B&B Cavour 10 in Florence, frescoed rooms near the Duomo
B&B Cavour 10 is a bed and breakfast in Florence, Tuscany, set in a 19th-century building with frescoed ceilings a short walk from the Duomo. Rooms are spacious and the location is excellent. It suits people who want to explore the centre on foot and don't mind that help is often given by phone.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B Cavour 10.
Where B&B Cavour 10 is in Florence
B&B Cavour 10 is on Via Camillo Cavour, in the centre of Florence, a few steps from the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella. One guest places it opposite the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, and another talks about a two-minute walk to the cathedral. It doesn't get much more central than that.
For a short city break this is a real advantage: museums, churches and restaurants are all within walking distance. Those arriving by car will find that the property has an arrangement with a car park nearby, which is paid and offers valet service too. With Florence's limited traffic zones, that is a detail worth checking before you set off.
What the rooms are like
The B&B occupies a 19th-century building with frescoed ceilings and original floors. The rooms are elegant, almost romantic, with refined furniture, floral details and quilted sofas. It is not the usual anonymous city-centre flat.
The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a kettle with tea and coffee making kit, fine linen and a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and toiletries. Some also have a minibar and coloured marble floors. The happiest guests talk about large rooms, well heated, with a balcony, spacious and modern bathrooms and a very comfortable bed. One mentions a room dedicated to Eleonora Duse, which they describe as wonderful.
| What you get | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Frescoed ceilings and original floors | Anyone who wants to soak up the atmosphere of Florence |
| Kettle with tea and coffee | Anyone who likes to start the day in their room |
| Balcony in some rooms | Anyone who wants a bit of air over the centre |
| Luggage storage and laundry | Anyone arriving early or leaving late |
Breakfast, services and practical rules
Breakfast is continental, with sweet and savoury options, but it is not served on the premises. It is taken at a partner café. Guests don't complain about it, and in fact a couple say they had breakfast at a very good café nearby, thanks to the hosts' recommendation.
Services include free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, a PC station and laundry. Pets are welcome on request. Check-in happens within a set time window in the afternoon and evening, so if you are going to arrive late, let them know in advance. One guest did however say they arrived early in the morning and found the room already ready.
What guests say
On Google, B&B Cavour 10 has 3.9 out of 5 from 94 reviews. It is an average that hides two different stories.
- The location. Almost everyone puts this first. The Duomo is two minutes on foot and the city can be explored without transport.
- The hosts. The most positive reviews describe a kind, attentive host who gives directions before arrival and recommends where to eat. One guest was given a larger room at no extra cost.
- Cleanliness and character. Rooms are clean, spacious and distinctive, with the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence.
I do notice one thing, though. The enthusiastic reviews are mostly older, while the harshest criticisms are recent. That is not enough to say that anything has changed, but it is a signal I want to share.
What to know before you book
The shortcomings are mainly about organisation rather than the quality of the rooms. Good to know before you arrive with your suitcases in hand.
- Remote support. One guest complained that support is by phone only and that the host did not answer calls.
- The keys. According to the same review, keys are collected from another hotel nearby, after paying the tourist tax online.
- The stairs. One apartment was on the third floor with no lift. If you have heavy luggage, ask in advance which floor your room is on.
- A cancelled booking. One guest says they were told just a few hours before arrival that the property could not host them because of maintenance work.
My advice is simple. Write before you arrive, get a clear confirmation of check-in time, key collection and floor, and keep a backup plan just in case.
Who it suits and where to go if you want to leave the city
I would choose it for a weekend in Florence, if you want to sleep inside a historic building and get everywhere on foot, and if you are happy to handle a few things yourself. Less so for anyone who wants a reception desk staffed at all times or who struggles with stairs.
If you fancy some countryside after the city, Tuscany has alternatives such as Hotel Locanda degli Artisti in Borgo San Lorenzo and Agriturismo Crocino in Chianti, at Lecchi in Chianti.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
