Borghese Palace Art Hotel

"The best aspects of this hotel are the location and the staff. The location is very central and a short walk to all the major attractions. It is situated on a road with the Bargello Museum at one end and the Piazza Sant Croce and the Basilica at the other end. It is easy to get your bearings with the tall tower of the Bargello Museum being quite distinctive. The buffet breakfast was average, I have had better in Florence. The Staff are lovely, polite, helpful and sociable but I feel they are let down by the hotel's owners because there are signs of wear and tear over the years. The building dates from the 15th century and was converted to a hotel in 2006 and it looks like there has been very little upkeep or updating since. The rooms were clean, bed fairly comfortable, bathroom operational but dated and some questionable practical design features. There were a couple of minor maintenance issues that were resolved but it is debatable whether the aircon was working or not, I was assured it was working. While I stayed there the Gym and Spa was not open and the bar was always in darkness but if you look at the hotel photos you are given the impression it is. There is a Car park next door but I think it is not part of the hotel. There is also a small launderette close by. It was my third time in Florence and I had to book last minute and there was not much accommodation availability . In summary for the price paid it was a good base to tour the city, other hotels cost a lot more and there are a lot worse. It was a shame because I liked the design concept especially the circular lift and the surrounding spiral staircase. But it needs some investment to bring it back up standard, the features like the spa and the bar need to be open as shown in the photos and information. It is a shame because it has a lot going for it (Staff, location) and I would consider staying here again If I knew it had been renovated."

"Avoid this hotel at all costs. I genuinely cannot understand how this place is able to present itself as a decent hotel, let alone anything remotely “bougie”. From the moment I arrived, it was one disappointment after another. I was told the air conditioning was being repaired. Then, at 11pm, I was informed that it would actually be out of action for an entire week. Brilliant timing. I was exhausted, so I had no choice but to endure the night without air conditioning. Unfortunately, that wasn’t even the worst part. I was bitten by bed bugs. Three days later, my hands were covered in bites. Imagine paying good money for a hotel room and leaving with a collection of bed-bug bites instead of a pleasant night's sleep. Absolutely disgusting. The facilities are tired, shabby and clearly in need of serious maintenance. The condition of the place is frankly embarrassing, and the fact that guests are apparently expected to put up with this standard is beyond belief. The hotel’s name might suggest luxury and sophistication, but the reality couldn’t be further from it. There is absolutely nothing “bougie” about broken facilities, no air conditioning and bed bugs. The location is admittedly excellent, right in the centre, but honestly, you could put this hotel in the middle of paradise and I still wouldn’t stay there again. If you’re considering booking this place, DON’T. Spend your money somewhere that actually values its guests and, preferably, somewhere you can sleep without being eaten alive. One of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. Absolutely shameful."

"Terrible, I do not recommend it No air conditioning with 33 degrees No parking as they promise Terrible service, they do not solve anything Humidity on the ceilings It is not a 4-star hotel, not even close Very poor breakfast Very good location ..."