When I was planning my trip to Florence, I knew two things for sure, I wanted to be within walking distance of everything, and I needed parking!
That second part can be tricky in Florence, especially if you’re doing a road trip through Italy. So after comparing a few places, I booked Hotel Silla, which offered private on-site parking and was located just across the river in the Oltrarno district.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d end up enjoying the quiet charm of the neighbourhood, the friendly staff, and how easy it was to walk to all the main sights. If you’re looking for a comfortable mid range hotel that gives you the best of both worlds local vibes and tourist convenience this one’s worth considering.
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First Impressions and Check-In
Check in was smooth and easy. The reception had this classic charm, and the staff were super friendly. We arrived in the late afternoon, and everything was ready when we got there. I was honestly just relieved we didn’t have to worry about finding parking or dragging our bags across the city, the hotel’s lot made that part so simple.
Our room had a relaxed and spacious feel to it. There was a sitting area, a desk with accessible power outlets (always a plus when you’ve got cameras and phones to charge), and a bar fridge for drinks and snacks.
The windows looked out over the rooftops, and the natural light gave the whole space a peaceful vibe, perfect after a long travel day.
The Room and Amenities
The room felt bigger than I expected, especially for Florence. The bed was large and comfortable, facing the TV, with plug sockets on either side so we could both charge overnight. The bathroom was modern and clean, with a good sized tub, bidet, and toiletries already stocked which I always appreciate when you’re trying to pack light.
And despite being in a fairly central area, it was really quiet at night. It was nice to wake up rested and not hear scooters buzzing past at 7am.
Breakfast at Hotel Silla
Breakfast was one of the highlights. We headed down each morning to a bright little breakfast room with a full spread. There were eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit, and the essential Italian espresso. They even had some lighter and gluten free options, which was a nice bonus.
It was such a good way to start the day, especially before heading out on foot to explore the city.
Pros & Cons of Hotel Silla
✅ What I Loved
- On-site parking (seriously rare in Florence!)
- Spacious rooms that were clean and comfortable
- Quiet at night thanks to soundproof windows
- Lovely breakfast selection with proper coffee
- A calm, local-feeling area that’s still close to all the main sights
⚠️ A Few Things to Know
- There’s no dinner restaurant onsite, but you’re in a great area for food anyway
- It’s a short walk across the river to reach the Duomo and main squares, not an issue for us, but something to keep in mind
- It’s a smaller hotel, so book early, especially in peak season
Where I stayed in Florence
Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Silla in Florence.
What’s Nearby? Walking Distance from Hotel Silla
One of the best things about staying here is how central (but still quiet) the location is. Hotel Silla sits just across the Arno River in the Oltrarno district, and you can easily walk to all the major sights.
Here’s what’s close by.
- Ponte Vecchio – 5 minutes away. Cross it to get into the heart of the old town.
- Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens – A short walk from the hotel. Great for art lovers and garden strolls.
- Uffizi Gallery – Around 10–12 minutes on foot. Book ahead if you want to go in!
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – About 15 minutes away on foot. The walk is lovely, passing little boutiques and gelato shops along the way.
- Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria – Also within walking distance, and packed with history.
One of My Favorite Things to Do in Florence
I also decided to try something a little different this time, renting a Vespa in Florence. It was such a fun way to get out of the city for a few hours and explore the nearby countryside. We zipped past vineyards, olive groves, and little villages just outside the city limits. If you’ve been thinking about doing it, I 100% recommend it.
If you’ve thought about renting a Vespa in Florence, here’s what my experience was like.
What to Do in Florence
Florence is packed with history, art, and great food. If it’s your first time, here’s what I’d make sure to do:
- Climb the Duomo – The views are worth every step
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery – Home to some of the most famous Renaissance works
- Cross Ponte Vecchio – Especially at sunset
- Have dinner in Oltrarno – More locals, fewer crowds
- Stop by Mercato Centrale – Great for food, wine, and people-watching
Getting Around Florence
Florence is super walkable, and that’s honestly the best way to see it. But here are a few other ways to get around:
- Walking – Ideal for exploring the little laneways and hidden spots
- Bike rentals – A fun way to get around if you’re confident in traffic
- Buses – Easy and cheap if you’re heading to places like Piazzale Michelangelo
- Taxis – Good for luggage or heading to/from the station
Florence Hotels with a Cathedral View
If you’re dreaming of waking up to a Duomo view, here are a few more hotels I looked at during my research:
- Residenza Il Villino B&B – Charming and very central
- La Residenza del Proconsolo – Steps from the Duomo
- Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi – A historic, luxury option with views
FAQ on Hotel Silla Florence
Where is Hotel Silla located?
It’s in the Oltrarno district, just across the river from Florence’s historic centre.
Does it have parking?
Yes and that’s one of the main reasons I booked it. So handy if you’re doing a road trip through Tuscany.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it was one of the better hotel breakfasts I’ve had in Italy!
Would I stay again?
Definitely. It’s a solid option if you want a mix of comfort, local charm, and convenience, especially with a car.
How far is it to the Duomo?
About a 15 minute walk. You’ll cross the river and pass through some really pretty streets to get there.
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