Hotel Firenze feels like a bit of a secret. It’s set back from the Haute Couture shopping street, down a narrow alley opposite Louis Vuitton, no less. While it shares the street with the biggest names in luxury, the hotel itself is true to its roots in the 1500’s with wrought iron friezes on the facade and marble and iron throughout. That’s not to say there isn’t any luxury. Nods to the fashionable setting can be seen in the delicate Murano chandeliers, striking artwork, and panoramic cityscape views from the gorgeous rooftop terrace. The lobby is little more than a reception desk, a token stool, and umbrella stand. However, most guests are here to explore nearby St Mark’s Square or go shopping, so the lack of a lounge area doesn’t tend to phase guests. This is an appealing property with a quaint and comfortable vibe and the odd touch of luxury. 

Hotel Firenze is located in the center of the historic Venice neighborhood, San Marco. On a street lined with international fashion brands like Dior, Cartier, and Prada, but also a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square, this setting is ideal for leisure travelers. Guests are a short two-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square, and a further minute to St. Mark’s Basilica, Campanile, Bridge of Sighs, and Doge’s Palace. It’s a slightly longer nine-minute walk to the Rialto Bridge. Other popular landmarks like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, are also easily accessible by a 12-minute walk passing by the Church of Saint Maria del Giglio. This location is set right in the thick of things, but you’ll have to travel farther to escape the crowds and high prices. To escape to trendy Dorsoduro is a 16-minute walk and peaceful Sant’Elena is just over half an hour walk away. Marco Polo Airport takes 50 minutes to get to via a bus from Piazzale Roma.

Set over four floors, with a lift accessing all of them, the 25 rooms are all furnished in the same way. Interiors are light and whimsical with playful pink and green bedding and peach walls. There are stripy upholstered chairs, pastel green furniture, and traditional stone floors, which all feels uplifting and refreshingly sunny. Beds are comfortable, and all rooms have at least one comfy desk chair and good-sized desks.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs, luggage racks, well-stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, radios, and wardrobes with safes and slippers. There are still a few floors yet to have their bathrooms renovated, but the ones that have are particularly special. These have golden funnel-like sinks which look more like art installations than bathroom appliances. Bathrooms have tiny tiles flecked with gold, which looks particularly good against all the clean white finishes. While there’s a mixture of showers or bathtubs and showers, with hairdryers, some bathrooms can be on the small side. The best option is the Double Room with a Terrace, which is a spacious room with a large bathroom and bathtub, a small terrace with some pretty plants and outdoor chairs, and glimpses of the Grand Canal. 

The rooftop terrace is undeniably the best feature here. Its softly lit with overhead lanterns and furnished with some marble-effect tables and chairs, with plants and flowers around the edges. During the summer months, a canopy is put overhead to shield guests from the sun while they enjoy breakfast or cocktails. Plus, there are some incredible views of St Mark’s Campanile. The breakfast room is traditionally styled with Venetian stucco walls, handcrafted mirrors, and Murano glass lamps. A continental buffet, which is included in the rates, is served in this intimate space. The 24-hour reception is happy to book tours and restaurants as well as store luggage throughout the day. Extra laundry, ironing, and babysitting services can all be arranged too. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.