B&B Monte Oliveto

This is an absolute gem. I cannot say enough about this stay. Marta made us feel welcomed and at home. The breakfast was out of this world. The room was a good size, clean, and the bed was comfortable. It is a good value for the money. The location is in a quieter part of Florence which is refreshing. There are not many dining options nearby, but it is easy to plan accordingly. There are grocery stores within blocks and there's a fridge in the room. We were able to walk to all of the sights easily although if you come in by train I recommend you take a taxi to the B&B..

My partner and myself stayed for a week long city break in Florence and my partner found this B&B. Absolutely perfect!!! If you like hotels with modern IKEA fittings, marbled bathrooms, huge walk in showers and a television hung on the wall then this is not for you. If you want a Mediterranean style house with cool tiles, window shutters, a huge cool bathroom, a private terrace, AC and fridge then this is definitely for you. It's a 20 minute walk from the train station (Florence is not a place to be getting taxis) and is situated on a wide and very quiet residential road. We can only speak for our room with the private terrace which was on the other side of the building from the street, but there was zero noise at night. The private terrace overlooks the garden and then onto woodlands - if you're there are the right time of year you get the firefly light show late at night. The house is a stones throw from the main entrance to the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace and a 5 minute walk to get to the streets that will take you directly to the Ponte Vecchio bridge and on into the main tourist area, or along streets with good nightlife; bars and restaurants (try the Mysterium Bar for laid back trance music and easily the best cocktails - a little pricey but worth it). You are also 2 minutes walk from a bus stop that has a direct bus to Sienna which is worth a day away from Florence. The thing worth its weight in gold about this B&B though is the host, Marta. Tourist info and guide books are great but local knowledge is better and Marta will tell you all the best places that the locals go from the best ice cream to the best church (ask Marta about her favourite church which is well worth the extra 5 minutes walk uphill!!!!). Go down last for breakfast and engage with Marta and she will happily fill a map in with tips on what to do. A lovely woman; so helpful and interesting. I think my partner, a languages teacher, who is fluent in French and almost in Spanish, really enjoyed talking to Marta about the Italian language. Oh, yes, the breakfast.... that was perfect too! 1. Come to Florence for 5-7 days to get to know the city. 2. Stay at B&B Monte Oliveto and ask for the first floor with the private terrace. 3. Get the local knowledge from Marta Can't wait to visit again!

We had a wonderful stay at Monte Oliveto. Lovely, warm welcome from Marta and delicious breakfast every morning. Lots of helpful recommendations and room spotlessly clean. Even saw a deer from our terrace! Thank you for a perfect stay.