HOTEL MERLINI, Florence

The hotel is located just 5 minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella Train Station, making arrival and departure by rail straightforward. It is also within a 10-minute walk of Florence's main sights including the Duomo, Accademia, and Mercato Centrale. The surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, gelaterias, and cafés. Despite being in the city centre, the neighbourhood remains surprisingly quiet, providing restful sleep. For those arriving by car, the hotel has no parking, but several paid garages operate within a few minutes' walk. The tram stop with regular service to the airport is also close by.

Rooms are bright and decorated in a Tuscan style, and all include a private bathroom with a shower box and hairdryer. Standard amenities are air conditioning, heating, a wardrobe, and free toiletries. Some rooms feature high or vaulted ceilings and views of the city or a quiet courtyard. The hotel is on the third floor with lift access. Noise levels are notably low even in central rooms, making it suitable for light sleepers. Daily housekeeping is provided. No rooms have a balcony.

Breakfast is available for 6-8 € per person (seasonal) and includes a buffet with bread, pastries, jams, and a selection of sweet and savoury foods. Coffee and cappuccino are made fresh with an espresso machine, a detail frequently noted by those who appreciate a good morning brew. The hotel has no restaurant, so lunch and dinner are taken at nearby eateries - there are dozens of authentic trattorias and pizzerias within a 5-minute walk. The breakfast room offers views of the Duomo from some tables. For those departing early, luggage storage allows a quick breakfast at a nearby café before heading out.

The 24-hour reception handles late check-ins smoothly, even after midnight. Luggage storage is free and can be used both before check-in and after check-out, a particularly useful service for travellers with onward journeys. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas and outside, a safety deposit box, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers, contributing to a secure environment. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, Bancontact, Carte Bleue, Carte Blanche, and CartaSi. Pets are welcome on request at no additional cost. Internet is free throughout the property, though some have noted periods of unreliability. A washing machine and dryer are available for a small fee.