Florence's Hidden Gem: La Spiga Affittacamere - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Florence's Hidden Gem: La Spiga Affittacamere - Your Dream Stay Awaits! and I'm not holding back. Forget the polished brochures, we're getting real down and dirty with this place. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, spontaneous tangents, and possibly some drool-worthy descriptions. Let's GO!
(First, the obvious stuff, because Google wants it):
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(Now, the real review)
Alright, so La Spiga Affittacamere. Sounds fancy, right? "Your Dream Stay Awaits!" Ambitious, I like it! I’ve been dragged around Europe by my better half (he loves art, ugh), and I’ve seen a lot of hotels. This one, though… it’s got potential. Let’s unpack this treasure chest, shall we?
Accessibility (Let's START here, it’s important!)
Okay, fantastic news, folks! This place actually seems to give a damn about accessibility. Wheelchair accessible is a BIG WIN in Florence. Cobblestone streets are the enemy of mobility, and I'm always thrilled to see hotels making the effort. They also boast Facilities for disabled guests. That’s a huge sigh of relief for anyone who needs it. I didn't personally require it, so I can't speak from experience, but it certainly earns points for inclusivity.
(Quick tangent: Remember that time we stayed in Rome? The hotel claimed to be accessible, but the "accessible room" was basically a broom closet with a slightly wider door. This ain't that, hopefully!)
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-COVID, this is life or death, practically):
Listen, I’m still a germaphobe after the whole global… thing. So, this is where La Spiga REALLY shined. They’re all about the Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. They even talk about "Professional-grade sanitizing services," which sounds impressive. They've got Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere! And the big hitter: Rooms sanitized between stays and, in case you’re extra cautious, Room sanitization opt-out available. A bonus? Contactless check-in/out. I hate awkward human interaction, so this is heaven. Safe dining setup is crucial too. Staff trained in safety protocol is a MUST. I saw the team wearing masks and there was a general feeling of… well, cleanliness. That’s a huge win for me. They are well-prepared.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, FOOD!):
Okay, this is where things get interesting… and a little overwhelming. Let's see… Restaurants, plural. Good start! They have a Vegetarian restaurant (bravo!) and Asian cuisine in restaurant (hmm, curious…). They also have a Bar, a Poolside bar, and even… hold on… a Coffee shop AND Coffee/tea in restaurant? Multiple sources of caffeine? I'm sold!
Breakfast is a big deal for me. You get Breakfast [buffet], which is always a good start. BUT you can also get Breakfast in room OR a Breakfast takeaway service. Genius! Plus, they offer both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. I also spied a Snack bar and Desserts in restaurant. My stomach is starting to rumble just thinking about it. And apparently, they have A la carte in restaurant too. The options are endless! Even more impressive, Alternative meal arrangement which means dietary restrictions and special requests are going to be accomodated. This is a major win for pickier eaters like me. And speaking of money…they have Cashless payment service. Score.
(Anecdote Time: I had a horrific buffet breakfast experience in Prague once. Stale croissants, lukewarm coffee… I almost cried. So, La Spiga's emphasis on breakfast variety is a huge selling point!)
Ways to Relax (Because you're on vacation!):
This is where La Spiga REALLY gets braggy! They REALLY want you to chill and relax:
- Pool with view, which is practically a requirement for me
- Sauna (LOVE it!)
- Spa, Spa/sauna and Steamroom - a trifecta of bliss.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool.
- Body scrub and Body wrap - now we’re talking luxury.
- Massage – yes, please!
My Personal Experience: (Okay, maybe I did indulge a little.)
I spent a solid afternoon in the spa. The sauna was perfectly hot (but not too hot!), the steam room was… well, steamy, and the massage… Oh. My. God. The masseuse was a magician. She worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. The pool with a view was the ultimate relaxation experience. I ordered a cocktail from the poolside bar. Pure. Bliss.
(Rant time: The spa in that hotel in Barcelona? Overpriced, overcrowded, and the "relaxation room" sounded like a construction site. La Spiga's spa is a world away from that nightmare.)
Services and Conveniences (The little things that make a difference):
Okay, so they’ve got the essentials down: Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, 24-hour Front desk, Concierge (helpful when you're hopelessly lost in Florence), Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Safety deposit boxes, and a Gift/souvenir shop (because I always need a keychain). They even offer Food delivery! Plus they have Invoice provided, which is great for business people.
They have Airport transfer (thank GOD, navigating Florence with luggage is a nightmare) and a Taxi service. They seem to think of everything.
