With charming shutters, topiaries in bottom floor windows, and decorative balconies, the Best Western Palazzo Ognissanti Hotel makes a charming first impression. And its 19th-century building was once a palace. Unfortunately, the interior doesn't have much in the way of architecture or decorative details to hint at that history. There are a few sculptures and reliefs hanging on walls that bring a bit of Italian charm to the otherwise plain lobby, but they feel out of place and proportion next to the black, clubby seating, light wooden walls, and modern light fixtures. By the front desk there is a glass display case with souvenirs for sale. The same terra-cotta tiles in rooms also line hallways and a fun glass elevator services all four floors of the hotel. In general this property suits budget-minded travelers, particularly tourists who want to be in walking distance to the best attractions and aren't particularly concerned with design.

This hotel sits near the Arno River, in a fairly busy area that’s in walking distance to the sights, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (seven minutes away), the Ponte Vecchio bridge (12 minutes), the Duomo (12 minutes), and the Uffizi Gallery (14 minutes). Bars, restaurants, a cinema, and shops are on the same street as the hotel, and the Piazza della Signoria (that’s surrounded by more restaurants and designer boutiques) is within 15 minutes on foot. The Santa Maria Novella Train Station is a 10-minute walk away. Across the river is the Pitti Palace, 14 minutes away on foot. The Florence Airport, Peretola takes 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transportation. Driving to the Pisa International Airport takes one hour. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an hour and 20 minutes by car. Concierge service can help with arranging excursions, and wine tour agencies are nearby. 

This basic hotel offers 44 rooms that are plain in design with brown terra-cotta floors, neutral-colored bedspreads, black modern chairs, and silver headboards. Rooms are sparsely furnished with almost bare walls and are in need of a designer’s touch. The style in rooms is traditional and modest, but interiors are clean and suitable for the price tag though space is pretty tight. French doors open onto street-facing balconies, a nice addition in some rooms. Standard bathrooms have hairdryers, bidets, stall showers, and heated towel racks. Most rooms offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and irons. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but it can be spotty. There are four accessible rooms with rails in the bathroom, walk-in showers, and grab bars. 

Space is limited at the Best Western Palazzo Ognissanti Hotel, so there aren’t many amenities aside from a dining area in the basement. Light wooden walls and white floors create a clean feeling in the large breakfast room, which also has a bar area that offers modern, comfortable seating and cocktail tables. A free American breakfast -- with eggs, bacon, juice, fruit, coffee, tea, and other items -- is set out on a table for buffet-style service every morning. Dining is also available on a small terrace that features a glass ceiling. Front desk and concierge service is available 24 hours a day to assist guests with storing bags or arranging tours and tickets. Wi-Fi is offered at no additional charge throughout the property, although service can at times be patchy.