Uncover Faenza's Hidden Gem: The Double Florence You NEED to See in Italy!
Uncover Faenza's Hidden Gem: The Double Florence You NEED to See in Italy! – A Review So Real, It Might Just Make You Want to Book (Or Not!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the world of the Double Florence – the "hidden gem" in Faenza, Italy. And let me tell you, navigating a "hidden gem" isn't always smooth sailing. This review? Gonna be real with you. Expect some rambling, maybe a few sighs, and definitely a sprinkle of unsolicited opinion. But hey, that's life, right? Let's get into it.
First Impressions: The Labyrinth of Arrival (Accessibility & Getting Around)
Finding the Double Florence was the first test. And let's just say, my GPS definitely led me astray. The signage? Nonexistent. The parking? Well, "free of charge" is stretching it. It wasn't charged, but the spaces felt like they were designed for micro-cars. So, accessibility for those needing a wider berth? Check the website thoroughly first. They say facilities for disabled guests are available, but I can't personally attest to the ease of navigating this ancient town in a wheelchair.
Once I was finally parked (phew!), checking in was a breeze. Contactless check-in/out is a godsend. The staff, though masked and seemingly eternally guarding their tongues , seemed well-trained in the safety protocol. 24-hour front desk, security, 24-hour security all were visible, reassuring little things.
Rooms: Oh, the Room… (Available in All Rooms, Cleanliness & Safety, the Basic Essentials, & …The Bed!)
My room? Okay, let's dissect this. Starting with the good stuff: Air conditioning blaring blissfully, a mini bar stocked with… well, let's just say it was stocked. Complimentary tea and a coffee/tea maker that actually worked – a small victory! They say they have non-smoking rooms, which is great – but I can't say I smelled smoke alarms Smoke detector was a big thing. Free Wi-Fi that actually worked – a miracle! (more on internet later). Daily housekeeping kept things sparkling.
The bed, however… oh, the bed. Soft? Plush? Nope. Firm? Maybe. It was like sleeping on a particularly resilient yoga mat. The extra long bed Extra long bed wasn't exactly… extra anything. I woke up feeling like I'd wrestled a bear the night before.
Now, the cleanliness and safety part? Spot-on. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly doing their job. Room sanitization opt-out available (if you're that way inclined). I felt safe, and the hot water linen and laundry washing gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Food, Glorious Food… (Dining, Drinking & Snacking)
Right, the food. THIS is where the Double Florence almost redeems itself. The breakfast buffet was extensive, with a mix of Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options (yes, really!). The coffee/tea in restaurant was adequate. There's a restaurant with a la carte options and desserts temptingly displayed. The bars – poolside bar included – are decent. The bottle of water was a welcome touch.
I had dinner one night, and the International cuisine was…interesting. My pasta was a bit soup -y (a soup in restaurant) the salad was a tad over-dressed.
But the Happy hour deals? Now that was a revelation. The cocktails were strong and inventive. Seriously, their Negroni was perfection. And their little snacks at the snack bar kept me going throughout the day.
Now here’s my rant: Breakfast takeaway? Absolutely, but the food was prepackaged. Fine, right? This whole Individually-wrapped food options thing. It’s all safe and all, but it also felt… sterile.
Things to Do (Or Not – And Why It Matters)
Okay, the Double Florence is not the kind of place you go for non-stop thrills. Faenza is a quiet town. This hotel, however, really ups the chill.
Ways to relax: Massage services are available (but book ahead!). And their Spa is where ALL the magic happens: Sauna, Steamroom, and pool with view. The Spa/sauna felt like a real luxury. I could’ve spent all day at the Swimming pool [outdoor].
Fitness center: It’s there, I saw it. I didn't use it. (I was on vacation!)
For the kids: Babysitting service available. They seemed family/child friendly. I did not have a child with me, so I cannot say.
Shops: Gift/souvenir shop to take home a little something
The Internet Conundrum & Other Services (Internet, Services, & Conveniences)
Ah, internet! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is listed. But the signal… well, let's just say it often resembled a dial-up connection circa 1998. Internet access – wireless? More like intermittent access. Internet access – LAN? Never even tried. Internet services in general? Questionable. This is Italy, a country that has its own relationship with digital access.
