CASA HOWARD FIRENZE - RESIDENZA D'EPOCA, Florence

The hotel sits on a quiet street in the historic centre, just steps from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica next door. Santa Maria Novella Railway Station is 2 minutes on foot, providing direct regional and high-speed rail connections. The T2 tram stop (Unità) to Florence Airport is a 5-minute walk. Almost all major attractions - the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria - are within 10-15 minutes on foot. Although the central location means occasional street noise, rooms with internal courtyard exposure or soundproofed windows offer quieter conditions. Several excellent restaurants (Il Latini, La Dantesca) and the historic Central Market are within a 5-minute walk.

Rooms are divided into Standard (4 rooms, compact but cozy), Deluxe (6 rooms, generously larger), and Suites (3 rooms, very spacious). Each has a unique character - from a zebra-printed design to a library-themed room - with antique furniture, original décor, and eclectic art. Most rooms feature parquet or carpeted floors, flat-screen satellite TV, electric kettle, and hairdryer. Some Deluxe and Standard rooms offer a private balcony or an internal courtyard. The Deluxe Terrace room has a beautiful balcony. The Suites include a spacious bathroom (some with a bathtub) and separate sitting area. All bathrooms come with exclusive Santa Maria Novella toiletries. Soundproofed rooms and designated smoking areas are available. For families, cribs can be installed in Deluxe or Suite rooms, and interconnecting rooms are possible on request. The building has a lift, though a few rooms are accessed by stairs.

Breakfast is available for an additional €10 per person and is delivered to your room on a tray with Ginori china. The set menu includes fresh croissants, homemade jam, orange juice, hot drinks, and cold cuts/cheeses. Cooked options (e.g., eggs, ham-and-cheese toast) can be ordered. Gluten-free and vegetarian selections are provided on request. The hotel does not have a restaurant but allows guests to use the beautiful dining room for food ordered from nearby historical Florentine restaurants (à la carte delivery). A bar/lounge area with drinks and light bites is open in the evenings. There is a coffee house on site. For a fully self-catered evening, several restaurants - including La Grotta di Leo and Ostaria dei Centopoveri - are within 3-5 minutes' walk.

For relaxation, the hotel provides a shared garden lounge and outdoor terrace with garden furniture. The on-site bar serves drinks and light bites in the evening. There is no fitness room or spa, but the concierge can arrange massages and private beach visits outside the city if requested. Bicycle rental is available for an additional charge, providing a practical way to navigate the historic centre and the Arno riverside.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas and reliable. The reception offers express check-in/out, concierge service (restaurant reservations, tour bookings, taxi arrangements), and luggage storage at no charge. A paid airport shuttle can be arranged by contacting the hotel with flight details. Laundry service is available for a fee. Daily housekeeping is included. The hotel has a lift, and all rooms are air-conditioned with individual control. Additional services include a welcome drink, coffee house on site, and babysitting/child services (surcharge). Business facilities include fax/photocopying. Safety features include fire extinguishers and key-access security. The property is cashless (cards only). For guests with cars, public parking is available at a nearby garage (International Garage, 3 minutes' walk, €25-€35/night, reservation needed).