Florence's Hidden Gem: Petrarca Stay - Unforgettable Italian Escape!
Petrarca Stay: Florence's Hidden Gem? Hold My Aperol Spritz! (A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, so Florence. Sigh. The Renaissance, the Duomo, the art, the… tourists. Let’s be real, it’s a lot. So, when I stumbled upon Petrarca Stay, promising a “Hidden Gem” and “Unforgettable Italian Escape,” I was skeptical. I've been burned before by hotels that promised the world and delivered a glorified shoebox. But, spoiler alert: Petrarca Stay… actually delivered.
Forget the perfectly crafted Instagram posts. Let's get into the real dirt, starting with…
Getting There & Accessibility: Blessedly Easy (Mostly)
Getting to Petrarca Stay was a breeze. The hotel’s airport transfer was a lifesaver, especially after a red-eye flight where I’d slept approximately zero minutes. The driver, a charming Italian gentleman who seemed genuinely thrilled about his job, whisked me away from the airport chaos and straight to… well, not straight to the door, because Florence, and its cobblestone streets, are not always your friend if you have mobility issues.. But the hotel is situated in a relatively accessible part of town, It even boasts an elevator! A proper elevator, thank the stars!
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Not fully wheel chair accessible everywhere. Consider that you will need to ask for help if you are in a wheelchair.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I spotted facilities for disabled guests. This is great, but maybe call ahead and suss things out.
- Elevator: Yes! Big win.
- Exterior corridor: this might be helpful.
Services & Conveniences: The Good Stuff, and the Almost Good Stuff
Okay, let's talk practicalities. Petrarca Stay scores high on the crucial stuff. The check-in was swift, and the staff were genuinely welcoming. They knew their stuff–which to be honest, after a long travel, is what you want!. The concierge? Amazing. Seriously, they were my personal Florence fairy godparents, conjuring up impossible dinner reservations and suggesting hidden gems (pun intended) I’d have never found myself.
- Check-in/out [express]: They did offer express check-in/out, but honestly, I loved chatting with the staff. It felt less transactional, more… Italian.
- Daily housekeeping: spot-on. My room was always spotless and my bed magically made. Magic, I tell you!
- Doorman: The doorman. Always available. That's a plus.
- Luggage storage: Definitely available and very helpful.
- Concierge: This is your Florence fairy godmother!
- Daily housekeeping: spot-on. My room was always spotless and my bed magically made. Magic, I tell you!
- Laundry service: Didn't need it, but it was there.
- Dry cleaning: Also available.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes to ATMs
- Currency exchange: Yes, in case you need to convert your dollars/euros.
Now, for the nitpicks:
- Facilities for disabled guests: While they have elevators, I'm unsure about full accessibility throughout the property. Best to inquire directly if this is a key concern.
- Cash withdrawal: Had to find an ATM nearby.
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking in Florence is a nightmare, so having it on-site would be great.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Almost… Almost)
My room was a haven. The decor was elegant and understated, with a definite Tuscan vibe. Cleanliness? Immaculate. The bed? Heavenly! Air conditioning? Crucial, especially in the Florentine summer. The complimentary tea and coffee maker brought me back from the early morning jetlag hell.
- Air conditioning: Definitely a win.
- Bathtub: Amazing for a relaxing soak after a day of sightseeing.
- Bathroom phone: I didn't need it… but it's there.
- Bathrobes Yes, plush bathrobes.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for those sleep-ins.
- Closet: Plenty of space.
- Complimentary tea: Early morning jetlag saver.
- Hair dryer: Yes, a decent one!
- In-room safe box: Always a plus.
- Internet access – wireless: Free and reliable Wi-Fi.
- Ironing facilities: Didn't use it, but good to know.
- Mini bar: stocked.
- Non-smoking: Thank god.
- Private bathroom: Yes, of course!
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night reading.
- Refrigerator: handy.
- Satellite/cable channels: Lots of channels.
- Shower: Perfect.
- Socket near the bed: Because, phones!
- Soundproofing: Essential for a good night's sleep.
- Toiletries: Good quality.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Reliable.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
The only slight hiccup? The lighting in the bathroom felt a bit dim for applying makeup. Again, minor quibble - but hey, I'm a woman and a messy reviewer, so sue me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Mama Mia! (Mostly)
Breakfast at Petrarca Stay was… amazing. Okay, maybe I was just hungry, but the buffet was a glorious spread of perfectly ripe fruit, pastries that practically melted in my mouth, and a selection of cheeses and cured meats that made me want to relocate to Italy permanently.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Glorious!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes and very good.
