Hilton Florence Metropole

This Hilton is a chain property with business travelers in mind that's situated in a 15-story building on the outskirts of the city. Guests enter the spacious lobby through two sets of revolving glass doors. The lobby isn't particularly exciting from a design perspective, but it has a pleasant, modern look with plenty of comfortable woven leather chairs and couches for guests who'd like to gather there. Contemporary art hangs on the white walls, but decor is minimal, as it is throughout the entire hotel. The American Bar is just off the lobby. This chain hotel does attract couples and tour groups, as well as businesspeople who want to get in and out of the area easily, avoiding the traffic chaos in Florence. 

Located on the outskirts of Florence, this hotel is easily reachable from the highways and the airport. Guests can get to the city center in 15 to 20 minutes by car, or 30 to 45 minutes by public transportation, and the hotel also runs a free shuttle into town. The area around the hotel is a mix of residences and businesses, and there is a multiplex cinema nearby. The Florence Airport is less than 10 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes on public transportation. Pisa and its airport are about an hour away by car or two hours by public transportation. The location will only work for travelers who don't mind being away from the center of the action. The Duomo and the Galleria dell'Accademia, two of Florence's most famous sites, are about 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms are modern, with glass desks and nightstands, tufted leather headboards, and dark wood floors. They are a bit on the bland side, however, with minimal decor, save for some snazzy bedside lamps. Colors are mostly brown and tan, walls are white, and there's a contemporary chair situated by the window, but not much additional seating in Standard Rooms. Suites are nearly double the size, at 50 square meters (538 square feet) and have a proper living area. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, alarm clock radios, tea/coffee makers, and stocked minibars. 

Modern bathrooms feature glass sinks, bidets, hairdryers, and upscale toiletries. Modest guests may object to the glass walls between the bathroom and sleeping area. Others may object to the signs of poor maintenance such as mildew, warped and bubbling walls, and rust stains. Views of the Tuscan countryside from some rooms can be marred by nearby business facilities. Views of the city are more pleasing, and you can even see the Duomo from some rooms. Guests who upgrade to the Executive Floor gain access to the lounge with snacks, refreshments, a terrace, and outstanding city views. 

Guests can start their day with a buffet served daily in the breakfast room, though it's not included with most room rates. The on-site restaurant, Luci Della Citta, serves dinner only. The menu features Tuscan dishes, and the atmosphere is modern and elegant, with wood floors, white leather seating at glass tabletops, floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern art on the walls. The lounge bar serves drinks and light fare, with two large-screen TVs so guests can keep up-to-date on the latest news and sports. A fitness center in the basement is open 24/7 and offers modern weight training and cardio machines. There's also a whirlpool, Swedish waterfall, and chromotherapy, but there is a fee to access these areas as well as the relaxation area. A variety of meeting rooms are suitable for business or social gatherings of all sizes. The largest space is 6,306 square feet (586 square meters), and most of the rooms get natural light. Planners can assist with details, and a business center is also available. The hotel runs a free shuttle into town and the train station. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas and for Hilton Honors guests. Parking is free.