Other stuff: Laundry service (yay!), Dry cleaning (double yay!). The Concierge was helpful, especially with restaurant recommendations. Cash withdrawal available. Currency exchange. Elevator. Luggage storage. You know, the basics.
The Verdict: Your Wallet, Your Decision!
So, should you book? It’s complicated.
The Good:
- Great location (once you find it!)
- Amazing staff
- Breakfast buffet is great
- Amazing Spa!
The Not-So-Good:
- The beds are… challenging.
- The Wi-Fi is a gamble.
- Parking is a nightmare.
The Quirks:
- The "Double Florence" name always makes me think of two different hotels mashed together.
- The decor? Let's call it "eclectic."
My Final Thought:
If you want a quiet, comfortable base to explore Faenza and you appreciate a good spa and the prospect of a potentially fantastic cocktail at Happy Hour? Go for it. Be prepared for some minor inconveniences regarding location and wifi. Just don’t expect perfection. This is Italy, after all. And that, my friends, is part of the charm.
Uncover Shangri-La Shenyang's Hidden Luxury: You Won't Believe This!
Okay, buckled up Buttercup, because this ain't your average travel itinerary. This is Faenza & Florence: The Chaos Edition, and the only thing predictable about it is that it'll probably be… messy. Let’s jump right in!
Faenza & Florence: A Sentimental Rollercoaster (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gelato Stains)
Part 1: Faenza - The Porcelain Puzzler (And Where I Apparently Left My Sanity)
Day 1: Arrival & The Ceramic Crush (Plus, the Case of the Missing Underwear)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Land in Bologna. Bologna! (Okay, technically it's the airport for Faenza, but let's just call it my gateway to deliciousness – and potential travel hell). The flight was delayed (surprise!), but hey, more time to mentally steel myself for… well, whatever Italy throws at me. Pick up the rental car. Side note: Pray for me. Italian drivers are… intense. Think Formula 1 meets opera. The drive to Faenza should be easy, they said. Right. Except I almost drove into a ditch because I was admiring a particularly gorgeous sunflower field. Reminds me of my granny, she says it's the small things that matter: but she didn't have a car, the sun, or 500 sunflowers!
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Find a Trattoria. Find any trattoria. Pray they speak enough English for me to order something other than "bread and water." My stomach is growling louder than the Vespa engines I can already hear. Eat pasta. All the pasta. Rambling thought: Is it weird that I feel inexplicably emotional about the prospect of eating pasta? Maybe it's the carbs… or maybe Italy just understands the way to my soul. I've always loved food. I hope it loves me back.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza (MIC). This is the "culture" part of the trip, folks. Wish me luck. I'm mostly here because I hear the ceramics are stunning, and… well, it's Faenza. The city is synonymous with ceramic so I had to see. I expect to be impressed – and maybe even learn something. Hopefully, I won't drop and break anything. I always break things. I might accidently purchase a life-sized ceramic donkey. Or a ceramic unicorn. Or… whatever. Who am I kidding, I'm going to get lost in a cloud of awe.
- Actual Experience: Okay, the MIC. Is. Mind-blowing. The craftsmanship is incredible, the colours practically vibrate off the walls. I felt like I was in a dream… a dream where I was surrounded by fragile, beautiful things and my clumsy, uncoordinated hands. I nearly knocked over a vase of something, luckily I had a quick response. I feel it was partly a test from the gods. I passed.
- The Underwear Incident: I can't explain, I'm not sure how it happened, but somewhere between the airport and the museum, I lost my underwear. And not the cute ones either. The comfy, practical ones that I wear. Why? I don't know. All I know is that it's a sign of what's gonna happen in Italy. The chaos has begun.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Check into the hotel. Freshen up. (Emphasis on “freshen.” I'm suddenly craving a decent shower after hours of travel, and the thought of the underwear situation). Wander the charming streets of Faenza. Find a gelateria… because gelato fixes everything. Dinner at a local restaurant. Try not to order the entire menu. I might fail. Emotional reaction: I'm already in love. I can sense it. Italy, you beautiful, chaotic beast. You have me.
