81%Antico Spedale del Bigallo

This is a lovely spot for couples and groups. Or a single person looking for a rest from the city. I would recommend planning your days as like me, you shouldn't assume there will be people to hang out with. very nice. fantastic, friendly staff

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by clare11 – posted on Sep 18, 2008

8

Beautiful, but too far from the city. 30 min bus ride and 15 min walk. But its history and view of Tuscany are cool.

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by jtfgill79776 – posted on Aug 14, 2008

6

Wonderful staff!Sending thanks and greetings to everyone from all three (American, Spanish and Hungarian) of us. Clean. When I got locked out on the morning they were nice enough to open the door. The area is in the mountains, so if you want peace and quiet after Firenze this is the place. The... more Wonderful staff!Sending thanks and greetings to everyone from all three (American, Spanish and Hungarian) of us. Clean. When I got locked out on the morning they were nice enough to open the door. The area is in the mountains, so if you want peace and quiet after Firenze this is the place. The only advice for light sleepers. If you get a room downstairs next to the reception, the road is right there and there is some traffic. Bring earplugs.close

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by ejobbik – posted on Jun 30, 2008

2

The hostel was very charming and the staff were very friendly. I chose this hostel to get out of the city and experience some quiet Italian country ambience which was certainly achieved. The building was also very beautiful and it was exciting to stay in a building that has been around for so...

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by npetten2150 – posted on Jun 23, 2008

1

This was an amazing place to stay but we really enjoyed it because I was traveling with my fiance and we could have a quiet night overlooking the Tuscan countryside! I would not recommend it for solo travelers or groups who are interested and going out. If you are looking for a unique and... more This was an amazing place to stay but we really enjoyed it because I was traveling with my fiance and we could have a quiet night overlooking the Tuscan countryside! I would not recommend it for solo travelers or groups who are interested and going out. If you are looking for a unique and beautiful setting though then it was wonderful!close

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by TorreyH – posted on Jun 4, 2008

2

The heating did not work proberly - so it was very cold during the nights! out of the window you have a lovely view over florence! really beautiful! but, its also up the hill - so if you don`t arrive by care, be ready to walk a...

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by edi-lund81 – posted on May 5, 2008

1

the location is very very very far from the city!!! Walking up the hill in the night to this hostel is not a fascinate activity at all!! Really dark and scary and soooo steep!!!

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by neeneeni8269 – posted on Mar 24, 2008

2

Beautiful building and location, friendly staff and Gusgus makes the best mascot ever, I miss him!

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by craigtock5615 – posted on Dec 11, 2007

5

The reception lady was incredibly rude.

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by scand4939 – posted on Apr 23, 2007

12

A nice hostel with an amazing view of the city, but it was too far from the city center for my tastes and we had to end our sightseeing earlier than I would have liked (to avoid getting hit by a car as we walked the last leg back to the hostel on the darkened street).

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by BMDowl – posted on Feb 12, 2007

5

Everything here was great except for the location. You are not in Florence and you have to take a 30 min bus ride from the train station to the outskirts of town and then walk uphill about a mile to get to the hostel. Once there it is really nice and the staff is really friendly. It also has... more Everything here was great except for the location. You are not in Florence and you have to take a 30 min bus ride from the train station to the outskirts of town and then walk uphill about a mile to get to the hostel. Once there it is really nice and the staff is really friendly. It also has no air conditioning so we found it to be extremely hot during the summer so keep that in mind. It really is a neat place with it's history and everything but the location and bus hours made it hard to go out in Florence at night.close

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by Bobbyga – posted on Oct 24, 2006

12

This was my favorite hostel I stayed in -- not to mention one of the most unusual. The building is a medieval hospital/convent, and the hostel actually retains some of that feel, with beds lined up in a huge room rather than the typical bunk beds/dorm model. The interior also has a bit of that... more This was my favorite hostel I stayed in -- not to mention one of the most unusual. The building is a medieval hospital/convent, and the hostel actually retains some of that feel, with beds lined up in a huge room rather than the typical bunk beds/dorm model. The interior also has a bit of that foreboding Gothic vibe to it. OK, I know a lot of people are complaing about the location, but I really couldn't disagree more. Yes, you have to walk a couple of miles uphill through the countryside. But this is the Tuscan countryside we're talking about. It was amazing to find such a real, isolated location in this age of instant gratification. You can get some amazing views that look like Renaissance paintings just by taking a walk around or even looking out the window. I highly recommend this hostel for any budget-conscious traveller who doesn't mind walking and enjoys a little more of a rural feel to their visit.close

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by Ebm83 – posted on Aug 19, 2006

8

Gorgeous place in the true tuscany. Try to spend at least one night here just out of Florence. A bit of a trek from the bus but so worth it! A lovely, generous breckfast that can be eaten on teh terrace that overlooks the vineyards and florence below. Beautiful.

