HOTEL FRANCHI, Florence

The hotel sits in a quiet industrial area near the A1 and A11 motorways, offering convenient car access without ZTL restrictions. Although the airport is only a short drive away, walking is not recommended due to busy roads without pedestrian crossings. The T2 tram stop at Guidoni is a safe 3-minute walk - one stop to the airport terminal or around 20-30 minutes to Santa Maria Novella station in the city centre. Taxis arranged by the hotel cost a fixed €15 and are the most straightforward option for early departures. For those driving, limited free on-site parking is available (first-come, first-served), with additional free street parking nearby.

Room types include doubles, twins, quadruple rooms with bunk beds, and family configurations. All rooms have wooden furnishings, free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a safety deposit box. Balconies come with garden furniture. The quadruple room has a terrace and two beds - bunk beds for children or extra adults. While rooms are clean and freshly renovated, some are reported as compact, and walls are thin - noise from neighbouring rooms and corridors is common. Beds are generally comfortable, but pillows can be large and firm. Air conditioning works well but is centrally controlled; staff can switch it on if needed during daytime. A basic electric kettle is provided but the socket placement may be awkward; some rooms lack a mini-fridge. Housekeeping is daily, and luggage storage is available free of charge.

Breakfast is not included in the room rate but can be purchased for an extra charge, typically starting from around €10-€15 per person. Early breakfast options are available, and staff may accommodate gluten-free pastry requests. The bistro menu is limited to pre-prepared, re-heated dishes such as lasagne, chicken cacciatore, and parmigiana - portions are modest and prices are higher than average for the area. Coffee, wine, champagne, and soft drinks are available at the bar, and a vending machine offers cold drinks. Several restaurants are within a 5-minute walk: Aloisius and Osteria della Bistecca (0.5 km), Voilà Restaurant & Lounge Bar (0.5 km). For a fuller selection, the tram ride to the city centre opens up many options. Evening dining on the garden terrace is popular, especially for a relaxed pre-flight meal.

The garden is furnished with comfortable seating and serves as the hotel's main leisure space. It is used for evening bar service, light meals, and socialising. The area is quiet and well-maintained. No pool, spa, gym, or other active recreation facilities are available. The garden is particularly suitable for airport overnight stays or relaxed post-flight downtime. The shared lounge and TV area indoors offer an alternative during cooler weather.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A paid shuttle service to the airport is available for €15 per ride, running at any hour - book via staff or WhatsApp. Luggage storage is free and secure, with lockers available. A lift serves all floors. Safety features include CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and key card/key access. Express check-in/check-out, tour desk, and concierge service are offered. Business facilities (fax/photocopying, meeting/banquet rooms) and laundry/dry cleaning are available for additional charges. Family rooms, cots on request, and pet-friendly policy (no extra fee) make the hotel suitable for travellers with children or animals. The property accepts American Express, Visa, Maestro, CartaSi, and MasterCard.