Day 2: Into the Faenza Fray (Diving Headfirst into Tradition… and Possibly a Few Mud Puddles)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A workshop at a local ceramic studio. I'm aiming to make a pot. I have no artistic talent. I'm picturing a misshapen blob with a wonky handle. It'll be… unique. I am terrified, and secretly thrilled.
Actual Experience: The workshop! The pottery! The clay… I had no idea how hard this was. My "pot" resembled something between a wonky mushroom and a poorly constructed pizza. My hands were covered in clay, I think I sneezed dust all over. But, you know what? It was FUN. The instructor, a kind woman with hands caked in clay, laughed at all my mistakes, and made me feel less like a total fool. The people were wonderful, they all took this as an art form. So, what's the takeaway? I'm a terrible ceramic artist, but I don't care because I had an absolute blast. The smell of the clay is stuck in my nostrils.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Fuel up with a hearty meal. Local markets. *Food shopping! I've heard the markets are overflowing with fresh produce. I'm going to try and buy something that doesn't involve cheese. (Okay, maybe a *little* cheese).*
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the city center. More sightseeing! It feels like everyone is moving a pace faster than me. People will be thinking - "What's she doing?" I want to soak up the atmosphere, people-watch, get lost in the maze of narrow streets, and… find a hidden gelato shop. I deserve it. After all, I will have survived pottery class.
Actual Experience: The city center was a blast! The squares! The cathedrals! The… pigeons. So many pigeons. I swear, they were judging me. The buildings were gorgeous, the colors were incredible, and I got lost. Like, properly, deeply, utterly lost. But it was great. I stumbled upon a tiny, tucked-away gelateria that sold the most amazing pistachio gelato I've ever tasted. The gelato was so magnificent that I decided to stay and enjoy it. I have to admit, I sat and got lost in my own head while eating. I was in heaven.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Pre-dinner drinks at a local bar. Aperitivo time! Time to embrace the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks and snacks. I'm hoping there are olives and cheese. I'm still thinking about the pistachio gelato. Dinner. Sleep. Prepare for Florence.
Part 2: Florence – The Renaissance Rumble (Where Art, Food, and Self-Doubt Collide)
Day 3: The Florence Frenzy Begins (And I'm Still Missing Underwear)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Early start. Hit the road to Florence. The drive! I'm bracing myself. Hopefully, the GPS is slightly less temperamental than I am. The scenery will be worth it, I tell myself. Check into the hotel. Pray it has air conditioning. And perhaps a mini-bar filled with supplies.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Find a restaurant near the Duomo. The Duomo! I've dreamt of seeing it. I'm expecting goosebumps. I hope my stomach is calm enough to appreciate it. It's probably not.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Climb the Duomo. I'm slightly terrified of heights, but the view… the view is supposedly worth it. I'm going to need a pep talk. Visit the Baptistery. More art! More beauty! More chances to trip over my own feet.
- Actual Experience: The Duomo! The climb! The stairs! They were endless! I seriously thought I was going to die, half-way there. But then, I reached the top… and the view took my breath away. Florence, laid out before me, a sea of terracotta rooftops and elegant buildings. Wow. The Baptistery was stunning and the golden mosaics were incredible. This is just one big beautiful thing - my brain can't handle all of it!
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Explore the Oltrarno neighborhood. A charming area known for artisan workshops and… more gelato, probably. I am going to start writing "gelato" on every itinerary. Dinner at a traditional Florentine restaurant. Consider trying the bistecca alla fiorentina… if my wallet can handle it.
Day 4: Art Attack & Aperol Dreams (Or, How I Found My Inner Critic… and Told Her to Shut Up)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit the Uffizi Gallery. *Prepare myself for art overload. I am a complete art novice, but I will pretend to know things. I'm gonna say things like
Uncover Faenza's Hidden Gem: The Double Florence You NEED to See in Italy! (Okay, Maybe Need is STRONG...)