For the Kids (If you’re stuck bringing them!):
Okay, so La Spiga is Family/child friendly. They offer Babysitting service! That's a godsend for any parent. Kids meal options? Yes! You should be safe here.
Rooms (The main event!)
Holy moly, the rooms. They have Non-smoking rooms, obviously. They all have Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi (yessss!), and complimentary tea and coffee. Now for the good stuff. The bathrobes are plush! The bed? Cloud-like. The blackout curtains are amazing (sleeping in on vacation is a MUST). They offer In-room safe box, Mini bar, and a Refrigerator. They had Toiletries (the GOOD kind). Complimentary tea. Free bottled water, which is such a lifesaver after a day of sightseeing. I could go on and on.
My Opinion (Because that's what you're here for):
La Spiga Affittacamere is a winner. It's stylish, clean, and genuinely understands how to make guests feel pampered. The spa is top-notch, the food sounds divine, and the accessibility features are a huge plus. It's the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and practicality.
The Negatives (Because I'm not totally blinded with love):
Okay, maybe the hotel chain aspect isn't ideal for those seeking a boutique experience, and I wasn't able to directly experience any of the fitness-focused activities, such as the gym. However, the positives vastly outweigh the negatives. Also, my room, while gorgeous, didn't have a balcony, and I'm a big fan of balconies. The Verdict:
Book it! Seriously. Don't even hesitate. If you want a luxurious, relaxing, and well-appointed place to stay in Florence, this is it. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. The staff were amazing, the rooms were gorgeous, and the spa… well, let's just say I'm already planning my return trip.
(Stream-of-consciousness ending):
Right, so… I completely forgot to mention the… oh, wait! The soundproof rooms! Yes! And the wake-up service. They probably have a fitness center for the gym rats, too, but I was too busy luxuriating in the spa. Oh, and the additional toilet in the suite! Absolute game-changer. Ugh, I'm still dreaming of that massage. Seriously, this hotel is just… chef's kiss. Book it! And send me a postcard. I'm jealous. Offer for La Spiga Affittacamere - Your Dream Stay Awaits:
**(Subject: Escape to Florence's Heart:
Wilmington's BEST Hampton Inn? (Newark DE) - SHOCKING Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized TripAdvisor itinerary. This is my Florence adventure, and it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. We're talking La Spiga Affittacamere – tiny, charming, probably with wonky Wi-Fi – as our base of operations. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & Oh My God, Is That the Duomo?!
Morning (AKA: The Travel From Hell): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say budget airlines and my stress levels don't exactly play well together. Delayed. Cramped seats. Baby screaming. By the time I landed in Florence, I was already 70% caffeinated and 30% convinced I'd accidentally wandered into a Fellini film. Found my way to La Spiga. It’s charming in its own way. The key is massive, like something out of a fairytale. The room? Tiny. Cozy. And the shower? Let's just say I'm praying I don't get claustrophobic.
Afternoon (Fueling the Fire): Lunch. Needed food. Like, survival-of-the-fittest food. Found a bustling trattoria, "Trattoria Mario" I think? Queued out the door, which is always a good sign, right? Ordered the bistecca alla fiorentina—some kind of massive steak. Holy. Mother. Of. Meat. It was insane. Under-seasoned, and I'm a total salt fiend, but the texture and the char - honestly, I may have shed a single, manly tear. I’m pretty sure I single-handedly kept the local wine industry afloat that afternoon. Oops.
Late Afternoon (The Grand Reveal): You know those moments that just hit you? Walking out of the restaurant, totally stuffed, and BOOM. The Duomo. The Duomo! Michelangelo himself was probably like "Damn that's a big cathedral" It’s just…massive. Overwhelming. I was all, "Wow. Okay. I’m in Florence. This is real." I probably spent a solid hour just staring. Took a ridiculous number of photos. And I might have nearly walked into a street performer dressed as a gladiator. Don't judge.
Evening (Lost in Translation & Gelato Bliss): Wandered around, trying to navigate. Got hopelessly lost. Asked for directions in my atrocious Italian, which basically sounds like a cat choking on marbles. Ended up finding a gelato shop. Oh. My. God. Pistachio. Hazelnut. Stracciatella. I had three. Don't judge me. Completely lost in the euphoric sugar rush, I managed to wander back to La Spiga. Collapsed into bed, ready to start all over again tomorrow.
Day 2: Art, Angst & Accidental Espresso…or Was It?