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by soph8485 – posted on Aug 18, 2006

10

After 8 days in the scorching heat of Morocco, we needed a place to relax. Well, we arrived in giggles and left the same way. One thing is for sure, I will return next year! As we drove away we realised we forgot to go to Florence, we arrived at Antico Spedale and started with 2 bottles of wine... more After 8 days in the scorching heat of Morocco, we needed a place to relax. Well, we arrived in giggles and left the same way. One thing is for sure, I will return next year! As we drove away we realised we forgot to go to Florence, we arrived at Antico Spedale and started with 2 bottles of wine on the deck. That continued until 2am with the people we met there and then we were up and out after breakfast. So yes, I would say it was what we were looking for - a place to relax! Thanks! Julieclose

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by julie9044 – posted on Aug 16, 2006

1

If you stay here get prepared for the walk. In total I would say it's closer to 3kms with the last 2 going up a veritcal hill. Painful with a pack. The time spent travelling to and from is long but that said it is a lovely area and would be a great place to stay if you have a car. Don't get... more If you stay here get prepared for the walk. In total I would say it's closer to 3kms with the last 2 going up a veritcal hill. Painful with a pack. The time spent travelling to and from is long but that said it is a lovely area and would be a great place to stay if you have a car. Don't get trapped without dinner here either. The staff are lovely but if I was going to Florence again I would definately pick the camping village.close

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by Pfeat – posted on Aug 15, 2006

15

Gorgeous view and nice place!!! It's an unforgetable experience in my journey.... But if you've got bulk of luggages, don't take this challenge!

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by Puffyl – posted on Aug 11, 2006

2

This hostel was fantastic and wish all hostels were like this. Although there is a big walk up the hill to get there it is well worth it. Breakfast is great with a good selection of choices. Well worth the walk!!

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by prudie3081 – posted on Aug 7, 2006

4

it's more like a mile rather than a km hike after the bus stop, and all uphill... but aside from that part, the view is spectacular, the hostel is great, the staff are AMAZING; i definitely would choose this place again upon my return to firenze without question.

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by chai18 – posted on Jul 23, 2006

21

Beautiful location, kind of out of the way, but totally worth it for the view. The building itself is really nice and beautiful also. Clean, comfortalbe bed with enough privacy. Good hostel

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by julia5289 – posted on Jul 16, 2006

2

We loved the stay,everything was wonderful....only problem is Italy beat germany....wonderful spirit among us all...congratulations on the Cup.We have only one negative and that was our bathrooms...there was always water even flowing into our room...and the floor never stayed clean...maybe yoy... more We loved the stay,everything was wonderful....only problem is Italy beat germany....wonderful spirit among us all...congratulations on the Cup.We have only one negative and that was our bathrooms...there was always water even flowing into our room...and the floor never stayed clean...maybe yoy should put terracotta tiles.Hope to stay there again one day.close

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by Helenavand – posted on Jul 15, 2006

1

The hostel is a 1+ km uphill walk all the way from the last bus stop on what is usually a very busy road with limited sidewalk space. The hostel also periodically holds special events such as wedding receptions and town get togethers which means no common area for the guests during that time.... more The hostel is a 1+ km uphill walk all the way from the last bus stop on what is usually a very busy road with limited sidewalk space. The hostel also periodically holds special events such as wedding receptions and town get togethers which means no common area for the guests during that time. It is at least 6 km from anywhere you want to go in Florence and that is on the bus. You are locked out of the hostel between the hours of 9:30am-6:00 pm everyday which can get old after a few nights. So if you are looking for exercise and a beautiful view with peace and quiet then this is the place for you, if not stick to the city. There is also no kitchen for guests use, another bummer!close

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by princess1894 – posted on Jul 1, 2006

12

The walk from last bus stop to the hostel was complete hell with my backpack. If you dont mind nearly dying before arriving. I would guess a mile and a half walk up a damn steep hill.

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by Plande8118 – posted on Jun 30, 2006

1

The hostle is 5km outside of Florence, no where in the discription was this mentioned. Also, in the directions, the 1km walk is actually 1km +300m and straight up hill. The amazing view and decent breakfast, almost make up for the 1.5-2 hrs it takes to get into Florence.

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by aobis – posted on Jun 30, 2006

4

Amazin location, kind of far but great attention and view...

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by Retro8479 – posted on Jun 29, 2006

11

Great location if you don't mind the walk from the bus stop (easier without a backpack)

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by jw227 – posted on Jun 28, 2006

2

The place is out in the middle of nowhere, but the view is incredible.

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by stoneis – posted on Jun 27, 2006

3

Best breakfast I had when in Italy (not the standard croissant and coffee)... a really cool place to stay at, except it is out of the way.

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by trevor6844 – posted on Jun 24, 2006

3

way outside of Florence, give yourself a good hour or more to get to the city. Or just pay more and stay in Florence

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by Ravo22 – posted on Jun 17, 2006

5

The "about a kilometer" hike was much more than a kilometer, but completely worth it. The view of the city is great and the breakfast was amazing. I would definitely stay here again. The commute in and out of the city took the best part of an hour but it was easy to figure out.

