Via Iacopo da Diacceto 8, Florence, Italy | (251) 219-4428
Within walking distance of major attractions and public transportation
Soundproofed rooms with flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms
Some rooms have furnished terraces or balconies
19th-century building with historic details and classic decor
Free breakfast served in bright room with brick vaulted ceilings
Free Wi-Fi
On-site parking (for a fee)
Fee for use of the business center
No full restaurant
Some rooms are a little small
The historic Hotel Embassy advertises itself as a luxury property, but some of its 38 rooms -- particularly those housed in the newer building -- are not quite high-end. All feature flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, and some even have furnished terraces. But with decor ranging from classic -- think: wooden beams, restored 19th-century ceiling frescoes, and wooden floors -- to generic and contemporary, the design experience can vary greatly. There isn't much in the way of amenities -- just a small business center and an attractive breakfast room with vaulted brick ceilings. The highlight here is arguably the hotel's convenient location, which is adjacent to the Santa Maria Novella train station and within walking distance of major attractions.
Scene
A small boutique with historic details
The hotel is comprised of three separate buildings, two of which date back to the early 19th century and feature original architectural details, such as frescoes, Tuscan-style ceilings, and wooden beams. The third structure was built in 2008 -- when the most recent renovations were completed -- and has more contemporary decor. The lobby is a long, narrow space with cream-colored marble floors and curtains that are accented by red arm chairs. Large windows let in lots of light, and crystal chandeliers and traditional Tuscan brick ceilings add historic charm. Some of the building's original architectural details can still be seen in other common spaces as well, and even in various guestrooms.
Location
Within walking distance of Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo
The hotel is located on a nondescript street next to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the city’s central train station. It is probably not the most beautiful part of town, but it is an ideal location for those willing to explore the city, as most major attractions can be reached by foot. The Duomo, the church of Santa Maria Novella, and Piazza della Signoria are all within a 20-minute walk away. For longer distances, there are several tram lines running right outside the front door. Trains to/from Pisa and Florence airports stop at Santa Maria Novella.
Rooms
Ranging from classic to contemporary design, with solid amenities
The hotel’s 38 rooms are all different, both in style and in size. Some rooms feature classic decor with walnut headboards, blue or cream hues, and original historic details such as rich frescoes and wooden ceilings. Others rooms, however, have generic contemporary decor with little historic charm. The mostly bare walls make some of them feel a little sterile and lacking in character. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, soundproofed windows, and free Wi-Fi; some even have furnished terraces or balconies. All-marble bathrooms have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, hotel-brand toiletries, and heated towel racks. The hotel offers a wide array of room types, ranging from standard to suites and quadruple rooms.
Features
A couple of nice freebies, but not much else
The hotel offers a small business center, on-site parking, and two meeting rooms, but there is little else in the way of amenities. Free breakfast -- complete with eggs, meats and pastries --is served every morning in a bright room with traditional brick vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and in the lobby.