HOTEL TIP – Florence, Italy

HOTEL TIP Florence – Hotel Pendini

Where classical music plays on vinyl,  the rooms are decorated with floral wallpaper and the furniture is antique. Hotel Pendini, a stone’s  throw away from all the major sightseeing spots in Florence, is an ideal base for any tourist visiting Florence. The hotel first opened its doors is 1897, as the upscale Pensione Pendini, and has been run by family ever since. Nowadays, the hotel is still by many perceived as city history, setting high standards to uphold the class it once opened with.

Popular landmarks such as the cathedral of Florence, Basilica of Sante Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and the renowned Ponte Vecchio bridge are all within a short walking distance of the hotel. And, as to expect from such a central location, so are all the restaurants, shops and gelato you could possible wish for. Or, after a long day of visiting the historic sights, chill out in hotel Pendini’s very own authentic Italian lounge,  decorated with hints of gold and vintage furniture throughout. 

 

Fun fact: the location of hotel Pendini is now perceived as one of the best areas to stay in Florence,  with neighbors such as  Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier. BUT, back in the day, this particular neighborhood was known as the ghetto of the city and the square it is situated on was just a local market. Then, late in the 1800’s, Italy decided to clean up Florence and, in an effort to imitate some of Paris’ elegance and fine historical buildings, builded the grand arch that is featured in the photo above. When the work on the arch was completed, a very rich lady which happened to be part of the Pendini family decided to started a residence for travellers in the attached building. The grand arch still proudly bears the Pendini name today.

Usually we like our hotel rooms to be styled somewhat modern, but this -the vintage cellphone, golden beds, velvet curtains and bright floral wallpapers – somehow just all work. All rooms of the hotel are featured with air-conditioning, television and free wifi. Furthermore, the room above in specific, had a lounge, desk and closet which aren’t showing in the photo. The same goes for the bathroom, which might look small but is in reality rather large.

Breakfast at the hotel is served every morning from 07:00-10:00, with some good complimentary Italian coffee brought to you be the attentive staff members.

Price of a night at Hotel Pendini, Florence

So, what does one pay for a stay in a vintage-esque hotel right within the city centre of Florence? Well, for our 4-night trip (Thursday till Monday) we paid a total of  $637.36 (€ 527,40) with breakfast included. With high review scores, such as the 9.1 on Booking.com, the hotel is incredibly popular and always sells out early. Being on time is therefore highly recommended, also budget wise as it tends to get more expensive as you wait. Curious to whether it is still available and what it might cost on your desired date? Click here. 

Have you ever visited Florence? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂 ↓

* All prices as of 30 April ’18, in US dollar and EURO, converted on xe.com. 

SLEEP IN THE HISTORICAL CENTER OF FLORENCE : Hotel Pendini

HOTEL TIP Florence – Hotel Pendini

Where classical music plays on vinyl,  the rooms are decorated with floral wallpaper and the furniture is antique. Hotel Pendini, a stone’s throw away from all the major sightseeing spots in Florence, is an ideal base for any tourist visiting Florence. The hotel first opened its doors is 1897, as the upscale Pensione Pendini, and has been run by the family ever since. Nowadays, the hotel is still by many perceived as city history, setting high standards to uphold the class it once opened with.

Already there and hungry?

• 9x where to eat in Florence 

Central location

Popular landmarks such as the cathedral of Florence, Basilica of Sante Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and the renowned Ponte Vecchio bridge are all within a short walking distance of the hotel. And, as to expect from such a central location, so are all the restaurants, shops and gelato you could possibly wish for. Or, after a long day of visiting the historic sights, chill out in hotel Pendini’s very own authentic Italian lounge,  decorated with hints of gold and vintage furniture throughout. 

Fun fact: the location of hotel Pendini is now perceived as one of the best areas to stay in Florence,  with neighbors such as  Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Cartier. BUT, back in the day, this particular neighborhood was known as the ghetto of the city and the square it is situated on was just a local market. Then, late in the 1800’s, Italy decided to clean up Florence and, in an effort to imitate some of Paris’ elegance and fine historical buildings, built the grand arch that is featured in the photo above. When the work on the arch was completed, a very rich lady which happened to be part of the Pendini family decided to start a residence for travelers in the attached building. The grand arch still proudly bears the Pendini name today.

Room interior

Usually, we like our hotel rooms to be styled somewhat modern, but this -the vintage cellphone, golden beds, velvet curtains, and bright floral wallpapers – somehow just all work. All rooms of the hotel are featured with air-conditioning, television, and free wifi. Furthermore, the room above in specific had a lounge, desk, and closet which aren’t showing in the photo. The same goes for the bathroom, which might look small but is in reality rather large.

Breakfast at the hotel is served every morning from 07:00-10:00, with some good complimentary Italian coffee brought to you by the attentive staff members.

What is a night at Hotel Pendini in Florence going to cost you?

For our 4-night trip (Thursday till Monday) we paid a total of  $637.36 (€ 527,40) with breakfast included. With high review scores, such as the 9.1 on Booking.com, the hotel is incredibly popular and always sells out early. Being on time is therefore highly recommended, also budget wise as it tends to get more expensive as you wait. Curious to whether it is still available and what it might cost on your desired date? Click here to check out the prices.

Rooms prices starting from €95 ($108)

More information

Have you ever visited Florence? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂 ↓

* All prices as of 30 April ’18, in US dollar and EURO, converted on xe.com. 

ACCOMMODATION TIP – New York City

That Manhattan is no longer the only ‘place-to-be’ has been clear for quite some time now. With a large variety of districts – that each have their own characteristics- Brooklyn’s got it. And, whilst other popular area’s such as Williamsburg and Dumbo might be located closer to the bridge, Bushwick, a little bit farther out, ain’t bad at all. Especially, if you come across an accommodation like this.

The Funky Loft

A 30-minute subway ride away from New York City’s bubbling core, lies the extravagant Funky Loft.  With a variety of lush plants, a swing in the living room, kitschy 1970’s themed bathroom, vintage furniture and props throughout; this place truly is an artists dream. The Funky Loft was named “the coolest Airbnb in Brooklyn’ in 2017 by Time Out Magazine. Well, there is no arguing that.

With its quirky interior and something eye-catching on every inch of the appartment, it’s no wonder the property is regularly rented out for photoshoots. The Funky Loft features 3 rooms that are individually themed and are fully decorated to complement that theme. New York City is famous for ever fluctuating weather but they’ve got you covered with an A/C for the hot days and heaters for the colder ones.  The doors of the accommodation are wooden barn doors, and slide from side to side. Which are super cool but do not completely close, so hopefully you’ll have mindful neighbors.

The owners are friendly and, above all, experienced in renting out their accommodation. They know how to anticipate on anything you might need and have tons of tips to make the best of your stay.  As, an original bed and breakfast be-tamed, breakfast is set up for you to use at 07:00 and remains available until 11:00.

However, as superb as this place might be, do keep in mind that the owners actually live at the property. Therefore, they’ve set silent hours, from 10pm until 10am. Not to say that you’re unable to go out or anything like that, you’re more than welcome to step in at any time of the night, just keep down the noise. Small price to pay for such a lovely apartment. Staying longer or having a romantic weekend getaway? Than maybe this place is best combined with a night in a hotel in Manhattan.

Total costs for staying at the Funky Loft in Brooklyn?

For our 3-night stay, during a particularly cold March, we paid a total of $345 (280 EUR) which is a bargain in NYC.

Keen on spending the night in this incredible accommodation? Find out what it is going to cost you on your desired date and time by clicking here.

*All prices as of 31 March’18 in US dollars and EUR, converted on xe.com