Ottantotto Firenze
Florence
Florence that we have never known
Ottantotto is a small boutique hotel in the Oltrarno area, where the Pitti palace is located, across the Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno river. According to someone who has lived in Florence for a long time, the Oltrarno is a quiet residential area on the south side of the river, with old family-run restaurants, bars, cafes and artists' workshops, and is less touristy and more local than the old city centre, where the Duomo is a 20-minute walk away.
Otantotto is the Italian word for the number 88, which is probably why the address is 88. This small building, which has a small garden, a common study/living room with a fireplace and seven rooms of different styles, was originally a 14th century bakery. It was then converted into a nobleman's house and in the 18th century was used as a charity for orphans.
According to the architect Fabrizia, who renovated the building, the wooden rafters of the old building and the fireplace used in the 16th century have preserved the traces of the 600-year history of the small building and combined them with old and modern technology to create a unique space.
In the words of those who have stayed here before, 'an oasis where you can take a break from the crowds and relax as if you were at home'. The crowds of tourists come in like a flood, but in this small, peaceful garden and in this cosy room, you can enjoy a complete rest, without even the slightest noise. The warm-hearted gesture of making a small package of fresh food and handing it to customers who leave early without breakfast was also cited as a charming point.
I have stayed in the centre of Florence twice in recent years. It was close to the train station and the Duomo, which made it easy to get around. However, staying in the beautiful buildings in the photos was a disaster. Unexpected noise and bustle. One of them was a building with a club on the first floor that played loud music until dawn. It was not a place even to get some sleep.
After much trial and error, I think I've developed the ability to find a place that really does feel like home, genuinely caring and welcoming to travellers. Otantotto seems to be a place that fits my criteria well.
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Wish List
To be honest, I chose the wrong accommodation on my last two trips to Florence. One of them was on the second floor of a rock cafe that was open until dawn.
So I have carefully read 79 reviews over the past year. And this is the place on my wish list that I decided to stay in on my next trip.
