The NH Firenze is set in an unremarkable modern building next to parking lots and a major highway, but inside it is significantly more appealing -- if a bit anonymous. Given the hotel’s emphasis on business and group travelers, the vibe feels more like a temporary waiting area than a welcoming spot to relax. Still, a few accents in the lobby, such as centerpieces, orchids, a chic stone wall around the elevators, and contemporary side tables freshen up the space. NH Firenze Restaurant and Bar is contemporary, though doesn’t have much charm, and while there are several conference and meeting rooms on-site, their bland decor renders them unmemorable. Business travelers and group tours make up a majority of guests here, though the hotel does see a few independent travelers as well. 

The hotel is located in the Porta al Prato neighborhood, near the stunning Opera di Firenze and just one block from the Arno River. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance. A pedestrian bridge provides access over an adjacent busy highway into sprawling Cascine Park, which is great for families with small kids. Walks to Florence’s historic sights -- including the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio -- can take up to 20 minutes. Tram Line 1 stops at Porta Al Prato, just three minutes from the hotel’s front door, which provides direct access to Santa Maria Novella Train Station or the Duomo in under 15 minutes. Amerigo Vespucci Airport is around 25 minutes away from the hotel by taxi or bus.

Rooms at the NH Firenze are a big step up from some of the generic, unremarkable common areas. Expect simple, contemporary furniture, neutral tones, parquet floors, and intricate gray plant patterns on upholstery or wallpaper. All rooms offer large flat-screen TVs, safes, work desks, phones, electric kettles, and minibars, and newspapers are delivered daily, free of charge. Beds range from twin to king-size, and the hotel offers a choice of pillows. Standard Rooms feel cramped, but Superior XL Rooms are spacious and include sofa beds. Suites have terraces and dining tables. The marble-tiled bathrooms in Standard Rooms are dated and include generic toiletries with shower/tub combos, and we did notice some dirty grout. Bathrooms in Superior XL Rooms, Junior Suites, and the Presidential Suite are more modern, with vintage fixtures as well as separate tubs an walk-in showers. All rooms are soundproofed, so noise from the busy highway isn’t a common complaint. Cribs are available for guests with young children, and pets are allowed for an extra fee.

A generous breakfast buffet included in all room rates and is served in the on-site NH Firenze Restaurant. The morning spread features made-to-order hot dishes along with plenty of continental options. Lunch and dinner are also served at the restaurant -- the menu focuses primarily on Tuscan and Italian fare (including pizzas) though the simple setting is far from atmospheric. There's also an on-site bar that serves snacks and cocktails throughout the day and stays open late. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but it's slow -- business travelers who need higher bandwidth may need to pay for a premium plan. There's also a fitness center with cardio equipment, weights, a cross-training machine, towel service, and free bottled water also stays open late and is free for guests, though there is no pool. 

The hotel has on-site eight meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, though the wood-paneled spaces are unimpressive. Concierge services are available at the 24-hour front desk, and the hotel offers dry cleaning and laundry services for an additional fee. Travelers with cars should note that the hotel does not offer private parking and finding a spot on the street in the area can be difficult.