Hotel Davanzati

One of the most universally well-liked hotels in the center of Florence, Hotel Davanzati is a classic and modern exercise in simple elegance. Guests enter this historic building via a flight of steep steps, which some might find difficult. Due to the historic nature of the building, however, the hotel is not able to modify the elevator to go all the way to the ground floor. Once the stairs have been tackled, guests enter a small, inviting lobby with tufted leather sofas and armchairs atop plush woven rugs and a tile floor. Paintings and mirrors in gilded frames adorn the walls. The space is both elegant and cozy, and feels somewhat like a living room. The hotel has been owned by the same family for four generations, and guests rave about the hospitality and friendly atmosphere -- this includes a well-regarded afternoon happy hour that creates a low-key social environment. Expect to see a wide array of guests on vacation here, including families, couples, and small groups of friends.

This hotel is located in the center of Florence, next to the Renaissance palace Palazzo Davanzati. Most major attractions are within an easy walk. The Piazza della Repubblica is just around the corner, and the famed Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio bridge are a five-minute walk from the hotel. The magnificent Duomo is under 10 minutes away on foot, and it will take 15 minutes to walk to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's "David" and other sculptures are found. The area is lively and full of tourists and locals walking about. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars in every direction. Santa Maria Novella train station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, while the airport is a 20-minute drive or about 25 to 35 minutes via public transportation.

The hotel's 19 rooms feature either classically elegant decor or have a more modern look. Classic rooms have a mostly white color scheme, antique iron and wood furniture, rich drapes, and traditional artwork. The more contemporary rooms are also cloaked in white and cream shades, with black accents and large black-and-white posters of film stars such as Audrey Hepburn. Older rooms are done with terra cotta tile floors, while updated rooms have sharp wood-laminate floors. In any case, the look is cohesive and pleasant. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and laptops. Suites have separate living areas with sofas, as well as added amenities like Nespresso coffee machines and PlayStation systems (available on request). The two-level Family Suite has loft space for sleeping as well as a terrace. Tile bathrooms are small, but offer hairdryers, a tub or shower, toiletries, and bidets. More modern rooms have wood-laminate walls and an overall sleeker look. Street noise can be an issue in some rooms, and the hotel does offer white noise machines to help alleviate any disruptions this may cause.

The hotel offers few features, but guests can start their day with a free breakfast buffet served every morning in the cozy breakfast room. It's a continental spread, but options are fairly numerous. In the evening, the room converts to a bar where a popular happy hour with free wine and snacks is held daily. The staff will assist guests in booking tours, excursions, museums, and restaurant reservations. iPads in the lobby are loaded with newspaper subscriptions, which guests can read for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.