Hotel Bodoni

The location and common areas are the only reasons I'd give this place even one star. The common spaces were pleasant, and most staff members were very nice. The other three people at the front desk we dealt with were professional. The room, though, was disgusting and unsanitary. Wood paneling was coming away from the walls, the toilet had no seat and was breaking off the wall, and the shower floor drain was sharp, broken, and full of grime and mold. There was visible mildew around the shower head and sink caulk, and brown goo seemed to be dripping from the bathroom ceiling fan. What pushed me to write this was our interaction with the second shift desk person, who we think was named Alex. We initially didn't realize he worked there because he was sitting in the dining area with his feet on a table where guests eat breakfast, watching TV. Our AC kept squeaking loudly and nonstop, making it impossible to fall asleep. When we asked him to look at it, he brushed us off at first, saying, “it's an AC unit, it makes noise.” After we pressed, he eventually offered to check. When we returned about 25 minutes later, he was condescending and called us “ridiculous” and “dramatic” for complaining, saying the noise wasn't even worth calling a noise and that bringing it up as an annoyance was absurd. His manner was incredibly irritating. Even if Alex didn't think it was a problem, there's no excuse for speaking to customers that way. I've stayed in hostels with nicer amenities. Calling this a hotel is generous, and I wouldn't recommend spending your money here. There are much better options in Florence.

The location is superb, about a 10-15 minute stroll from the train station, with the route taking you past the duomo. Most sightseeing spots are about a ten-minute walk away. There's a supermarket across the road for anything you forgot, and mister pizza stays open very late. The room was basic but extremely clean, with a small bathroom that had everything needed, including a hairdryer. A little fridge kept our beer, wine, and prosecco chilled for when we got back. Breakfast was small but just right, the usual Italian spread rather than a full English, which I prefer. Great hotel, highly recommend it.

For what it cost, I had a good experience during my six nights here. Everything is within walking distance, and there's a rooftop solarium with sunbeds and chairs, a lovely spot to spend the evening and enjoy the city view. The rooms were very clean and cleaned every day. Doors and furniture were old but did the job, and the air conditioning worked. The elevator is a little small, but it works. Staff were friendly and polite. Breakfast was the same each day, with croissants, toast, coffee, juice, and yogurt, but they refilled everything as soon as it ran out. One drawback: sound carries through the hallway doors, so you can hear people walking by. For a two-star hotel, I thought it was great.

The photos don't match what the hotel is really like, and our stay was very average. The bathroom was tiny, with a shower that seemed squeezed in as an afterthought. Breakfast and the rooms were average too, and a door or window in one room wouldn't close properly. My 77-year-old mum had to climb four flights of stairs because the laundry person had stopped the lift and wouldn't let it come down. Our Florence stay was such a letdown. The only good thing was the location. I can't understand how it's rated so highly.