Hotel Azzi - Locanda Degli Artisti

The Hotel Azzi is behind a nondescript door, with only a small green sign marking its entrance off a cobblestone street. Common areas are cozy, but the lobby is narrow and feels like a corridor; the space is furnished with plush sofas, bookshelves filled with art books, and a wooden front desk with fresh flowers and lots of pamphlets. The four-floor structure once served as a monastery and then a printing house before becoming a hotel in 1948. The property is made up of two buildings: One building is more classic in design, and the other features recently updated interiors. All in all, the property makes a convenient base for budget-conscious travelers. 

This hotel is set in a cobblestone alleyway, with entrances to other small hotels and a steady stream of pedestrian and car traffic. At night the street can feel dark and a bit gritty. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars on the walk to the city center. The Santa Maria Novella train station and the San Lorenzo Market are both five minutes away on foot. Main Florence attractions, including the Duomo and Da Basso Fortress, can be reached on foot. The Uffizi Gallery takes 15 minutes to reach on foot, while the Palazzo Vecchio, which overlooks the Piazza Signoria, is a 15-minute bus trip away. The beautiful Boboli Gardens are located across the Arno River, about a 20-minute walk or bus ride away. The bus trip to the Florence Airport takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Rooms here are divided into two categories: traditional and comfort. Decor throughout is classic, with wooden floors and some antique (or dated, depending on your taste) accents such as carved headboards. Select rooms have Juliet balconies that overlook the street. Rooms are located either in the main building or a connecting building and can fit between one and four people. Traditional Rooms have classic Florentine furniture like marble-topped nightstands and antique phones and lamps. Comfort Rooms are also classic in design, but have streamlined furnishings and drapes and less ornamentation. They also feature modern bathrooms with bidets, heated towel racks, and walk-in showers. Traditional Rooms have old-fashioned fixtures including toilets with high tanks. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, desks, and some have mini-fridges.

The bottom floor of the Hotel Azzi is occupied by a bright dining room with tall windows, wooden tables, and high ceilings. In the mornings there’s a free breakfast spread that consists of pastries, coffee, hot chocolate, cereal, fruit, and more. In the warmer months guests can dine on a small terrace with potted plants. A small bar area in the lobby features a lovely wooden counter, tables, and a piano. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property (though the signal can be spotty), and pets are allowed in rooms for a charge.