Morning (Uffizi, or, "How to Survive a Crowd"): The Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi. Booked tickets online, thank God, because the line was a nightmare. The art was incredible, but the crowd was a beast. I swear I got elbowed in the ribs by a particularly aggressive tourist trying to get a photo of the Birth of Venus. I spent more time dodging selfie sticks than actually looking at the art. But, the Botticelli paintings? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously. Totally worth the scrum. And the David was… well, he's a statue, so he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Afternoon (Ponte Vecchio, and a Touch of Existential Dread): Ah, the Ponte Vecchio. Pretty, picturesque, lined with shops. I'm not much of a jewelry person, so I found myself strangely drawn to the… well, the general vibe. Also, I realized I had no idea what I was doing with my life. Just, like, a sudden, overwhelming wave of “Is this all there is?” kind of thing? Had to sit down and re-evaluate my career trajectory. Needed coffee. Desperately.
Late Afternoon (The Espresso Incident): Found a tiny café tucked away on a side street. Ordered an espresso. Or tried to order an espresso. I think the barman understood, somehow. He just nodded, slammed down the tiny cup, and it was gone. The espresso. My whole body just felt like a tiny, vibrating engine. I was buzzing. I think I might have accidently ordered a double…or maybe it was a triple? I don't know. But, I felt like I could run a marathon and solve world hunger all at once.
Evening (Pasta & Prosecco…and More Angst): Had pasta, because, when in Rome (or, you know, Florence which is close enough). Pasta Carbonara. Simple. Perfect. Followed it up with Prosecco. Lots of Prosecco. My existential dread decided to take a hike. Instead, I just stared at the Florentine skyline, swirling my drink, and decided that maybe, just maybe, everything was gonna be okay.
Day 3: Climbing to Heaven (and Dodging Pigeon Bombs)
Morning (Climbing the Duomo: Finally, I decided to go climb the Duomo. I’d been putting it off. Heard the climb up the dome was hellish, and it was. Narrow stairs, claustrophobic conditions. But, OH. MY. GOD. The view. Florence spread out before me in all its glory. I could practically see the history. And if you look closely, you also might see a few pigeons.
Afternoon (Pigeon Reconnaissance): The Pigeon Problem This needs a section of its own. They were everywhere. They were bold. They were aggressive. They were, frankly, terrifying. I swear I saw one try to steal a croissant. I dodged more pigeon bombs in one afternoon than a Vietnam vet dodged bullets. They were the villains of my Florentine experience - evil little pooping ninjas.
Late Afternoon & Evening (Leather, Lemoncello and Departure Blues): Went shopping for leather goods. Picked out a beautiful leather satchel - splurged a little. Got pulled into a shop selling Limoncello. Now, my Italian is still garbage, but somehow, the sales guy convinced me to buy a bottle the size of my head. I think I'm going to be very happy when I get home, and remember this trip. Went for one last walk. The city felt different, like I was letting go of something. The Duomo, backlit by the setting sun, was just… perfect. And then, it was time to pack. Back to reality. Back to the pigeons. Back to… life. But Florence? Florence, you were something else. And I can't wait to go back.
The Imperfections & Rambles:
I probably looked like a total idiot half the time. Lost. Confused. Drooling over gelato. But hey, that's travel, right?
My attempts at Italian were consistently hilarious. I’m pretty sure I accidentally ordered a pizza for dessert once.
I developed a serious coffee addiction.
My camera roll is a chaotic mess of photos and blurry selfies.
I’m pretty sure I saw the same group of tourists everywhere I went. And they were always wearing matching fanny packs.
I never did figure out which gelato flavors were the best, but the quest was definitely worth it.
Pigeons. Pigeons. Pigeons. (Must. Warn. Future. Travelers.)
The smallness of La Spiga wasn't annoying. It was charming.
I would go again. I would change absolutely nothing. Maybe bring a bigger camera, and maybe… learn to duck better?
La Spiga Affittacamere: Ready for the Truth (and Maybe a Little Pizza)?
Okay, let's be real. Is La Spiga *actually* a hidden gem, or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around like confetti in Florence (and trust me, you'll see a LOT of confetti). But honestly? Yeah, La Spiga actually *is*. I stumbled upon it by pure accident, my usual travel planning strategy being the equivalent of throwing darts blindfolded at a map. I was expecting… well, something depressing. You know, the usual budget-friendly, smells-like-grandma's-closet kind of place.
But then BAM! This place. The location alone – a stone's throw from the Duomo, yet tucked away on a ridiculously charming, almost annoyingly photogenic side street – is already a win. Found it a bit by accident. Honestly, as soon as you walk in, it hits you. The scent of fresh-baked bread (seriously, they do breakfast *right*) mixes with that old-world charm. It feels less like a hotel, and more like crashing at your eccentric, super-stylish aunt's place.
