Globus Urban Hotel

Run by the same family since 1993 and completely refurbished in 2016 for a modern feel, Hotel Globus is an excellent combination of contemporary style and boutique charm. Set on a picturesque pedestrian street in the historic area of Florence, the hotel is a sharp contrast with its glass-fronted entrance, lobby with concrete flooring, framed "Vogue" prints, and wire chairs. Common spaces are limited here, but a fresh breakfast room with exposed brick walls and bright-red stools is available, and in warmer months, guests can utilize an outdoor terrace with white-painted wrought-iron furniture. Staff receive consistent praise for friendliness, and the lounge's evening drinks and light bites are popular. Guests are mostly couples on vacation, here for the great location and contemporary decor that many Florence properties lack.

Hotel Globus has a lot going for it, and its location is definitely up there. Many top sights are within easy walking distance, including Medici Chapel, both the Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Markets, and Duomo. Housing the Statue of David, the Academy of Fine Art is an eight-minute walk. The hotel is also five minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella train station. Note that its pedestrian-street location means cars can't reach the hotel entrance. Housing the Statue of David, the Academy of Fine Arts is an eight-minute walk. Both Ufizzi Gallery art museum and the Ponte Vecchio bridge are within a 15-minute walk, and dozens of Chinese and Tuscan eateries surround the hotel. Florence Airport is a 30-minute drive or 20 minutes by public transit -- an airport shuttle runs to the nearby train station.

Renovated in 2016, rooms are contemporary and stylish, and come in a variety of categories, though all are on the small side. Singles and Budget Twins are a tiny 10 square meters (108 square feet), and Deluxe and Family Rooms are a bit bigger. They're beautifully decorated, with pastel blue-green walls, wood floors, metallic drapes, simple clean-lined furniture, and fun modern light fixtures. Tasteful modern artwork comes standard, and some rooms have textured stone-effect walls. Despite the limited space, rooms are well-thought-out, with built-in flat-screen TVs and bedside USB ports. Compact, yet attractive, bathrooms have rainfall showers or small shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and toiletries. Additionally, all have phones, air-conditioning, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, minibars, and electronic safes. Wi-Fi is free, but prepare for slow speeds. Views are of the lively street, quiet courtyard, or city rooftops -- with glimpses of the Medici Chapel. 

For a small European hotel, amenities are unsurprisingly limited, with the hotel lacking a full restaurant and wellness facilities of any kind. However, a free breakfast spread consists of cooked fare such as scrambled eggs and sausages, cold cheeses and meats, pastries and pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Coffee is included and also served for free throughout the day in the lobby. The Lounge Bar has illuminated vaulted-brick ceilings, circular rugs, and minimalist seating, and though small and closed Sundays, it's a pleasant spot. Plus, welcome drinks and evening cocktails are available here. Travelers are unlikely to need a car here, but secure parking is available nearby for a fee. Wi-Fi isn't the fastest, but it's free throughout.