Hotel Machiavelli Palace

Despite the name, the Hotel Machiavelli Palace isn't palatial, though original details remain from the building's past as a 14th-century convent and then a residence for the Bartolini and Salimbeni families. Frescoes, terra cotta accents, exposed ceiling beams, and a coat of arms at the entrance are evidence of the hotel’s noble history. Today this mid-range property provides basic accommodations. There’s no lounge in the lobby, only a small front desk set in front of keys hanging on a wall and a small adjacent bar. On the rooftop is a charming terrace with modern patio furniture, greenery, and views of Florence’s rooftops. Unlike other historic properties, this hotel has a modern elevator and clean hallways with mostly contemporary carpeting and light fixtures, though some corridors have old-fashioned red carpeting. Guests include a mix of couples and families. 

The hotel is located on the busy and narrow Via Nazionale that leads to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria Novella Train Station in about five minutes on foot. This is a convenient location for budget-minded business travelers with the Fortezza da Basso event facility and Firenze Fiera convention center within five- to 10-minute walk. However the congested streets in the area aren't ideal for travelers looking for a quiet escape. Bargain shopping at San Lorenzo Market is a five-minute walk and the Duomo is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Uffizi Gallery is on the Arno River, which is about 15 minutes from the hotel on foot. Getting to the Florence Peretola Airport takes 15 minutes by bus from Via Fiume station (a three-minute walk from the hotel) or about 20 minutes by car.

Decor differs from room to room here, with charming touches that can include ceramic tiles or parquet flooring, heavy floral drapes, painted headboards, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and terraces that overlook Florence. Furnishings are more decorative than comfortable, though the heavy wooden pieces throughout (including wardrobes and desks) look handsome and classic. That being said, all rooms have a somewhat stuffy, outdated quality to them, an effect in part created by unattractive bedspreads and soft color schemes. The hotel has Classic and Superior Rooms along with Junior Suites, and larger rooms are available that can fit three to four people. All rooms have mini-fridges stocked with bottled water, air-conditioning, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Suites have seating areas, kettles for tea and coffee, and two flat-screen TVs, while some offer cozy lofts. En-suite bathrooms have hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos or very narrow showers. Suites have marble bathrooms. There have been noise complaints about neighboring rooms and interior plumbing, and street-facing rooms can pick up noise from the busy streets outside. 

Frescoes create a classic atmosphere in the hotel’s dining lounge, where there’s a daily buffet-style continental breakfast that includes machine-made coffee, yogurt, fruit, cheese, bread, and other items. Cocktails and coffee are served in a small bar off the lobby and outdoor dining tables are available on the charming terrace that has green hedges and Florence city views. Parking, including valet service, is offered in a nearby garage for a fee. The 24-hour front desk can also arrange airport transfers on request, help with currency exchange, and book tours for guests. Limited room service is available, as the hotel has partnered with local restaurants. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.