From the outside, the classically grand Tuscan villa that houses this upper-mid-range hotel looks a bit out of place, as its immediate surrounding don’t embody that same splendor. However, entering the white-and-gold lobby -- with mosaic-tiled floors, crystal chandeliers, and oversized contemporary sculptures -- feels a bit like stepping into a playful, upscale version of Alice's Wonderland. Welcome pastries, free newspapers, and bottled water greet guests at a long white table in the lobby, while a lofted lounge with a billiard table provides an additional area to relax. Amenities such as the rooftop hot tub, which is available for private bookings, are geared towards couples, though an on-site meeting room provides facilities for business travelers, and tourists looking for a unique hotel within walking distance of major sights will find good value here as well.

Situated on a plaza lacking character just off the intersection of several busy roads, the hotel is just two blocks, or a five-minute walk, from Florence’s historic Santa Croce neighborhood, loaded with historic basilicas, restaurants, and shops. The Arno River, one block south of the hotel, provides a lovely 15-minute walk to the famous Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. The Duomo takes less than 20 minutes to reach on foot, or 15 minutes by bus, but because of traffic restrictions in the center city, can take over 20 minutes to reach by taxi. Santa Maria Novella Train Station is a 20-minute cab ride, or 30-minute bus ride, across town and Amerigo Vespucci Airport can be reached in 25 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by bus.

Rooms are compact, but make an eye-catching first impression, with light, hardwood floors, large mirrors, and contemporary white-on-white linens, art, and furnishings. Beds are comfortable, ranging from twin to king-size, and rooms include satellite flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, electric kettles for coffee or tea, and welcome pastries on arrival. Unfortunately, the ultra-modern design scheme shows wear and tear easily, and dirt or fingerprints are visible in some spots. Most of the soundproofed rooms look out onto parking lots, anonymous streets, or air shafts, though Suites have lovely balconies with views of Florence and are larger than other rooms, with iPod docks and small seating areas. Prestige Rooms also offer more space, but the odd layout and canopy beds make the added square footage less noticeable. Spare, travertine-floored bathrooms are stocked with luxury C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries products and offer walk-in showers or shower/tub combos depending on the room. We noticed some dirt in the grout. The shower/tub combo in Suites is enclosed in transparent glass and is visible from the rest of the room, so guests should consider whether this will be an issue before booking. Some guests have also reported problems with key-card entry and the safes in their rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

The seasonal rooftop terrace with open-air hot tub provides excellent views of Florence’s Renaissance skyline and can be booked for private use by guests. There is a small, free fitness center on-site. The loft above the breakfast room is a cozy place to play a game of pool or sit with a drink, though there is no restaurant or proper bar on-site. A breakfast buffet is included with all web bookings and offers a typical continental selection with coffee made fresh to order in a sleek and contemporary room, though the lack of windows and cramped tables can make it feel slightly claustrophobic. If guests prefer, breakfast can be ordered in-room as well. There is a small meeting room on-site outfitted in the same modern design scheme as the rest of the hotel, and business center services are available. Babysitters and cribs or extra beds can be arranged prior to arrival and some booking plans include free parking.