Aurum Firenze Hotel

The location was convenient, but the room smelled strongly of a foul odor, even with the window open. There were mosquitoes flying around, and I left with at least 20 bites. I didn't enjoy my stay.

It was really loud, and for the price I found the whole experience shocking. I had to change rooms twice because the WiFi and AC weren't working. The staff already knew these were ongoing problems and seemed annoyed when I expected the advertised basics and asked to move. Nobody was welcoming or seemed concerned about how my stay was going.

We booked two rooms, and one bathroom was still dirty, with trash left inside. There was no cleaning staff available, and the front desk attendant said he couldn’t move us. After we kept asking for more than half an hour, he eventually cleaned it himself, but it took about five hours to get sorted out. Breakfast was another problem. The area is cramped, and although guests have to pick one of two time slots at check-in, it was packed when we went on the first morning. We had to get up at the time they assigned and still couldn’t eat there. Nobody seemed to be checking whether people followed their chosen slots. On another day our room wasn’t cleaned because the staff said there were clothes on the bed. They were just our pajamas, and there’s hardly anywhere else to put things, especially with a large suitcase. Someone had entered the room, since the clean-room sign had been taken inside and a light was left on, so I’m not sure what happened. There’s no lobby for sitting around with a group. The elevator also closes as soon as it senses a certain amount of weight, nearly pinching you while you’re trying to get in.

The location was the best part of my three-week stay. The station is only steps away, and I could walk to Florence’s main sights. Breakfast was pleasant, though there wasn’t much variety. Most of the staff were friendly, and when I reported a bad bathroom smell and a window that wouldn’t open, they cleaned and fixed things quickly. The bathroom kept smelling bad, though, even after it was cleaned. The place is small and has no amenities, so for a longer stay I’d consider somewhere with things like a pool or coworking space. My pillows and mattress were only okay, and the difference would be noticeable if you’re used to nicer ones at home. There was also too much noise for sleeping late. One staff member was rude enough to ruin a day for me. A bald man at the front desk wouldn’t get up to hand me an iron. Still, for the price, I thought it was a nice hotel.