The Palazzo Riblet Historical Residence is situated on the first floor of a stately sixteenth century palazzo which has been renovated several times over the years, but mainly during the second half of the nineteenth century when Florence was the capital of Italy. Since the Residence fully satisfies the historical-artistic requisites, it is classified as a building subject to the restrictions imposed by the Ministry of the Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, also because of its architectural characteristics, the splendid frescoes in one of the rooms and the spacious loggia (with depictions of the four seasons). From the main doorway there is access to an elegant nineteenth century sandstone staircase that connects the various floors. The Palazzo Riblet Historical Residence is on the first floor, while at the end of the stairwell on the third floor, there is a large panel depicting “Vigilance” accompanied by symbols and inscriptions. The present-day name of the palace originates from the Riblet family, a wealthy and aristocratic French family who acquired the property in the nineteenth century and remained its owners up until a few years ago

The structure is run by the Michel family. Luciano has always been very active on the Florentine tourist-hotel accommodation scene and when he decided to leave the general management of a 4-star hotel to become a “small entrepreneur” by acquiring a 1-star hotel, his wife Susan left her job as a teacher and enthusiastically joined him in this new professional adventure. Their son, Alessandro, after brilliantly obtaining a degree in languages at Glasgow University, preferred to flank his parents in their second effort after selling their first hotel and so takes part in managing Bellevue House, located on the third floor of Palazzo Riblet. Their younger son, Riccardo, who for some years has worked abroad for an important airline company, never loses the opportunity of lending a hand every time he returns home. Although, unlike his brother, Riccardo is not committed on a daily basis, he is nevertheless a fully-fledged partner in the family concern that manages both Bellevue House and the newly acquired Palazzo Riblet Historical Residence, on the first floor of the palazzo.

We are just a stone’s throw from the very central Piazza Santa Novella and the world-renowned “Antica Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica” pharmacy is right opposite our Palazzo. All major attractions are at walking distance and we are happy to help our guests with reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia. Close to us there are many convenient restaurants coffee shops and city centre supermarkets. The central market " San Lorenzo " is at 15 minutes walk. In arrival we shall give our guests a good free map and the best tips to enjoy their stay in Florence.