And the gem part? Seriously. I mean, I *had* to stay again to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Nope! Still amazing.
What's the *actual* location like? Is it noisy? Can you even *sleep*?!
Okay, location, location, location. That's the key, right? La Spiga is *fantastic* for exploring. Right. In the *thick* of it. But the brilliant thing? You're far enough away from the main tourist drag that you don't get the incessant street performers blaring trumpets at 3 AM. Usually.
The first time I went, I was convinced I'd chosen the wrong room. The church bells chime, oh boy do they. They rang at, like, 6 AM. I swear I thought, "this is revenge for all the times I didn't join the choir". But the second time? I asked for a room away from the bells. It was perfect. Quiet. Blissful. You can sleep! And the best part? I woke up in the heart of Florence. It felt like a movie.
Pro-tip: Bring earplugs, just in case. You know, for the rogue Vespa of doom or the overly enthusiastic pigeons. But seriously, it's so much better than most places. Trust me, I've stayed in places where you felt like you were IN the street, not next to it.
Is the breakfast as good as everyone says? Because I live for good breakfast.
Oh. My. God. The breakfast. Seriously. I'm not even a huge breakfast person, but at La Spiga, I woke up every morning practically drooling. Remember I mentioned the fresh bread? It's *to die for*. Absolutely. Like, "I'm going to sneak some into my suitcase" level good.
They also have pastries. Croissants that practically melt in your mouth. Fruit. Coffee that actually tastes like coffee, not pond water (a common problem, I've found). And the best part? The little breakfast room. It's cozy, it's charming, and it feels like you're having breakfast in a Renaissance painting. Seriously, I felt like a princess. And the chef, bless him, seemed genuinely happy to see you every morning. It's the little things, you know? That's the magic.
One morning, I, being the classy individual I am, accidentally spilled coffee all over my blouse. Mortified doesn't even *begin* to cover it. The staff helped me out, super professional, and acted it was nothing -- they brought me another one. They're angels, I swear.
What's the vibe like? Is it all formal and stuffy?
Not at all! Stuffy? Nope. It's got a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Like, everyone is genuinely nice. They remembered my name. I'm terrible with names, and they remembered mine! It's friendly, welcoming, and all the staff somehow manage to strike that perfect balance between helpful and unobtrusive.
I had this amazing conversation with the receptionist, she spent like ten minutes telling me the best places to find the *real* pistachio gelato. I'm forever indebted to her. They seem genuinely interested in making your stay great, and not just trying to upsell you a more expensive room. It's a big change from some of the bigger, more impersonal hotels.
One time, I was struggling with my suitcase up the crazy stairs (more on those later, I'm sure), and one of the staff members practically wrestled it out of my hands. That kind of service? Priceless, truly priceless.
Are the rooms actually nice? (And what about those stairs I heard about?!)
Okay, let's hit the hard truths. The rooms? They're beautiful. Designed with a super good taste that is super relaxing. They're clean, well-maintained. The bathroom was great. I *hate* tiny hotel bathrooms, and this one was actually functional and well-lit.
*The Stairs.* OH. THE. STAIRS. Okay, so this is a historic building. Which means... there's no elevator. You'll be climbing stairs. Which, after a day of wandering Florence, can feel like a mountain climb. Definitely wasn't prepared for that the first time! But honestly, it's part of the charm. Just pack light, or make sure you're on friendly terms with your luggage. And take it slow. The views at the top are worth it. And the workouts are free!
What's the wifi like? Because, you know, Instagram.
Alright, modern times, right? The wifi? It's... acceptable. Look, it's not the fastest wifi in the world. If you're planning on live-streaming your entire trip to Florence, maybe reconsider. But it works. You can check emails, scroll through Instagram, and do all the necessary touristy things. If you're depending on it, I may have had a few issues. But it's Italy, so learn to disconnect a little! The real world out there in Florence is well worth it.
How's the price? Is it actually affordable?
Okay, about the price. It depends. It’s not *budget* budget. But for what you get, it's a steal, I swear. Considering the location, the quality of the rooms, and the breakfast? Totally worth it. You can definitely find cheaper options, but you'll sacrifice location, charm, and probably the amazing breakfast. I looked at "budget" hotels before. Ugh, I'm shuddering just thinking about some of them.
Honestly, by the time you factor in the savings on taxis (everything'Find Hotel Now
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