Ostello del Bigallo - Bigallo Hostel Florence Hostel Review and Information

What sets them apart?

Hostel Personality

• Quiet Hostel
• Community Atmosphere

Who's staying here?

• Solo Travelers
• Female Travelers
• Young Backpackers
• Gap Year Travelers
• Small Groups (<8)
• Large Groups (>8)

Insider Tip

Ostello del Bigallo - Bigallo Hostel

Set in an old monastery, this hostel offers a truly unique experience that can't be matched anywhere else. They offer tours and cooking classes, and it's a friendly place to stay with helpful staff who keep things fun and social. The rooms are interesting and the view over Florence at night is not to be missed.

This hostel is a bit outside of town and you can expect at least a 35 minute bus ride to get to the Duomo and central Florence. But if you want a slightly different experience, then this is the place to stay.

The Facilities

Dorms

There are two dorm types here - one that sleeps five, and one that sleeps eight. These aren't typical hostel dorms though. They're designed by local craftsmen and the decor stays true to the renaissance style. The beds are also traditional in style. They have their own storage space below and the mattresses are comfortable.

Even more unique than the dorm rooms are the alcoves. These were traditionally used by monks but today the hostel offers twenty beds in wooden alcoves. Each alcove has two wooden beds and is divided from the other alcoves by a wooden barrier. This offers a bit of privacy but still has a dorm atmosphere.

Private Rooms

If privacy is important to you, then you'll enjoy one of the five double rooms that are available. You can also add a third bed if you need it. These rooms each have their own personality and the decor stays true to the theme of the hostel. Private rooms also include towels and a daily cleaning.

Bathrooms

Dorms and alcoves use shared bathrooms while private rooms each have their own en-suite bathroom.

Common Areas

This hostel is in an old monastery, which lends itself to having common space. There are several common areas where guests can relax, meeting rooms if you need to organize an activity for your group, a dining area, and a beautiful outdoor garden. This hostel is all about the experience, and a big part of that experience is spending time with other guests.

The Location

Bagno a Ripoli

What's Nearby?

This hostel is located about five minutes by car from the center of Bagno a Ripoli. It's also about a twenty minute drive to Florence. Alternatively, you can take a bus (35 minutes) and then climb a hill (20 minutes) to the hostel. It's a lot of work but the peaceful retreat and spectacular view are well worth the effort.

Nearby Transportation

This hostel is a bit outside of Florence, so if you want easy accessibility to the city center, then this isn't the place for you.

Activities

This hostel organizes a number of activities for guests. It's a great way to meet everybody and keeps the atmosphere social and fun. There are regular pasta nights, cooking classes, and walking tours of the area. The staff who organize the events are fun and knowledgeable and the crowd always as a good time.

• Trekking Tours
• Group Dinners
• Local Walking Tours
• Cooking Classes

Amenities

This hostel has a charming atmosphere and many great amenities including a book exchange, reading lights, board games, travel information, and luggage storage. If you're traveling with an organized group, reach out to them as there are plenty of unique amenities available to your group that can be coordinated in advance.

• Wi-Fi
• Breakfast (Free)
• Bike Parking
• Luggage Storage
• Bed Linens
• Security Lockers
• Parking
• City Maps
• Plug Adaptors
• Housekeeping
• Reading Light
• Book Exchange
• Board Games

Staff

The staff here really make the place. They organize the activities and make sure everyone is having fun. If you're traveling with a large group, make sure you coordinate with them ahead of time, because there are all kinds of options and add-ons available to you.

Heads Up

This hostel is truly amazing, but it's not easy to get to. If you goal is to efficiently explore Florence's city center, then this isn't the place for you.

Ostello del Bigallo - Bigallo Hostel

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