Hotel Machiavelli Palace
by the TopOfHotel team
Machiavelli Palace is a budget stay inside a 14th-century convent building — the rooftop terrace and walkable location do the heavy lifting.
Machiavelli Palace is a budget stay inside a 14th-century convent building — the rooftop terrace and walkable location do the heavy lifting.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Rooms range in size from Standard up to Deluxe. The renovated Superior and Deluxe rooms have newer, cleaner furnishings, while some of the lowest-tier Standard rooms are still waiting on a refresh according to recent reviews. What reviewers love is the character of the old building — thick stone walls, an atmosphere that stays quieter than the price would suggest, and high ceilings in many of the rooms. Free Wi-Fi and air-con come in every room, along with a safe and a TV to the usual 3-star standard. Bathrooms have a shower and are kept clean, and the quiet wins praise — better than you would expect from a hotel this close to a main road at this rate.
Food and amenities
The rooftop terrace is the clear star here. It opens onto a near 360-degree view of Florence and frames the Duomo more clearly than plenty of pricier hotels manage. Several reviews call it the best part of the whole stay — enough to bring people back even knowing the rooms aren't large or fancy. Breakfast is a Continental spread laid out in the dining room: basic options, but clean and enough to start the day. There is no pool or spa, but staff are good at pointing you toward things to do in the surrounding streets.
Location and getting there
Via Nazionale sits about a 5-minute walk from SMN station — the same route most visitors use to walk into the centre. Mercato Centrale is roughly 5 minutes along the way, the Duomo is 15 minutes on foot, and Piazza della Signoria is around 18 minutes. The street is lined with restaurants, cafes, local shops, and convenience stores, and several bus lines pass right in front of the hotel for the days you want to rest your feet.
Things to know before booking
This is a genuinely old building, so go in expecting some quirks rather than a polished modern interior throughout. Some of the cheapest Standard rooms are dated and due an update, so step up to Superior or Deluxe if you can — the price gap is small. There is no pool or spa, and none of the full resort-style facilities. If a quiet historic atmosphere, a great rooftop, and a low price matter more than amenities, the trade-offs are easy to live with.
Our take
Machiavelli Palace fits backpackers, budget travelers, and anyone who wants real history at the lowest price in this group. With a location that scores 9.3/10 on Trip.com, a rooftop that frames the Duomo, and rates from about $69 a night, it punches above its star rating — just choose a Superior room or higher to get the best of it.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The building is a restored 14th-century former convent, so you get atmosphere and history that modern hotels simply can't fake — thick stone walls and high ceilings in many of the rooms.
- The rooftop terrace opens onto the city and a clear view of the Duomo, and reviewers consistently call it the best part of the stay.
- Location scores 9.3/10 on Trip.com — a 5-minute walk to SMN station and 15 minutes to the Duomo, with Mercato Centrale about 5 minutes along the way.
- Rates start around $69 a night, the best value among the 3-star options this close to the centre of this neighbourhood.
- Staff get steady praise for being friendly and attentive, and they give solid tips on what to see nearby.
- Some of the lowest-tier Standard rooms are dated and still waiting on a refresh, per recent reviews — book Superior or Deluxe if your budget allows.
- There is no pool, spa, or full set of resort-style facilities here.
- It is an old historic building, so expect quirks; if you want a polished modern interior throughout, this is not it.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Florence
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Insider Tips
- Head up to the rooftop terrace early, before 8am, or during golden hour before sunset — you get the soft light over the city and the Duomo that photographers chase, without fighting the crowd.
- Book a Superior or Deluxe room if your budget stretches; the lowest-tier Standard rooms still vary and some need updating, and the price gap is small for a much better experience.
- Come down for breakfast on the early side and ask the front desk for the restaurants locals actually use — staff here are good at steering you past the tourist traps.