- Coffee shop: There's a coffee shop.
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant.
- Poolside bar: Also available.
- Bar: It's a nice bar.
- Breakfast service: Yes!
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Also available.
- Western breakfast: Yes!
The on-site restaurant, open for dinner, was equally impressive. I had the best pasta I've ever tasted. The happy hour at the bar was a perfect pre-dinner ritual. And the poolside bar? That deserves its own paragraph…
The Poolside Bar: My Reason for Living
Okay, so here's the thing that really elevated Petrarca Stay from "very good" to "Oh. My. God. Take My Money." The pool and the poolside bar. Picture this: a stunning outdoor pool, overlooking the terracotta rooftops of Florence, a gentle breeze, a chilled glass of Aperol Spritz, and… pure, unadulterated bliss.
This is where I spent most of my afternoons, alternating between swimming, sunbathing, and sampling the bar's delicious cocktails. The bar staff were friendly, efficient, and knew how to make a mean espresso martini. I may have spent an entire afternoon just staring at the view, occasionally murmuring "La Dolce Vita" to myself (yes, I'm that cliché).
Things to do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Maybe?)
Petrarca Stay boasts all the usual spa amenities.
- Fitness center: Didn't use it, but its there.
- Massage: Good!
- Pool with view: AMAZING
- Sauna: Yes.
- Spa: Yes.
- Steamroom: Yes.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Amazing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Sensible
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was relieved that Petrarca Stay took cleanliness and safety seriously. They had all the necessary protocols in place, from hand sanitizers to staff wearing masks.
- Hand sanitizer: Available.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
For the Kids: Not My Department, But…
I didn't travel with kids, but Petrarca Stay seemed to have the necessary amenities.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Family/child friendly: Mostly.
- Kids facilities: Yes!
The Verdict: Book It, You Fool! (But… Read This First)
Petrarca Stay delivered on its promise of an “Unforgettable Italian Escape.” Okay, maybe not perfectly flawless, but let's be honest, perfection's boring. It’s charming, well-located, and the staff are amazing. The pool? The pool is worth the price of admission alone.
However, a few caveats:
- Accessibility: Call ahead to confirm the accessibility features meet your needs.
- Parking: Public parking in Florence can be a nightmare. Consider the airport transfer.
- The Italian "Pace of Life": Embrace it. Don't be in a rush. Take your time. Enjoy the Aperol Spritz.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, 'cause this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to survive Soggiorno Petrarca in Florence. And honey, it's gonna be a ride.
Subject: Florentine Fiasco – My (Potentially Disastrous) Soggiorno Petrarca Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Illusion of Control (aka Jet Lagged and Disoriented)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Florence Airport. Okay, so I thought I had the "Arrivals" thing nailed. Turns out, after 12 hours in a tin can, my brain is soup. Finding a taxi was a Herculean effort, involving frantic pointing and a lot of "Prego?" and "Grazie?" that I’m pretty sure were more desperate pleas than actual Italian.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Soggiorno Petrarca. The building is charming… in a slightly crumbling, "lived-in for centuries" kind of way. The woman at the reception, Signora something-or-other with a cloud of grey hair and eyes that could cut glass, gives me the keys. No smile. Just a critical up-and-down look that made me immediately question my outfit (too touristy? Not touristy enough?).
- 11:30 AM: Room disaster. Okay, maybe "disaster" is dramatic. But after picturing a sun-drenched Tuscan dreamscape, my room is… a room. A small, slightly musty room with a view of a brick wall. The window latch is ancient and I’m pretty sure I'm going to break it trying to open it. This isn't the romantic getaway I had in mind. Fine. I'll try to focus.
- 12:00 PM: Attempt to unpack. Fail. Jet lag is a beast. Everything is tangled, and I keep dropping things. I'm already regretting the two oversized suitcases I packed for "all eventualities." Why did I think I needed a sequined dress?!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Wander, aimlessly, into a nearby trattoria. Starving. Order a pizza, which arrives swimming in oil. Am I supposed to eat the whole thing?! I think so? I eat the whole thing, because hunger.
- 2:00 PM: Nap. A glorious, glorious nap.
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to explore. Get hopelessly lost. End up in a quiet alleyway, feeling a mix of wonder and abject terror. Think I saw a cat give me the side eye.
