Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli

The Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli is a stylish, sophisticated business hotel with large, modern spaces and contemporary decor. The beige and cream-colored building has a flat facade with inset balconies and a terra-cotta roof. A large, modern lobby pairs concrete and wood floors with soft, leathery sofas, armchairs, and benches in tan and white. Large tiered chandeliers and sleek, tall white vases add chic style. The restaurant has modern, clear molded dining chairs and glass tables, while a nook near the bar has large comfy couches and a working fireplace. While modern and stylish, this is a chain hotel and decor can feel a little generic. The hotel is popular among business guests, but it's also a hot spot for tourists who prefer to stay outside Florence's city center. 

This Hilton Garden Inn sits directly off a large green park in a suburb of Florence that's rapidly changing, with modern architecture and new university buildings nearby. While not in the city center, it's just a four-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, and guests can get to popular attractions in the city center, such as the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, or Duomo Cathedral in 20 to 30 minutes door-to-door, depending on traffic. Bus tickets are available at the front desk, and buses run regularly. The immediate neighborhood has a grocery store and a few restaurants within walking distance, though it's otherwise somewhat sparse. The hotel is particularly convenient to Florence Airport, Peretola, which is less than 10-minute drive, without traffic. The Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is about a 15-minute drive. For guests with cars, this can be a good base from which to explore the Tuscan countryside while also staying within easy reach of Florence. Free parking is available on-site, though spaces are limited.

The 121 guest rooms are sophisticated but somewhat generic, with nice wood floors, white walls, glass desks, wood headboards, and matching upholstered tub chairs. Entry-level Twin and King Rooms measure approximately 270 square feet, a bit larger than rooms typically found in the city center. Guests find the beds comfortable, and the rooms clean and well-insulated from noise. Beige bathrooms are roomy and modern with large square sinks, toilets and bidets, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and shower wands.All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning and include work desks and ergonomic chairs, and small safes. Other amenities include 40-inch LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Bathrooms have hairdryers and are stocked with free Peter Thomas Roth toiletries.

Amenities at this Hilton Garden Inn are geared toward function and convenience. There's a stylish, modern lobby bar and restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outdoor terrace seating is available seasonally. Breakfast isn't included in all room rates, but guests tend to like the range of choices, which include cold cuts, cheeses, cereal, waffles, and pastries in addition to made-to-order eggs. There is a small 24-hour "pantry" that offers a limited selection of snacks and drinks, and has a microwave for guests' use. Room service is available, but hours are limited.The hotel has three meeting and event rooms, with technology available to rent. There is also a 24-hour business center -- a thin, cordoned off room that includes a long desk, two chairs and two computers, a printer, and a fax machine. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. For guests traveling with children, there are kids' menus, cribs, and high chairs, and childcare can be arranged. A coin-operated laundry is available on-site as well. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. The hotel has a small fitness center with modern cardio and weight-lifting equipment and a large TV, though it's not open 24-hours. The front desk, however, is 24 hours, and staff can assist with recommendations, ticket purchases, and transportation. Free parking is available on-site, though space is limited.