Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore  

Description from the manager

The high ceilings and lovely wall paintings are wonderful, but the best feature of this charming apartment in Florence is its location. Surrounded by the best shops and all the important sights, our central Florence accomodation will allow you to become a true part of this gorgeous Renaissance city.

This palazzo was constructed during the first half of the 14th century, at a time when Florence had begun to expand beyond the boundaries of the ancient Roman nucleus. It was commissioned by Messer Lapo, a member of the Aldobrandinis - a wealthy family who made their fortune in the spice business. At that time, via delle Belledonne was a mai...n commercial artery leading out of the city - it connected the Mercato Vecchio [market square] and via Strozzi to the Porta del Trebbio, the city door that opens a path to the north. In the 19th century, the palazzo housed several painters' workshops, including that of the celebrated artist Ingres. The artists' need for light is probably the reason why most of the apartments have very large windows.

[66 m2] Second floor [with lift]: This apartment is a renovated painter's studio. It has a comfortable living room with a sofa bed and trompe l'oeil on the wall, a kitchenette, a bathroom [with shower], and a small utility closet. Though there is not much natural light, the ceiling is very high, which makes the room feel open and spacious. Up a small flight of stairs is a loft with queen size bed [which can be converted to two twin beds on request]. Although the views are not remarkable, the apartment is comfortable, bright, and nicely furnished.

This Florence accommodation is one of several apartments in an elegant building located on a street called via delle Belledonne, close to the Duomo in Florence. Near this Florence vacation accommodation, one can find a baker, butcher, green grocer, coffee and pastry shops, hairdresser, dry cleaner, and a plethora of excellent restaurants. Don't miss the Profumeria Farmaceutica on via della Scala!

Pisa: 98 km

Siena: 70.4 km

Duomo: within walking distance

Uffizi: within walking distance

Ponte Vecchio: within walking distance

Available Amenities: Elevator, washing machine, TV, fan, telephone, high-speed DSL internet access, iron and ironing board, independent central heating, alarm clock, toaster, electric oven, stove. Kitchen towels, bath towels [two sets per person], and bed linens [two sets per bed] are provided for the duration of the visit.

Extra Services: Upon request: microwave, VCR, answering machine, American coffee maker, hairdryer, stereo, fan, baby bed. Maid Service can be arranged for €12/hour [includes cleaning supplies].

Please Note: This apartment is not suitable for students. Parking is difficult to find in Florence, so a car is not recommended.

Minimum Stay: 14

Check-In: 1:30pm - 5:30pm

Check-In: 1:30pm - 5:30pmRead more

Additional Location Information

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Nicholas
  

  Nicholas's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 03/31/2010 for a stay in March 2010
  
  

  We had a great time in the apartment. It was like home to us after just one day.
  
  The location was excellent. The kitchen was very well equipped. The bathroom was a good size and the storage space was more than adequate. Very comfortable furnishings and the company people in Italy were very helpful all throughout our stay.
  
  Some shortage of hot water.
  
  Everything!!!!!! The restaurants were great and the shops in the area were very good. This apartment was near everything. We went everywhere from this location without any problem.

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• Robert
  

  Robert's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 06/30/2007 for a stay in June 2007
  
  

  Very positive and a pleasant experience.
  
  Location
  
  Only 1 window and during part of the stay there was a heat wave and the apartment does get hot - we were provided a fan.
  
  This is the perfect location. Short walk to Bus and train stations. major attractions, restaurants and shopping.

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• Isla
  

  Isla's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 07/31/2006 for a stay in July 2006
  
  

  I hope to return to Il Trovatore with each visit to Florence.
  
  Il Trovatore is absolutely elegant, yet cozy. It really felt like a home away from home. The huge windows opened to the stars at night and let in the breezes during the day. Cooking was fun in the well-equipped kitchen and there was a surprising amount of storage space throughout the apartment with the high ceilings lending a feeling of openness and spaciousness. The sofa and armchairs had also been newly upholstered and I felt like I was in a new apartment.
  
  Sorry, nothing; everything was lovely and any request was immediately taken care of by the Contessa.
  
  The location in Florence is superb and prestigious: right off of Via Tornabuoni and just a few steps from the historic center of the city and the river.

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• Donna
  

  Donna's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 05/31/2006 for a stay in May 2006
  
  

  The living space of the downstairs area.
  
  The loft heat rises and the uncomfortable mattresses. The living room chairs and couch slipcovers need replacing. The shower needs to be cleaned.
  
  Very easy to walk around in and to find your way around.

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• Maurine
  

  Maurine's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 02/28/2006 for a stay in February 2006
  
  

  This is a very enjoyable apartment - very comfortable.
  
  The palazzo in which the apartment is located is a lovely building. The apartment itself is spacious and well appointed. It also has good storage space and is well organized for everyday living.
  
  The apartment is in an ideal location in Florence. It is closely located to all major sites and yet is on a very quiet, peaceful street. There are wonderful small shops nearby for groceries, etc. There is also a good gym within a few blocks.

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• Crystal
  

  Crystal's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 05/31/2004 for a stay in May 2004
  
  

  The property managers were very friendly and responsive.
  
  We loved it! It was nicely decorated, clean and in a great location. It was ideal for taking day trips by train to other towns in Tuscany. We've been to Italy at least 4 other times and renting Il Travatore made this trip our favorite.
  
  Our trip was in May and we would probably want to rent a place with air conditioning if we visited in the summer.
  
  Excellent location! There were plenty of restaurants, the train station and all of the major sites of Florence were within walking distance.

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• Joani
  

  Joani's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 10/31/2001 for a stay in October 2001
  
  

  This is a one of a kind apartment! Excellent location, none would be better in my opinion! I would gladly return and choose this apartment without a doubt!
  
  The high ceilings and the spacious feeling was wonderful and the location was the best feature. We were surrounded by the best shops and really got into the local feeling of Florence.
  
  Nothing~ We loved everything!!!
  
  We enjoyed the shopping and the closeness to the train station and the center of town.

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• 
  

  Great location. Beautifully decorated....

  Left on 03/09/2001 for a stay in February 2001
  
  

  Great location. Beautifully decorated. Immaculately clean. The local manager was always helpful and pleasant.
  
  The location, size, condition. It's hard to single out any one thing!
  
  Nothing!
  
  We loved shopping for the apartment - cheeses, wine, green grocer, butcher, etc. Also eating in local trattorias was wonderful.

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• Elizabeth
  

  Elizabeth's review of Palazzo Belle Donne - Il Trovatore

  Left on 05/31/2000 for a stay in May 2000
  
  

  Clean, more spacious than I had imagined, great location.
  
  The location.
  
  The electric stove.
  
  I enjoyed the neighborhood shops, food and wine.

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