Via Luigi Alamanni 9, Florence, Italy | (888) 989-6591
Blend of modern and classic styles throughout the property
Located just across the street from the main train station
Rooms include air-conditioning, minibars, and great soundproofing
Some rooms have large furnished balconies and views to the Duomo
Handsome bar serving drinks and happy hour snacks
Great breakfast includes sweet and savory spreads plus hot options (fee)
Free welcome drinks and snacks for all guests
Small fitness rooms with Technogym equipment and views to the Duomo
Business corner has computers and free printing facilities
Meeting rooms can be booked at sister hotel around the corner
Paid valet parking and free Wi-Fi throughout
Lower category rooms are a bit on the small side
The surrounding area is a bit busy
Hip and modern, with trendy industrial and vintage accents, c-hotels Diplomat is an upper-middle-range city hotel next to the main train station. While public areas are urban-chic, the 83 rooms have a more classic feel, with modern touches and standard amenities including minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Some have views to the Duomo, and all are well-soundproofed (which is a bonus, as this part of town is busy). A handsome bar serves drinks and snacks as well as free welcome drinks, while the decent breakfast buffet includes freshly made cakes and hot options. The modern fitness room has views to the Duomo and there's a business center with printing facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout. For a similar option with a city-view restaurant and pool, try Hotel Kraft instead.
Scene
Hip city hotel with urban-chic design elements in common areas and a relaxed, classy vibe
With its midnight blue hues, brutalist concrete walls, and rich gold accents, c-hotels Diplomat is no design slouch. Its modern, urban-chic style is decidedly on-trend. Though its location by the main train station makes for a hectic environment, the hotel itself is calm. An extensive lounge area, highlighted with vintage objects and angular lamps, has a distinguished yet relaxed atmosphere -- not to mention sofas in tweed and velvet that are as comfy as they are stylish. There isn’t much to remind you of Florence here, but as one of the first hotels in the city with a modern trendy sensibility, it’s a refreshing change. Along with its three similarly-styled sister hotels on the same block, Hotel Diplomat emphasizes a relaxed approach to guests, with staff in smart casual dress to break down the formal barrier (you won't see any formal uniforms here). The hotel attracts mostly younger couples from the U.S, East Asia, and Western Europe, as well as business travelers.
Location
Across from main train station on a busy street, a 10-minute walk to the Duomo
The hotel's location just across the street from the main train station is one of its major draws. All attractions are within reasonable walking distance, including the Mercato Centrale, the Duomo, and high-end shopping on Via dei Tornabuoni. Budget around 10 minutes or so to reach any of these destinations on foot. The Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio are about a 20-minute walk away, while Florence’s airport is a 20-minute drive.
Rooms
Classic style with modern touches and standard amenities; some with views to the Duomo
In contrast to the trendy public areas, the 83 rooms have a more classic feel, decorated in neutral tones and accented with black-and-white photographs depicting Florence’s Renaissance heritage. All feature tasteful wood floors and come with standard amenities like minibars with savory snacks, flat-screen TVs with international channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities with biscotti, free safe access, and free Wi-Fi. Slippers and special welcome gifts are offered to those visiting on special occasions. Some rooms have city views -- including glimpses of the Duomo -- and a small handful add spacious furnished balconies. Bathrooms are modern, with neutral-toned tiling and shower or shower/tub combo. Rooms are divided into two main categories: Economy Rooms are smaller and cheaper, while Comfy Rooms are larger, and some have chaise longues or sofabeds. Although some rooms face the busy street below, soundproofing is effective and blocks out most of the noise.
Features
Hip commons areas with vintage touches, handsome bar, decent breakfast buffet, and gym with Duomo views
Public spaces are fabulously hip, including a handsome wood-and-concrete bar with vintage and industrial accents. The bar serves drinks as well as a savory aperitif buffet during its evening happy hour, and guests can find free welcome drinks and snacks there throughout the day. A good breakfast buffet -- complete with numerous fresh-made cakes and a separate savory spread including scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon -- is served in the vintage breakfast room. While the rooftop gym is small, guests are free to use its Technogym equipment. It also has views to the Duomo. The hotel partners with a private parking garage nearby that offers valet service with its standard parking rates. A small business center provides free printing and use of computers, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Meeting space can be used at a sister hotel around the corner.