The Hotel Bijou is on the third floor of a quaint 19th-century Florentine building that features blue shutters and several decorative balconies. Tour buses often pass by the narrow street in front of the hotel, where parked cars line the curb. Many guests are charmed by the old-fashioned wooden elevator that leads to the glass front door of the hotel. The narrow reception area features classic wooden furniture, a few comfy chairs, and tour brochures. On the rooftop is a charming shared terrace that overlooks the city. This central location and inexpensive rooms appeal to travelers on a budget, but some may find the interiors depressing.

This hotel is situated within a five-minute walk of Florence’s central train station and the Piazza Santa Maria Novella in an area with lots of restaurants and shops. Many of Florence's major attractions can be reached on foot. The Duomo is a 10-minute walk via the historic San Lorenzo Market. The Fortezza da Basso convention center is a five-minute walk away, while the Uffizi Gallery is 15 minutes away on foot. The Florence Peretola Airport is a 20-minute bus or car ride away. 

The hotel has Single, Double/Twin, Triple, and Quadruple Rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Rooms have tiled floors, simple light wood veneer furniture -- some of which is dated or worn--- and blue or red bedspreads. There's a small piece of token art work on the walls, and some rooms have wooden window frames that add a bit of charm to otherwise plain spaces. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and desks. Ceilings are typically tall and select rooms have balconies that face the streets. Rooms that share bathrooms offer in-room sinks; those with private bathrooms feature walk-in showers, hairdryers, and bidets. These are by no means stylish rooms, but for travelers on a budget, it's a simple, clean, no-frills place to rest their heads.

The Hotel Bijou's rooftop is its best feature. This lovely brick-lined terrace is furnished with patio furniture and potted plants, offering panoramic views of Florence’s terra cotta rooftops and the mountains in the distance. There’s no indoor breakfast lounge, so the terrace -- which is shared with another hotel -- is where the continental breakfast is served (for a fee). The hotel also has one modestly decorated meeting room that can fit up to 20 people. Free nearby garage parking can be arranged on request and the 24-hour front desk offers a safe-deposit box and luggage storage. Wi-Fi is available, but it is not free, and the hotel's front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Pets are allowed with fees and restrictions.