14 June, 2019
Call it kitsch, call it boho… whatever you label it, SoprArno guesthouse is the embodiment of our Italian summer daydreams.
SoprArno's owners Betty Soldi and Matteo Perduca are a stalwart pair. Renovating a sixteenth-century townhouse, the couple's vision for SoprArno focused on familiarity and familial-style quarters. With an apartment feel and a boho vibe (thanks in part to its proximity to the Oltrarno neighbourhood), the guesthouse boasts a kitsch collection of trophies, clogs and miniature jars of Marmite, all of which are proudly displayed along bookshelves alongside more prestigious trinkets. Caveat: the couple's delight in life's small pleasures is contagious.
Low-hanging lights and interesting photography books are laid out along a communal table to encourage hang-out time in shared spaces. Make a friend (or maybe just a macchiato), brush up on your Italian, read a book or take five and chill; anything goes. In effect, SoprArno is the embodiment of our daydreams of a summer spent in one of Italy's most-loved second cities.
We'd almost describe the 13 bedrooms at SoprArno as nonchalant - unconcerned with whether or not their occupant is a fan (although you should be). Abstract animal prints in muted, neutral tones and velveteen finishings are among the punchier pieces in rooms which are sleek yet airy. Designed as a place of rest first and foremost, their lightness is something you will be thankful for after a day spent hitting the Florentine pavement. Bathrooms are on the bigger side, with a power shower and oversized sink to boot. Rooms spill off communal areas so nab one on the first floor if you can purely for laziness sake (and proximity to the breakfast buffet).
Breakfast is served on the ground floor in a long, skinny room, with a breakfast bar that mirrors its overall layout. Scan the counter's display of freshly cut fruit, yoghurt, cereals and a selection of pastries. If your eye deviates from the task at hand (i.e. plating up for breakfast) to the wall's smorgasboard of favoured culinary outposts, why not see if they've placed your favourites on the wall. We spotted the menu cards for Egg Shop and St John Bread and Wine instantly.
Once breakfast ends the buffet moves upstairs, but aside from an evening spread of individually wrapped sandwiches and some delicate homemade pies, arranging dinner out is a necessity. We've earmarked La Ménagère for a taste of Florence's modern dining scene.
There's an honesty bar in the corner of the communal first-floor dining space. Pop your pennies into the piggy bank on your way out.
Limited. Aside from WiFi and a next-day laundry service, SoprArno doesn't do "extras".
Check out is at 10am so make sure to factor in enough time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before rushing to your room to hurl your clothes into your luggage in under three minutes.
Temptation. There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Florence. Whether window browsing for jewellery along Ponte Vecchio, scouting artisanal designs at Il Papiro or picking up linen handkerchiefs at TAF, you'll find that the city is a nirvana for those in search of one-of-a-kind wares.
