HOTEL CARAVAGGIO, Florence

The hotel sits directly on Piazza Indipendenza, a lively square with a park and bus stops. Most of Florence's museums, galleries, and cathedrals are within a 10- to 20-minute walk. The Fortezza da Basso exhibition centre is 300 metres away, ideal for conference attendees. The area is safe and well served by restaurants and cafés. For airport transfers, the T2 tram line (20 minutes to the city centre) stops nearby; taxis cost about €22-25. The train station is a straight 7-minute walk, making day trips easy. Those arriving by car should note that parking is off-site (garage with valet service), and only two temporary spaces are available in front for check-in/check-out.

Room sizes vary; single and standard doubles can be compact, while superior and triple rooms offer more space. Some upper-floor rooms have panoramic views of Florence Cathedral and the city skyline. En-suite bathrooms feature a shower or bathtub (some with hydromassage) and include toiletries and a hairdryer. Rooms on the front side of the building may experience street noise, especially in the early morning; rear-facing or higher-floor rooms are quieter. Bed firmness is a point of variation - some travellers find the beds quite firm, and some double beds are two singles pushed together. Soundproofing is limited; noise from adjacent rooms can carry. For wheelchair accessibility, a single triple room is available and must be requested in the booking notes. No rooms have balconies.

Breakfast can also be delivered to rooms upon request. The buffet includes breads, pastries, eggs, cold cuts, cheeses, yoghurt, fruit, and hot drinks. In fine weather, breakfast is served in the courtyard garden, a popular spot. There is no restaurant or room service for lunch or dinner; however, numerous restaurants are within a short walk - including several on the same street and around Piazza Indipendenza. The bar in the lobby serves coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks throughout the day, and a complimentary welcome drink is offered on arrival.