Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

The hotel offers a luxurious and elegant urban escape, with its signature feature being the breathtaking rooftop bar and pool that provides unparalleled panoramic views of Florence, including the Duomo, Arno River, and city skyline. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff, prime riverfront location, and high-quality breakfast as standout aspects. This hotel is an ideal fit for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, including honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries, due to its intimate atmosphere and stunning vistas. Families also find it suitable, especially with the availability of spacious family suites. Solo travelers appreciate the sense of safety and comfort provided. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a balcony for private scenic enjoyment, and be aware that the rooftop facilities may occasionally be closed for maintenance, so it is advisable to confirm availability when booking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's rooftop pool and bar are consistently praised as major highlights, offering a refreshing escape and stunning views that make for memorable sunset experiences. The lobby is described as beautiful, grand, and tastefully appointed, creating an impressive first impression. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported connectivity issues in certain rooms. The presence of a mini-fridge with complimentary items in rooms is a welcome touch. Many guests appreciate rooms with a terrace or balcony, providing private outdoor space with scenic views. However, some guests noted that the elevator can feel old or have a musty smell. A recurring concern is the air conditioning, which is centrally controlled and often turned off seasonally, leading to uncomfortably warm rooms for some, necessitating the use of fans or opening windows, despite warnings about mosquitoes.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness, often describing rooms as spotless, exemplary, and well-maintained by an attentive housekeeping staff. Feedback on room size is mixed; while some found family suites wonderfully spacious, many others noted rooms were small, compact, or tiny, which is typical for older European buildings. Bed comfort also varies, with some guests praising comfortable beds, while others found them firm, hard, or flimsy. Noise levels can be an issue, particularly from street traffic in river-facing rooms, door slamming, or noise from the rooftop bar if the room is directly below. Bathrooms are often described as small, with showers that can be tiny or have glass partitions leading to water spillage, and sometimes a lack of counter space. Room decor receives mixed reviews, with some finding it elegant and classic, while others perceive it as outdated or lacking character.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as copious, delicious, and offering an excellent variety of options, including freshly baked bread, pastries, charcuterie, eggs, bacon, and delightful cappuccinos, all served in a pleasant dining room with friendly staff. The on-site restaurant is highly regarded for its exceptional food quality and delicious culinary experiences, with some guests noting the positive impact of a new chef. The bar, both in the lobby and on the rooftop, is a popular spot, known for its fantastic atmosphere and well-crafted cocktails. While the drinks are generally enjoyed, some guests found them to be on the expensive side. Room service is available, though some guests mentioned it comes with additional charges, making it a pricier option for in-room dining.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is consistently highlighted as perfect and fantastic, offering unparalleled convenience for exploring Florence. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of virtually all major attractions, including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, and Piazzale Michelangelo, as well as numerous shopping and dining establishments. Its position directly on the Arno River provides beautiful views and a pleasant ambiance. The hotel's location outside the main ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) is a practical advantage for guests arriving by car. Parking is available through valet service, which is convenient, though some guests noted it can be expensive and that check-in can be challenging due to limited street-side parking spots.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, consistently described as exceptional, attentive, friendly, professional, and incredibly accommodating. Guests frequently highlight the concierge service for their invaluable assistance with restaurant recommendations, tour bookings, and going above and beyond, such as providing support during medical emergencies or helping with luggage shipping. Housekeeping is noted for its amazing job, maintaining exemplary cleanliness, sometimes even offering twice-daily service. The breakfast staff receives special mention for their attentiveness and excellent service. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unhelpful or rude behavior from some bar or front desk staff. Luggage assistance is prompt and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival and departure experience.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, with some guests appreciating the provision of a kit for their dog, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a challenge. Guests should be aware of the hotel's pre-authorization policy, as some have reported unexpected or aggressive demands for payment or additional charges prior to checkout. The hotel provides exceptional accessibility support for guests with injuries or those requiring wheelchairs, including the provision of wheelchairs and chair lifts, with staff going to great lengths to assist. The building itself holds historical significance, dating back to 1860, and has connections to notable figures. Complimentary items such as biscotti and welcome gift bags are thoughtful touches. Some guests received complimentary room upgrades, enhancing their stay. There are warnings about mosquitoes if windows are opened, especially during warmer months.