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by swissk5690 – posted on Jun 15, 2006

2

The view was fantastic, but the walk from the bus stop seems much longer than the 1km they advertise...and it is all uphill. It is great if you want to get out of the city, though, and the staff was very helpful.

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by Cmytyk8799 – posted on Jun 6, 2006

3

The directions state that it is about a 1km walk from the bus stop... it might be but it is all up hill. While the walk is worht it, it would have been a lot better to know that ahead of time!

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by lhorv – posted on Jun 3, 2006

5

This is actually like staying in a preserved monastery, complete with a breathtaking view of Tuscany and Florence below. Worth the hike up a hill. The main PROBLEM is that the hostel was literally locked down for its closing hours ( 9:30 - 18:00) and you can´t be there at that time. One of us was... more This is actually like staying in a preserved monastery, complete with a breathtaking view of Tuscany and Florence below. Worth the hike up a hill. The main PROBLEM is that the hostel was literally locked down for its closing hours ( 9:30 - 18:00) and you can´t be there at that time. One of us was sick, and yet wasn´t permitted to stay there to rest and sleep, and had to go into the city for the day. It´s a big lockout even though its not called that officialy. ALSO TO KEEP IN MIND: It´s pretty isolated, without a lot of things to do nearby, and nowhere really to eat. Also, it can be creepy for city people to sleep at night in silence...hehe The staff were awesome, and so was the breakfast.close

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by allagada – posted on May 22, 2006

5

The worst youth hostel I stayed at during my seven months in Europe. If I was older with a family and a car, it might have been ok. Location:an hour bus ride out of florence, then a half an hour walk up a hill with no sidewalks. The rooms were in little two bed areas inside a larger room. I... more The worst youth hostel I stayed at during my seven months in Europe. If I was older with a family and a car, it might have been ok. Location:an hour bus ride out of florence, then a half an hour walk up a hill with no sidewalks. The rooms were in little two bed areas inside a larger room. I didnt like it, but I was the only one there so if felt like I had a huge hall. Breakfast was good. i have a had time thinking of other positives. Wasnt dirty really. Hours are a real pain and you have to leave early. I like the option of sleeping until say 9 while I am on vacation. Staff was ok, not great. Also, the promised internet or laundry services werent there.close

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by Amherz – posted on Apr 26, 2006

10

Not great on foot - 1/2 hr+ bus from city, then 1km uphill walk. But the view of the city is worth the effort! Hostel closed between 9.30am and 6pm, occasionally inconvenient but it's not like there's nothing to do in Florence. A good base for exploring the city and getting some peace at night.

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by shout4693 – posted on Apr 23, 2006

6

This hostel was one of the highlights of my trip! The view was worth the trip and this historic building is marvelous! It is a good climb from the bus stop with bags but I stopped by two lovely Italian women who drove my up the hill. The staff was friendly and I spent a glorious evening... more This hostel was one of the highlights of my trip! The view was worth the trip and this historic building is marvelous! It is a good climb from the bus stop with bags but I stopped by two lovely Italian women who drove my up the hill. The staff was friendly and I spent a glorious evening sipping boxed wine on the porch at sunset surrounded by olive trees looking over the city.close

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by Eayhm – posted on Oct 11, 2005

4

It was a little out of the area, but so worth it. We love the place thought that it had a lot of character to it, and it was a beautiful area. I would go there again.

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by curlygir9624 – posted on Sep 28, 2005

1

When i say its a good location i mean its a good location if you want to be in the Tuscany hills and you like the mile hike from the bus stop up to the hostel. Which we loved because the views are great. Its a lovely hostel with bags of character.

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by stuart2355 – posted on Sep 22, 2005

7

This place is so far out of the way that it needs a shuttle bus service (or a car). The hike up and down the hill with packs from the last bus stop is really a bit ridiculous. The setting is nice however, the buses end quite early (around 9pm or so) which really makes it difficult to have a...

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by Clarence – posted on Sep 2, 2005

7

What a place!! Nothing can prepare you for the hike up the hill to this hostel but once you reach it, wow, it makes it all worth while!!!! The staff are really friendly and the wine is cheap and v.nice!!! Not for anyone looking for action in the evening as this place is really remote. However,... more What a place!! Nothing can prepare you for the hike up the hill to this hostel but once you reach it, wow, it makes it all worth while!!!! The staff are really friendly and the wine is cheap and v.nice!!! Not for anyone looking for action in the evening as this place is really remote. However, plenty of fun can be had with all of the nice people that stay at this hostel!!! And the views from this hostel are out of this world!!!close

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by burtonc – posted on Aug 31, 2005

1

What a great Place!! The walk is great and well worth hike. Bigallo is such a welcoming place set in the most amazing tuscan hills outside of florence. Tell Pieter Hello!!

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by funkstar – posted on Aug 29, 2005

1