HOTEL MARIO'S, Florence

The property is ideally placed for exploring Florence on foot: the Duomo, Accademia Gallery, and Mercato Centrale are all within a 10-minute walk. The tram stop to Florence Airport is a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and the train station provides easy day trips. A wide array of trattorias and cafés line the surrounding streets, including Trattoria Mario, Trattoria I Due G, and Chianineria Trattoria dall'Oste within 500 metres. The area is lively yet the hotel itself faces a relatively quiet street, though some street noise may be audible in front-facing rooms.

Room size varies - some are spacious while others are more compact, particularly the bathrooms which may be narrow. The beds can be wrought-iron or wooden; comfort feedback varies, with some finding them firm. Soundproofing between rooms and the corridor is limited, so light sleepers may want a room away from the stairs and common areas. Some rooms face the street and can be lively, while courtyard-facing rooms tend to be quieter. All rooms have air conditioning, heating, and a flat-screen TV. Daily housekeeping is included, and towels are changed regularly. Note: no rooms have a balcony.

Breakfast is included in the rate and provides a hearty start to the day, with options like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh croissants. A bar is available for drinks, including wine and champagne (at an additional charge). While there is no restaurant on site, the surrounding neighbourhood is packed with traditional trattorias and international restaurants within a short walk, such as Trattoria I Due G and Trattoria Nerone. The hotel can also arrange in-room breakfast at an extra cost.

The hotel offers a range of practical services for city explorers: luggage storage is free and allows you to continue sightseeing after check-out. The 24-hour reception can provide tourist information, maps, and tour bookings. Private parking nearby (€30/day, reservation required) is a significant advantage in central Florence. The property also features a shared lounge/TV area and an express check-in/check-out option. Pets are permitted on request (charges may apply). Note that there is no elevator - the hotel is accessible only via stairs, so it may not suit guests with mobility issues.