LILIUM HOTEL, Florence

The hotel occupies the 2nd floor of a classic Florentine building on a quiet street, placing the train station, tram stop, and key sights within easy walking distance. Fortezza da Basso conference centre is a short stroll away, and the surrounding streets offer a wide range of cafés, restaurants, and the San Lorenzo Market. The area is walkable for sightseeing but has a busier, less polished feel near the station; evening arrivals should expect some street activity. For day trips, the station gives direct connections to Pisa, Lucca, and Siena.

Rooms come as twin/double, triple, quadruple, and family configurations, the latter with a single plus bunk bed to sleep up to 5. All include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee facilities, a safe, and heating. Air conditioning is free and effective, particularly welcome after hot days exploring. Bathrooms are private but can be compact; some rooms have an external private bathroom, so confirm at booking. Soundproofing is present, but road-facing rooms may still pick up street noise. Decor is clean and functional rather than modern, and some rooms show signs of age such as worn furnishings or small wardrobes. The lift serves all floors but is historic and slow. Some bedrooms have city views, and a few overlook a quieter courtyard.

The breakfast buffet includes bread, pastries, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, yoghurt, fruit, juices, and coffee, plus hot options such as scrambled eggs and sausages. Gluten-free alternatives are available on request. While the spread is varied and satisfying for a 2-star property, those wanting a bespoke or cooked-to-order morning meal will find several cafés within a 2-minute walk. Breakfast is charged at €15 per person and starts promptly at 07:30. The hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, but the surrounding area is dense with dining choices from casual pizzerias to trattorias.

Wellness facilities are not available at Lilium Hotel. The property focuses on providing a convenient base for sightseeing rather than on-site recreation. The shared lounge/TV area offers a space to relax, and the proximity to the historic centre means most cultural attractions are within a 10-20 minute walk. For guests wanting dedicated leisure amenities, the partner hotel or other local venues may offer alternatives.

Wi-Fi is free throughout and generally reliable, though occasional connectivity drops have been noted. Luggage storage is free before check-in and after check-out, which is especially useful for late trains or flights. A safety deposit box is provided in rooms, and the building is secured with key access and CCTV in common areas. The lift serves all floors but is very old and may feel unreliable. Reception is staffed from 14:00 to 23:00; after 17:00, check-in and key collection are handled at a partner hotel one floor up or nearby. Early check-outs are possible by leaving keys at reception. Housekeeping is daily, but cleaning quality can be inconsistent; inspecting the room upon arrival is wise. Cots are available on request, and pets are allowed with no extra charges. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Maestro, CartaSi, UnionPay, and MasterCard.