- 6:00 PM: Gelato. Required. Delicious. Forget everything about the pizza. Gelato is the answer to everything.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Find a "rustic" restaurant. Get served undercooked pasta. Feel like an idiot for not knowing how to order the right thing. Try to play it cool, but I'm pretty sure the waiter can smell my tourist-ness a mile away. Try to finish the pasta, mostly because I don't want to waste any food.
- 9:00 PM: Crash in bed. Dream of pasta and gelato. And maybe a slightly less crumbling room.
Day 2: Brunelleschi's Dome and Existential Dread (and More Gelato)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Ugh. The brick wall is still there.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast in a cafe. Coffee is strong. Almost too strong. Then, I stumble upon a crossiant. It will be the best crossaint of my life.
- 10:00 AM: Climb Brunelleschi's Dome. This is either the best or worst decision of my life. Holy. Mother. Of. Stairs. The spiral staircase is narrow, crowded, and I'm pretty sure I heard my knees crack. But the view from the top? Unbelievable. Worth every single agonizing step. For a moment, I forget my room and everything. I'm just… awestruck. I start to tear up.
- 11:30 AM: Descend from the Dome. My legs are jelly. I'm pretty sure I’ll never walk upright again.
- 12:00 PM: Wander. Stumble upon the Baptistery. Gawk at the Golden Doors. Feel humbled and insignificant. It's beautiful, but it also makes me realize how little I know.
- 1:00 PM: Pizza. Again.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Uffizi Gallery. Overwhelmed. So. Many. Paintings. So. Many. People. Spend an hour just staring at Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." Stunning. Then, get completely lost. End up in a room I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to be in. Accidentally touch a painting. Almost have a heart attack.
- 4:00 PM: More gelato. This is becoming a pattern.
- 5:00 PM: Decide to buy a leather jacket. Get completely ripped off by a charming (and clearly conniving) vendor. Realize I'm going to be wearing this jacket for the next 5 years, at least.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. They have wine. I drink the wine. I over-tip the waiter. I apologize to the other patrons for my loud and unceremonious behavior.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse on the bed. Tomorrow I will be reborn.
- 9:15 PM: I will go to sleep.
Day 3: The Ponte Vecchio and a Moment of (Temporary) Sanity
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Get the coffee. Get the crossaint.
- 10:00 AM: Walk across the Ponte Vecchio. Magical. Seriously. The shops built along the bridge are charming, the river is glittering, I feel (for a brief, shining moment) genuinely happy. The sun is shining and it's beautiful.
- 10:30 AM: Shopping. I get a bracelet (something I won't regret) and walk away with it.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Boboli Gardens. Get lost. Find a hidden grotto. Take a deep breath. Feel a moment of peace.
- 1:00 PM: Eat more pizza.
- 2:00 PM: Learn to make something basic. I can't remeber what I learned. I think I'll come back.
- 4:00 PM: Gelato.
- 5:00 PM: Visit a bookstore. Smell the books. Buy one.
- 7:00 PM: Find an old friend. Share pasta and wine. Talk for hours, and learn so much. It's the highlight of my trip so far.
… And So On.
- Continued Days: Expect more wandering, more gelato. More getting lost. More mistakes. More moments of pure joy. My trip will be imperfect. I am imperfect. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
The Takeaway: Embrace the Mess
This isn't a perfect plan. It's barely a plan at all. It's a snapshot of my Florence, my frustrations and my exhilaration. It's about embracing the chaos. It's about the unexpected beauty of a slightly crumbling room. (Okay, maybe not embracing the crumbling room.) But most of all, it's about living, even when you're hopelessly lost. If you find yourself in Soggiorno Petrarca, remember this: order the gelato. And don't be afraid to get lost. You might just find something amazing. And if you do, please, tell me all about it. I could use the encouragement.
Escape to Marion, IL: Drury Inn & Suites Awaits!
Petrarca Stay: Ready to Dive Into This Florentine Dream (Or Nightmare... It Depends!)? FAQs... Let's Get Messy!
Okay, Spill the Beans. What's the *Actual* Deal with Petrarca Stay? Is it as Magical as the Photos?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! The photos? Yeah, they're beautiful. Like, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. The reality? Well… it's *mostly* gorgeous. Think slightly worn-around-the-edges, which is charming in a "lived-in Italian family home" kind of way... and sometimes… a "needs-a-little-TLC" kind of way. My room overlooked a courtyard and it was lovely, quiet *except* for the neighbor's rooster. That guy. He'd start crowing at, like, dawn's first flicker. It was either charming or the bane of my existence. Depends on how much sleep I got. Still, the charm outweighed the crowing, 99 times out of 100.
