Hotel Rosary Garden

The Hotel Rosary Garden’s simple exterior has green shutters, a traditional Italian restaurant on the bottom floor, and a terra cotta-tiled roof. Across the street are benches and a bit of greenery in a small park, offering a lovely respite for guests, who tend to be couples. The hotel has all of the warmth and charm of a country bed-and-breakfast, an atmosphere enhanced by the cozy common areas stocked with attractive antique furniture and vintage accents, like glass cases and patterned area rugs. Paintings of roses -- a theme carried over into guest rooms -- or hunting and country scenes are hung on the walls throughout, and the green-carpeted staircase has a lovely antique banister. Afternoon tea and pastries are set out in the classic main parlor that's decorated with heavy red drapes, antique wooden furniture, and silver serving ware. There are steep stairs at the hotel's entrance that may pose a challenge for some guests, though the building has an elevator.

Located south of the Arno River, this off-the-beaten-path hotel is in a somewhat busy residential area. Travelers wanting to be in the tourist center should look elsewhere, as it's only accessible by bus, car, or cab (walks will take well over 40 minutes). There is a local Tuscan restaurant downstairs, a gelateria next door, and a market across the street. There is also a gym and an outdoor pool that are within a five-minute walk. The bus stop to the center of Florence is just is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and trips to Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and Ponte Vecchio take 15 minutes by bus, while the Duomo is a 20-minute ride. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport is about an hour away by bus or about 30 minutes by car.

Room names and decor are inspired by types of roses, including Orange Triumph and Moon Beam varieties. Each employs a combination of charming details -- frescoes, decorative banisters, exposed wooden beams -- that are inspired by English country homes. Despite being informed by different types of roses, decor is relatively similar across all rooms, with soft green walls, cherry wood furniture, floral artwork, red-and-tan drapes, and rose-printed bedspreads. Rooms also have simple tile floors, desks, and wardrobes. Some rooms have skylights and balconies, and configurations range from Single Rooms to attic Suites with separate seating areas. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes, while upgraded rooms have electric kettles and Nespresso coffeemakers. Simple green-and-white tile bathrooms have hairdryers, bidets, and compact stall showers -- some with body jets. Rollaway beds can fit in Superior and Exclusive Rooms.

The small breakfast lounge has a few classic tables and chairs and is decorated with rose drapes and artificial roses climbing up a trellis. The generous free breakfast includes coffee and tea, marmalade, pastries, yogurt, juice, cheese, eggs, cold cuts, and cereal. There is a self-serve honor bar available in the lobby and soft drinks available on request. The hotel sets out free pastries throughout the day and there is a free afternoon tea service as well. Though it's not owned by the hotel, there is a restaurant downstairs that serves traditional Tuscan fare for meals beyond breakfast. The hotel has PC computer and printer, and faxing services are available at the front desk. Bicycles can also be rented for no additional charge. Laundry service is available most days of the week and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty. Pets are welcome with restrictions and fees, and though self-parking is available, the lot is not on site. Concierge services are also available.