Porta Faenza

The Hotel Porta Faenza is situated in a charming yellow building with an arched entrance and shuttered windows. It's named after the Porta Faenza, a nearby medieval gate in the old city walls. The building itself was once an 18th-century merchant's home -- it was renovated in 1997, but much of the original structure remains. While decor can look somewhat dated, the pairing of tile floors, dark wood furniture, and black wrought-iron accents gives it a classic Tuscan ambience. Details such as exposed brick and wood-beam ceilings add historic charm. A lounge area shows off a small collection of antique tools against a red wall, while an antique wood table holds a computer for guests' use. The hotel draws primarily tourists, mostly couples, and given the number of rooms that can sleep up to five, families as well.

The hotel sits on Via Faenza, a typical and surprisingly quiet narrow cobblestone street in the otherwise busy San Lorenzo District. Restaurants, shops, and bars are all within walking distance on the route to the Arno River -- about a 15-minute walk. The Santa Maria Novella train station, the San Lorenzo Market, Fortezza da Basso, and the conference center are all about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Other popular tourist attractions are also in walking distance: The Dumo is a nine-minute walk, while the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio are all about a 15-minute walk. Florence Airport is about 15 minutes away via public transportation -- or about a 30-minute drive -- while Pisa International Airport is about an hour and a half away.

The Porta Faenza has 25 rooms, which are tasteful with traditional, Tuscan-style decor, although some might find the look veering toward dated. Light walls meet pretty variegated-wood floors, while natural wood furniture and headboards add classic style. Drapes and bedspreads are yellow, and framed art posters hang on the walls. Bathrooms feature terra-cotta tile floors and blue-and-white tile walls. They include bidets, bathtubs or showers, or both.Classic Rooms sleep from one to four guests. Single Rooms are compact, but Superior Rooms are fairly spacious, and usually include such details as exposed wood-beam ceilings or other architectural flourishes. Superior Rooms on the third floor have balconies. All rooms are air-conditioned and include small desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Some amenities go a bit beyond what's usually found in mid-range properties, such as flat-screen TVs not only with satellite channels but with PlayStations (DVDs can be rented from reception) and fully stocked minibars. Most have coffeemakers. Rooms face either a cobblestone street or the courtyard, and are generally quiet.

There aren't too many extras here -- don't expect to find fitness or business facilities -- but the hotel has a small but charming lobby with free light snacks and drinks. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased in the lobby. The continental breakfast buffet of cereal, scrambled eggs, cheeses, and pastries is included in the room rate, and it is served in a pleasant room with a brick ceiling. Guests, though, have complained about the quality of the coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a computer is available for guests' use. Pets can stay for free, and parking is available for a fee. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, and the staff will provide luggage storage and laundry service (extra fee), and offer recommendations and ticket assistance.