Location, Location, Location! How Far is Petrarca Stay from the Big Stuff... You Know, the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Stuff You *Have* to See?
Okay, this is where Petrarca Stay *shines*. It’s gloriously close! Seriously, you can stumble out the door (after that espresso, obviously) and find yourself practically tripping over the Piazza della Signoria in, like, ten minutes. The Duomo? Maybe a fifteen-minute amble. The Uffizi? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. It’s brilliant. No endless treks, no battling crowds on trams. Bonus points: you're nestled in a more residential area, so evenings felt way less chaotic than those closer to the absolute tourist traps. You get the *feeling* of being a local, even if you're hopelessly lost most of the time. Ask for the best gelato shop near, they know.
The Rooms… What Are They *Really* Like? Tell Me Everything!
Okay, rooms. Expect… character. I'm talking high ceilings (bliss!), maybe a fresco or two peeking out from under the plaster (fancy!). My room had a massive antique wardrobe that probably predated the Renaissance itself. It was beautiful. And slightly terrifying. Like, I half expected a ghost to pop out. Furniture? A mix of antique and… well-loved modern. The bathrooms? Functional. Clean. Possibly a little *compact*, but that's Italy for you, right? Don't expect ultra-modern luxury. Expect authentic Italian charm. But, I *will* say, the shower pressure was… well, let’s just say it wasn't designed for power washing. It got the job done, but it was a gentle rinse and not a proper scrub.
Breakfast! I Live for the Breakfast! What's the Grub Like?
Breakfast. *Breakfast* is a big deal, friends. And at Petrarca Stay? It was… well, it was *Italian* breakfast, which is to say, not quite the all-you-can-eat buffet bonanza of some places. It was simpler. Freshly baked pastries (yes!), often croissants, sometimes a custard-filled dream, and definitely some kind of divine chocolate pastry. Coffee, served strong and plentiful, was definitely a highlight. They even had a selection of homemade jams that were *ridiculously* good. The best part? Sitting at the communal table, chatting with other guests. Made instant friends one day, and we saw the David together.
So, The Hosts... What Are They Like? Are They Overly-Polite Robots, or Actually Helpful Humans?
The hosts… Ah, the hosts. They are *everything*. They're warm, friendly, and genuinely seem to enjoy having you there. They speak fantastic English (phew!), but they're also happy to let you butcher your Italian (double phew!). They offer tips, suggestions, and are fantastic for getting local insight. They are not robots, but they aren't always around, which, honestly, is sometimes a *good* thing. They are incredibly personable, they feel like they've opened up their home to you (which they essentially have) and not just created a hotel room. They want you to have a great time. They were my *saviors* when I lost my passport. Absolute Angels. Can’t say enough.
Okay, Let’s Get Real. What's the *Worst* Thing About Staying at Petrarca Stay? Hit me with the Cons!
Alright, alright, here's the truth bomb. The "worst" thing? Honestly, it's not a major deal breaker, but the lack of an elevator. If you're on the top floor, like I was, you're clambering up several flights of stairs. After a day of sightseeing, that can feel… intense. Especially after a long lunch with wine. Also, as I mentioned, the shower pressure situation. And maybe the lack of air conditioning in summer… Check the weather forecast. The walls aren’t super soundproof so you might hear a bit from your neighbors sometimes, but it never bothered me. It's part of its charm.
The "Hidden Gem" Vibe... Does It Live Up to the Hype? Or is It Just a Clever Marketing Ploy?
Okay, so… the "hidden gem" thing. Initially, I was skeptical. Marketing, right? But… yes. It actually *is* a hidden gem. It's not some slick, soulless hotel chain. It has character, it has history, it has a *vibe*. It's not perfect, but the imperfections are part of what makes it special. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The sense of 'in-place-ness' there, makes the whole experience.
I’m a Sensitive Sleeper. Will I Be Able to Sleep?! Soundproofing? Noise?
Okay, for *serious* sleepers, let's talk noise. The walls… are not modern. You'll likely hear the neighbors, and if you're unlucky, the aforementioned rooster. The courtyard can echo if people are chatting late. If noise bothers you, bring earplugs. Seriously. Honestly, I slept great. But I'm one of those people who can sleep through a hurricane. But bring earplugs. Just in case. Better safe than sorry.
What's the best thing about Petrarca Stay? (Seriously, no fluff).Find That Hotel
