We never would have stayed in the Domux Home Ricasoli in Florence if my husband’s colleague hadn’t found it first. I argued that I wanted a full-service hotel, with a front desk and housekeeping, not an apartment. My husband wanted to stay in the Domux Home Ricasoli because of the reviews. Eventually I relented after reading what he had. Even so, the reviews didn’t prepare us for the luxury within. We had a real wow moment when we stepped inside. Despite my fears, our trip to Florence had begun in style.
Décor: Contemporary
Location: a block from the Galleria dell’Academia and down the street from the Duomo.
Most surprising: the luxurious dual bathroom with the tiled, jetted tub and rain shower head.
Room size: huge, with a living room, kitchenette with island, enormous bathroom, and king-size bed.
Disadvantage: Housekeeping every other day. Front desk is manned only during business hours.
Security: You are given a security code to be used on the front door keypad to gain entry.
The Property
The Domux Home Ricasoli in Florence has only seven apartments, and based on online photos, each one is different. We stayed in the Bargello Room, one of the smaller apartments, although it was huge by European standards. Some apartments have two bedrooms and are suitable for small families.
The building has been renovated to contemporary luxury standards with hardwood floors and tile throughout. The small elevator can accommodate up to four people, or two people with luggage. We used the stairs most of the time out of convenience.
The Location
We couldn’t have asked for a more convenient location. Just a block from the David and a few blocks from the Duomo, we could reach everything in the city on foot. San Marco is not far, nor is San Lorenzo. The street is quiet at night, although a bit busy during the day as tourists trudge up and down Via Ricasoli.
The Room
Each apartment has air conditioning, free WiFi, a living area, a Nespresso-compatible coffee machine, a stovetop, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. The staff leaves a small tray of crackers and jam, plus bottled water, for a complimentary snack.
The room itself is large, comfortable, and airy, especially for a couple. Even with a child sleeping on the sofa, the generous space shouldn’t feel cramped.
The dual bathroom floored us with its sheer size and appointments. The mosaic-tiled jetted tub doubles as a shower, with both a rain showerhead and a more common wand. White spa robes, fluffy towels, and high-end toiletries complete the luxury. Those with hips or knee problems may encounter issues getting in and out of the tub/shower combo because of the depth and lack of handrails. The edge of the tub isn’t exposed enough to be able to swing your legs over. Still, once you’re in, you can imagine that you’re at a spa.
The Public Areas
Because the Domux Home Ricasoli in Florence is not a hotel, public space is limited, although it has a comfortable small seating area as you walk in. Mounted on the wall, a special iPad-like tablet allows you to summon your own taxi. Cabs arrived in less than five minutes.
The Staff
The staff couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful, even if they are only on the property during business hours. They gave us a map, recommended a nearby restaurant, directed me to a respected leather store, took us on a tour of our room’s features, and even served us cups of espresso when we checked in. When we encountered an issue, they promptly addressed it.
Housekeeping comes in every other day unless requested otherwise. Even though my husband and I are not messy, the maid still spent an hour in our apartment to give it a thorough cleaning.
The Verdict
The Domux Home Ricasoli in Florence is one of the few hotels — well, okay, apartments — in Europe that I’d return to on a future trip. It has enough of the amenities found in a hotel to add luxury while having the larger space of an apartment.
Debbie Lee Wesselmann
