Your stay — Relais il Cestello
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The Property — Relais il Cestello
Relais il Cestello is a 3-star hotel in Florence, Italy, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The hotel's 19th-century building has been restored to showcase its original facade and elegant interior design. The property's unique selling point lies in its tranquil courtyard garden, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Florence. This hotel is ideal for couples and solo travellers seeking a charming, laid-back stay in the heart of Florence.
Chronicles of Florence
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a Roman settlement called Florentia. Over the centuries, the city evolved into a powerful republic, its architecture reflecting the influence of various styles, from Romanesque to Renaissance to Baroque. Today, Florence is a treasure trove of artistic and cultural heritage, with iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery. The city's contemporary identity is deeply rooted in its artisanal traditions, with numerous workshops and boutiques showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Best Time to Visit
Full Florence guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Florence, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds. These months offer a perfect balance of good weather and relatively low prices compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Florence, with the city hosting the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival, attracting classical music enthusiasts from around the world. Hotel prices surge during this time, and visitors can expect larger crowds and longer queues at popular attractions.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best budget-friendly shoulder months, with mild temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy discounts on hotel rates and attractions, making it an ideal time to explore the city's hidden gems.
Weather & packing
Florence's climate is characterized by a dry summer and a rainy winter. Visitors should pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the summer months, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms, and don't forget an umbrella.
Live City Briefing — Florence
- The city's public transportation system has undergone changes, with the introduction of a new bus route connecting Florence's city centre to the nearby towns of Siena and San Gimignano.
- The Uffizi Gallery has extended its opening hours to accommodate the increased number of visitors during the peak season.
- The city's historic centre has been designated as a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), with stricter traffic regulations in place to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Relais il Cestello, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
To get the best experience at Relais il Cestello, request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 3rd floor. This will minimize the likelihood of street noise from the nearby streets of Florence. Additionally, if possible, opt for a room facing the courtyard or the inner garden for a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.
Rooms to avoid
If you're a light sleeper, avoid rooms near the service entrance on the lower floors, as you may be disturbed by the comings and goings of staff and deliveries. Also, rooms near the lift may experience some noise from the elevator's operation.
Best views
Unfortunately, with Relais il Cestello's location in Florence, there are no stunning city views to request. However, rooms facing the inner garden or courtyard may offer a peaceful and serene ambiance.
Quietest floors
The 4th and 5th floors should be relatively quiet, as they are likely to be away from the main street and the service entrance.
🔊 Noise notes
As the hotel is located in a bustling city center, you can expect some street noise, especially from the nearby streets and piazzas. However, the hotel's location in Florence means that the noise is likely to be a gentle hum rather than a loud din.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as some rooms may share facilities. This will ensure a more comfortable stay. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's famous markets and food stalls, which are just a short walk from the hotel.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Relais il Cestello
free in public areas, paid tier (€15.00 per day) with speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader, physical papers available in lobby
15:00-22:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 with €50.00 fee
available at front desk, €5.00 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, some structural limitations in historic building
on-site parking available at €25.00 per night, nearest public car park at Piazza del Carmine (€20.00 per night), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3.00 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: €50.00 credit card hold at check-in for incidents
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine (316 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di Maria Mater Misericordiae (403 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello (453 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di Santa Monica (467 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
COIN — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Piazza Torquato Tasso — 71 m · ~1 min walk
Cappella Brancacci — 294 m · ~4 min walk
Teatro di Cestello — 453 m · ~6 min walk
Area Giochi Ivo Poli — 56 m · ~1 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 236 m · ~3 min walk
Farmacia del Carmine — 219 m · ~3 min walk
Carrefour Express — 29 m · ~1 min walk
Firenze Santa Maria Novella — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
You can exchange currency at banks, post offices, or currency exchange offices, but be aware that rates may be less favorable at airports and tourist bureaux. Consider using an ATM to withdraw cash with your debit/credit card.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Florence, including contactless payments, but some small shops and markets may only accept cash. Mobile payments are less common.
Tipping in Italy is generally less than in the US, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 euros for good service is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may not expect tips, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A caffè (espresso) typically costs 1-2 euros at a bar, or 3-5 euros at a café.
A panino (sandwich) or pizza slice can cost around 5-7 euros at a food stall or market.
A fixed-price menu at a trattoria can cost around 15-25 euros, or a pasta dish at a mid-range restaurant around 10-15 euros.
The streets around the Mercato Centrale and Piazza del Duomo offer a variety of affordable food options, including panini and street food.
Coop and Conad are common supermarket chains in Florence, with affordable prices and a wide selection of products.
