For travelers weighing a stay at Grand Hotel Baglioni in Florence, this review answers the most common questions: how far it is from the train station, whether street noise is an issue, and why the hotel draws celebrities. We have analyzed guest reviews across major booking platforms, the official property website, and travel industry publications to provide a factual, evidence-based profile of this historic 4-star hotel located at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana 6, 50123 Florence.

Last checked: 2026-08-04

Star rating: 4-star · Location: Central Florence, near Santa Maria Novella train station · Distance to train station: 984 feet (300 m) · Established: Over 100 years ago · Type: Boutique hotel in a historic palazzo

Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence: Complete Review and Travel Guide

By HotelHunt Editorial Team | January 8, 2026

What is the Grand Hotel Baglioni about?

Grand Hotel Baglioni occupies a historic palazzo built in 1850, originally home to the Bertolini princes. The building’s Beaux-Arts architecture features dark wood, traditional Florentine décor, and a vintage interior style that sets it apart from modern chain hotels. Hotels.com notes the hotel has operated for over 100 years as a hospitality landmark.

The property offers 192–193 guest rooms, including family rooms, suites, and wellness suites with in-room saunas. Standard room amenities across all categories include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, hypoallergenic bedding, soundproofing, and free Wi-Fi, according to Trivago. Some garden rooms provide private patios overlooking an internal scented courtyard, as described by The Hotel Guru.

Dining options

The fifth-floor B-Roof restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views of Florence’s skyline, including the Duomo. Booking.com guest reviews consistently highlight the buffet breakfast, which includes vegetarian, gluten-free, American, and continental options served on the rooftop terrace. The hotel promotes organic, locally sourced Tuscan cuisine, claiming at least 80% organic food with vegetarian and vegan options available.

The property also operates 19 meeting rooms and conference facilities targeting conventions, weddings, and corporate events. Trivago lists these as a distinguishing feature from smaller boutique hotels in the historic center. The Hotel Guru notes that the hotel’s guest alumni includes movie stars, politicians, and members of European aristocracy.

The pattern: Grand Hotel Baglioni combines a 19th-century palazzo setting with modern amenities and a premium rooftop dining experience, positioning itself as a character-rich alternative to newer Florence hotels.

Is Grand Hotel Baglioni noisy?

Because the hotel sits directly adjacent to Santa Maria Novella station—among the closest hotels in central Florence—street and station noise is a recurring theme in guest reviews. On Kayak, some reviewers mention noise from trains and street traffic, though soundproofing varies by room category.

Standard rooms include soundproofing according to Trivago’s listing, but guest feedback on TripAdvisor indicates that rooms facing the piazza can still pick up street noise. Wellness suites with enhanced soundproofing are marketed as a quieter alternative for light sleepers.

The rooftop B-Roof restaurant, while a highlight for most guests, occasionally generates noise complaints during evening events that can reach lower floors. A small number of Kayak reviewers mention that conference events add to ambient noise levels on weekends. However, the 24-hour front desk means guests can request room changes if noise becomes problematic.

The catch: Noise sensitivity depends heavily on room category and floor level. Travelers who prioritize quiet over convenience may prefer a room on the courtyard side or a wellness suite.

How far is Grand Hotel Baglioni from the airport?

Florence Airport (FLR) sits approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. From Grand Hotel Baglioni, the travel time is about 20 minutes by car or taxi, according to TripAdvisor user reports. The hotel offers airport transfer services upon request, which Travel Weekly lists among its amenities.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Volainbus shuttle connects the airport to Santa Maria Novella station in roughly 25 minutes. The station is a two-minute walk from the hotel front door. Taxis from the airport typically cost between EUR 20–30 depending on time of day and traffic.

The hotel’s direct connection to the rail station also makes it a practical choice for guests arriving by high-speed train from other Italian cities. Yelp users describe the walk from the train platform to the hotel lobby as under five minutes.

Why this matters: For travelers arriving by air or rail, Grand Hotel Baglioni eliminates the need for additional ground transport within the city, saving both time and money compared to hotels deeper in the historic center.

Why is the Grand Hotel so famous?

The hotel’s fame stems from three factors: celebrity patronage, historical architecture, and service consistency. Among high-profile guests, the Kardashians have stayed at the property, as confirmed by multiple travel media references. The Hotel Guru describes a “guest alumni populated with movie stars, politicians and members of the European aristocracy.”

The building’s 1850 origin as a palazzo gives it architectural weight that newer Florence hotels lack. Dark wood panelling, high ceilings, and traditional Florentine décor appear consistently in marketing materials and guest photos. The rooftop views—described by The Hotel Guru as “some of the best views in the city”—are a defining feature that generates social media exposure and repeat visits.

Service consistency across decades is another pillar of its reputation. TripAdvisor aggregate scores place the hotel at 4.1 out of 5, with staff helpfulness and location rating higher than facilities or value. Booking.com scores range from 8.4 to 8.9 out of 10 across review periods.

The bottom line: Grand Hotel Baglioni’s fame is grounded in tangible assets—a historic building, celebrity cachet, and rooftop dining—rather than marketing hype. The consistency of guest satisfaction scores across multiple platforms supports its reputation as a reliable 4-star choice in Florence.

Pros and cons at a glance

Pricing and value

Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Baglioni typically range from roughly US$180 to US$450, depending on season, room category, and booking lead time. Travel Weekly notes that some users report deals around US$160–US$180 for standard rooms during low season, while premium suites and wellness rooms can reach US$450 during peak tourist months. HotelsCombined data suggests the hotel is approximately 31% cheaper than the average 4-star hotel in Florence, despite its central location and rooftop views.

Most room rates include breakfast, which multiple platforms highlight as a standout feature for both quality and rooftop setting. The hotel operates on a standard 14:00 check-in and 12:00 noon check-out schedule, with 24-hour front desk service.

Alternatives in central Florence

For travelers who want the same train-station proximity but prefer a different style, several nearby hotels offer alternatives. Hotel Da Vinci Milano Review profiles another historic Italian property that compares well for rail-connected travelers. For those weighing multiple Italian cities, Hotel Da Vinci Guide: Compare Paris, Milan & Tuscany provides geographic context for Florence comparisons.

Within Florence itself, hotels like the Grand Hotel Minerva or Hotel Adler Cavalieri offer similar proximity to the station with different price points and design aesthetics. Grand Hotel Baglioni distinguishes itself primarily through its rooftop dining experience and historic architectural character.