outside hotel appeared to be a meeting place in the evening, but there was no problem from this. Although the actual square itself looked a little run down. Overall had a great stay.

10

We really enjoyed our stay. The room was great, and the staff was pleasant and helpful.

7.6

I had just stayed at Hotel Minerva in Rome (great hotel, read my review) and expected something similar, but should have known better because Minerva in Florence is a much better price. The truth is, for the price you pay, Minerva in Florence is a pretty good deal. Florence in general is very expensive, and this hotel offers good value. The Piazza it occupies (translated to the "New St. Mary Square") has fallen a bit into dissary. OUtside it is a popular place for drinking at night by some youths and local immigrant workers. Empty bottles around in the morning, every morning. The pigeons are a nice diversion for kids. But if you expecting flowers in the square (like in post cards) dont count on it. The city is apprently considering various ways of fixing up the square but have not yet decided on anything yet. It is open and well patrolled, so we never felt unsafe, even at 1AM strolling around, but it is something to consider. The Church in the square in magnificent, and an important part of historical significance of local artists (like Michalangelo). The good news is that, you walk one block away from the square and you are in in a very, very high end area of Florence. 2-3 blocks in the Piazza Republica, and one block is Piazza Signoria. The roof pool and terrace is very nice and offers a great view of the city. The restaurant in the hotel on bottom floor is good, but there are so many more with better views that it makes no sense to eat there. Staff are attentive and nice. All in all, for the price, not a bad choice.

8.4

A pleasant and spacious hotel in the heart of beautiful Florence. Staff is pleasant and location for touring the city is excellent. Location is very difficult to find if driving.

10

It was wonderful. What a great hotel. The room was absolutely stunning. Very conveniently located, too.

10

This is a lovely hotel centrally located and very close to the train station. Nice amenities. Loved the roof top swimming pool,comfortable bed and spacious room. We would definitely stay there again. Front desk staff were great!

9.0

We enjoyed to stay at your hotel very much,for it was our honeymoon trip. Room was very nice (bathroom was larger than many other hotel rooms that I had stayed in). Exceptionally helpful & professional staffs are ready to help us willingly about museum & restaurant reservations.

9.9

Good Hotel with a central location in Florence. The rooms are very nice and the employees are very professional.

9.7

Just a great hotel in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Largely worth the price (150 €) for a top quality service (excellent breakfast). The room was spacious, well furnished. Given the season we could not enjoy the pool but the view on the duomo from our room was wonderful. Nothing bad to say except the square is a little bit noisy at night : you cannot have evrything !

9.9

We had a wonderful stay at the Grand Hotel Minerva for five days. The hotel itself was more than to our expectations, and was very convenient to everything in Frenze. The breakfasts were excellent, and the staff were very kind. We will gladly stay there again.

9.3

The recepyionists were very pleasant and kind. I'm grateful that they'd immediately responded to my questions and kindly sended the street map for approaching to the hotel by a car. The room is excellent and the facility is also perfect. We could enjoy the stay to the full. The stay at this hotel is the second time for us.

8.8

The hotel had no record of our reservation. Fortunately I had a copy of the confirmation I had received. Towards the end of our stay they had turned off the air conditioning, and the room was unbearably warm. There was no way to control the heat other then open the windows, which invited in the mosquitos and outside noise.

9.9

Thanks to Venere we chose to stayh at the Minerva. We were very pleased with the room and the breakfast buffet that was included was very nice. The location is convenient to the major sites and we were able to walk, with our bags, from the train station. My only concern would be the plaza in front at night. If I was a single woman or elderly person I would chose to use a cab after dark. Thanks Venere!

8.9

The swimming pool on the roof is a must. Rarely located... in the centre of Florence yet in a quiet area!Rest of the facilities are excellent.

9.8

Staff was wonderful and extremely helpful. The location was great. The room and bathroom were more than spacious. I would stay there again on a return trip.

9.9

restaurant excellent, un vrai hôtel de charme en pleine ville

7.3

The biggest disappointment was to have a park / square full of drunks right in front of the hotel every night !!!

7.3

The Minerva hotel is a good hotel : we taked a very nice suite. The thing we didn't understand is a mistake : when we left the hotel and were going to pay the room the personal had surestimated own consommations in the bar... We certifated the truth and pay the hotel but at the end the personnal didn't say goodbye ! I think when you pay a suite for more 500 € for two night you can have a better welcoming...

9.9

Great hotel and wonderful location. After my stay I've concluded that a rooftop pool is an absolute must in the summer. Only downside was the food served at the pool which was expensive and inedible. Bar drinks were fab though!!!!! Perfect hotel for summer visit.

6.4

Hotel room was a bit smaller than expected considering its rating. Best breakfast of 6 hotels throughout Italy, including fresh squeezed OJ.

8.9

These were wonderful accomodations. The location was convenient. As per a recommendation from a friend we asked for a room overlooking the basilica courtyard. They obliged with onlay a minimal change in fee. It was a beautiful view by day and night. I would highly recommend this hotel. The front desk could have been a little more accomodationg to help out with touring questions, etc.

5.4

The rate is too high for the room and services we've got. Everything was OK at Minerva but nothing was excellent. The hotel staff was also OK but not willing to help. We would look for another hotel the next time we go to Florence.

10

Beautiful hotel! Staff friendly, excellent location. Would stay here each time I come to Florence.