The via de' Tornabuoni shopping street offers a mix of high-end and affordable fashion options, while the Oltrarno neighborhood has a variety of second-hand shops and markets.
A daily public transportation pass costs around 12-15 euros, and can be purchased at newsstands or online. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the bus (Vola in Bus) for around 6-8 euros.
Avoid eating at restaurants near popular tourist areas, as prices tend to be higher. Instead, explore local neighborhoods for more affordable options.Consider purchasing a Firenze Card, which grants access to many museums and attractions for a flat fee.Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and cafes, which often offer discounts on drinks and food between 5-7 pm.
Good to know — Florence
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
FlorenceEuropean standard 112 works for all emergencies from a mobile. For fixed-line or text, dial 113 for police, 118 for ambulance, 115 for fire, and 116117 for out-of-hours medical help. Keep 112 set as a speed-dial in your phone.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Florence, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Relais il Cestello
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 236 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia del Carmine — 219 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Florence Airport (FLR) → Hotel David via Alamanni/Santo Spirito areas
💡 Newest eco-friendly tram system (opened 2019). Fast and cheap. Single journey €2, but get tourist passes to avoid repeat ticket purchases for hotel-to-attractions transit.
Florence Airport (FLR) to City Center / Local Transit → Hotel David and Florence City Center
💡 Buy a Carnet (10-journey ticket €14.50) or 48-hour tourist pass (€16.50) for all local buses. Airport coaches cheaper than taxi but slower with stops.
Florence Airport (FLR) → Hotel David, Florence
💡 Book pre-arranged transfers through your hotel to avoid inflated rates from unofficial taxis at airport rank. Expect traffic congestion during peak hours (8-10am, 5-7pm).
Florence Airport (FLR) Terminal 1 Train Station → Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, walking distance to Hotel David
💡 Most convenient and reliable option. Connect to local trams/buses from Santa Maria Novella. Hotel David is walkable (10 mins) from station in city center.
About Florence
Wikipedia ↗
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital and most populous city of the Italian region of Tuscany, with 361,625 inhabitants as of 2026. It is also the capital of the eponymous metropolitan province, which counts 988,494 inhabitants. Florence was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Relais il Cestello?
To get the best experience at Relais il Cestello, request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 3rd floor. This will minimize the likelihood of street noise from the nearby streets of Florence. Additionally, if possible, opt for a room facing the courtyard or the inner garden for a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.
Which rooms should I avoid at Relais il Cestello?
If you're a light sleeper, avoid rooms near the service entrance on the lower floors, as you may be disturbed by the comings and goings of staff and deliveries. Also, rooms near the lift may experience some noise from the elevator's operation.
Is Relais il Cestello noisy?
As the hotel is located in a bustling city center, you can expect some street noise, especially from the nearby streets and piazzas. However, the hotel's location in Florence means that the noise is likely to be a gentle hum rather than a loud din.
Which rooms have the best views at Relais il Cestello?
Unfortunately, with Relais il Cestello's location in Florence, there are no stunning city views to request. However, rooms facing the inner garden or courtyard may offer a peaceful and serene ambiance.
What are insider tips for staying at Relais il Cestello?
Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as some rooms may share facilities. This will ensure a more comfortable stay. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's famous markets and food stalls, which are just a short walk from the hotel.
What time is check-in at Relais il Cestello?
Check-in at Relais il Cestello is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Relais il Cestello have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, paid tier (€15.00 per day) with speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Relais il Cestello?
€3.00 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Relais il Cestello?
A panino (sandwich) or pizza slice can cost around 5-7 euros at a food stall or market.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Relais il Cestello?
A daily public transportation pass costs around 12-15 euros, and can be purchased at newsstands or online. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the bus (Vola in Bus) for around 6-8 euros.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
June and September are ideal months to visit Florence, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds. These months offer a perfect balance of good weather and relatively low prices compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Florence
💡 Check the upstairs museum (€6) for the originals. The church itself is free and usually empty, so you can sit in peace - a rarity in central Florence.
💡 Skip the expensive upstairs pasta. Head to the ground floor's Nerbone for a €5 tripe sandwich or €4 bowl of lampredotto - a true Florentine lunch.
💡 Go just before sunset to see the city glow. Stay until the lights come on - it's far less crowded than during the day and the Duomo looks spectacular.
💡 Arrive at 5.15pm weekdays in summer to hear the monks sing Gregorian chant during vespers. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience, and free.
💡 Book ahead online (€6) - they limit visitors to 30 per 15-minute slot. If sold out, show up at opening and ask about returned tickets.