Hotel Realis II Cestello is an outstanding example of the types of things I look for in a hotel. Let me provide a bit more detail: 1) Location: Outstanding! Just out of the heavily trafficked tourist areas but also very close (like 3 blocks) from many of the more popular sites. Also, is very convenient to the "local Italian folks' restaurants and establishments. 2) Staff: Absolutely outstanding. They go out of their way to provide excellent service. 3) Rooms: Very well appointed, clean and comfortable. 4) Value: The location, rooms, and staff far exceed what you get a many more "high priced" hotels. This is a really excellent value for what you pay.

Wish they had more than 10 rooms so early booking is required.

I stayed in the hotel for 2 nights, to meet up with my brother in Florence. The stay was lovely, I really appreciate the room upgrade, that was so nice! I sadly didn't get to meet anyone in person, but they were very helpful with the check-in over the phone. I even got to enter my room 2 hours early. Thank you for that! The room was beautiful, loved the high ceilings, the view (and the AC, since it was hot outside). The location was perfect, just a 15min walk from the train station and super close to the centre, but away from the noise. I really recommend exploring the area behind the hotel too, not just on the 'main' side of the Arno :)

The bed was a little too firm for me, but I always prefer a bed on the softer side. The pillows were quite flaky and didn't give any support, they could use an upgrade. It also took a while for the shower water to become warm in the morning, but the awesome water pressure made up for it (especially for an overhead shower). Other than that, everything was great!

Location perfect and beautiful host. Right in the heart of the village yet tucked away from any sounds of life on the street. Your room is absolutely silent to enjoy the comfy bed and stylishly blue and white themed room. From the moment I booked, Imma has been present and invested in making my stay here exceptional. To experience her energy and passion for her paradise here is in itself a treat and blessing for your soul. With her invested love you will too fall in love with Amalfi and its people. I will most definitely be back to stay here again. Don’t hesitate in booking this space. And please bring your hiking spirit to this area if you have one. I highly recommend “ The Path of the Gods” and a path up the back of the Amalfi village past the paper mill to a series of waterfalls then looping back through other villages. Both these are half day excursions. Enjoy views and nature galore.

This hotel was unique and idyllic. The location was picturesque, set on the river, and very quiet. I felt like I wasn't in the middle of busyness of the Duomo area but just a short walk away- around 15-20 minutes. The staff was amazing and very helpful. It felt both friendly and warm - with great recommendations of fun things to do and see. When I come back to Florence, this is where I want to stay- for sure!!

The bathroom facilities were a little older but definitely manageable.

It really is just a charming hotel is a great location near the Ponte Vecchio. The staff are incredibly friendly. Breakfast is only €8pp and you get a lovely, simple Italian style breakfast (coffee, water, juice, pastry, small sandwich) - you really don’t need more and it’s delicious. Weekdays it’s provided by the cafe next door. The rooms were comfortable, there was a kettle in the room for tea and a coffee machine accessible 24 hours for you in reception (coffee was amazing!). I would absolutely stay here again.

Check in is limited hours, which I was nervous about at first, but when we checked in we had someone on the phone go through the process with us and it was seamless No elevator, but it’s a beautiful historic hotel so you forgive it pretty quickly! Walls were a little thin but the pros definitely outweighed the negatives

Good location. Very helpful staff.

Aircon didn’t really work.

Edwina was an amazing host. There are some stairs into the hotel and Edwina carried our luggage up the stairs after seeing how tired my 68 year old mom was after walking with our luggage from the train station. We were on a girls trip with my daughter and mother and Edwina made our stay wonderful! She gave us great restaurant recommendations that we really enjoyed and set up a morning taxi for us for two days when we had to be to the train early. The AC in our room was the best AC we experienced anywhere in Italy. The size of the room was very nice and our king bed and twin bed was very comfortable, much better than we expected. There was a second twin bed in our room that we did not need, but I think it would be good for a child or teenager. Our location was a very convenient 15 minute walk to the train station or 10 to 15 minutes to the main plaza. My mother was having a hard time walking on cobblestone and we discovered the taxis from the santa maria novella train station were very safe and comfortable and ranged between 12- 18 euros to Edwina's place, which seemed very reasonable to us. We really loved our stay in Florence and felt like we found a gem of a hotel and a gem of a hostess!!!

I spent three days and two nights in Florence alone and they won’t be so wonderful if I would not stay at a very cosy, clean, atmospheric and welcoming hotel Cestello. I had room number 30, it was very nice, silent and a very clean room. You have everything you need there. It is very close to the train station (I went there by foot) and at the same time 10 min walk from Ufitzi and other sightseeing. Special thanks to Valeria who were there to help with any questions. I had a feeling that I’m at 5 stars and 3 stars hotel. It was a very good luck that I choose this hotel. Thank you very much and see you soon 🍀

My stay was too short, I’m already missing it.

I was travelling on my own to join friends and Eduina was incredibly helpful re checking in instructions, maps, recommendations and helping me with taxi bookings. She is brilliant. The area is also great- just a little way from the big sites but in a quieter area but lots of bars, restaurants and gelato spots within 5 min walk. Good value for money and if you’re a solo traveller. Thanks Eduina

Na

Wonderful hospitable staff. Large open communal kitchen available. Toasty warm room. Older quaint premises on the other side of River. Easy walk into city centre though. Only 15min walk to train station once the shortest route sorted.

Only drawback was the irritating scratchy sounding aircon through the night. Access up a couple of short flights of stairs. No lift but not a disadvantage unless luggage too heavy.