Okay, let's be honest. What *is* this "Double Florence" thing anyway? Is it actually like, good?
Basically, the "Double Florence" refers to the architectural and artistic inspiration from Florence that you can find in Faenza. Churches, palazzi... some of them *really* lean into the Florentine vibe. Others, well, they're more like, "Yeah, we *tried*."
Is it "good"? Depends on your definition of "good," honestly. It's fascinating. It's charming in a slightly-off-kilter way. It's *definitely* not as bombastic as the actual Florence. Prepare for a slower pace. And probably fewer lines. (Thank GOD for fewer lines.) I personally loved it. I've been to Florence a LOT, and this was a refreshing change of pace.
So, what *should* I expect to see? Like, are there any actual Duomos or Uffizi-esque museums?
You're going to spend a lot of time admiring the *various* churches. Faenza has a *ton* of them, and many of them have taken notes from the Great City of Florence. The *Duomo* - well, it doesn't have as grand an entrance as the Florence one, but inside is amazing! Expect detailed facades, impressive frescoes – the usual Italian suspects!
And the *Pinacoteca Comunale* (Art Gallery) is *definitely* worth your time. It's not vast like a major museum, but it has a really excellent collection of works, including some that showcase Faenza's own artistic heritage, which is...wait for it...ceramics! (More on that later)
Mostly, expect to wander. Get delightfully lost in the streets of the town with its charming shops. And take a lot of pictures.
Pro Tip: Forget the "must-see" destinations. Find a little *enoteca* (wine bar) and chat with a local over a glass of Sangiovese. *That's* where the *real* experience lies! I swear I learned more about the town from a chatty bartender than any guidebook ever told me. (Shh…don't tell Lonely Planet!)
Tell me about the Ceramics. That's Faenza's *thing,* right?
So, expect shops absolutely *overflowing* with stunning, vibrant, incredibly intricate pottery. Plates, vases, tiles... you name it. And it's *everywhere*. Literally. You'll walk around the town and think "Oh, a nice shop", and they’ll be displaying *incredible* ceramics.
I spent a *fortune*. No regrets. Zero. I seriously almost ruined my bank account!
The *Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche* (International Museum of Ceramics) is an absolute MUST. It’s enormous, fascinating, and you could easily spend half a day exploring all the rooms showcasing the evolution of ceramics through the ages. It's genuinely mind-blowing. I came out feeling like I had a master's degree in ceramics.
Okay, I'm starting to get it. But... is it *touristy*? Should I be worried about crowds?
Faenza is *not* overrun with tourists. You're more likely to bump into a local going about their day than a busload of screaming holidaymakers. It’s a relief, honestly. You can actually *enjoy* things without having to elbow your way through a crowd. It's all so intimate and calm. Yes, sometimes you might crave the big, bold crowds, that's fine too!
This lack of crowds significantly enhances the experience. You can really soak in the atmosphere, take your time in the museums, and savor the local cuisine without the feeling someone's breathing down your neck.
It is also a great way to practice speaking Italiano!
Let's talk food. Because, Italy. What should I eat? Where should I eat it?
You ABSOLUTELY MUST try:
* Cappelletti in Brodo: Little meat-filled pasta hats in a savory broth. Perfect comfort food. Especially if you're visiting during the colder months. * Piadina: This flatbread is incredible. Find a tiny *piadineria* and get one filled with prosciutto, cheese, whatever your heart desires. Eat it while strolling through the market. * Local Wine (Sangiovese!): The local wineries are fantastic. Do yourself a favor and find a place that serves it by the carafe.
**Where to eat?** Honestly, the best places are the little trattorias off the beaten path. Wander around, peek in windows, and go where the locals are. Ask your hotel for recommendations - they'll be happy to help!
Okay, I'm sold. How do I get there? And how long should I stay?
**How long to stay?** I recommend at least 2-3 days. This gives you time to explore the town at a leisurely pace, visit the museum, do some ceramic shopping (prepare your wallet!), and enjoy the food and wine. You could definitely spend longer if you're reallyLocal Hotel Tips
