Hotel Ester

Mercato Centrale is an easy five-minute walk, and plenty of Florence’s sights are close enough to reach on foot. We also found local places to eat nearby, including a spot just behind the hotel at Piazza Dell’Unita Italiana for Lampredotto. There’s a Conad across the street and another grocery shop a short walk away. Getting around was simple too. Hotel Ester is close to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, and I could see the tracks from our little porch. For Piazzale Michelangelo, there’s a bus stop nearby, or you can walk over Ponte Vecchio and stop for gelato by the bridge. The staff made the stay feel easy from the beginning. They checked our arrival time in advance and sent clear instructions for getting in after reception had closed. Housekeeping kept the room clean and left fresh towels every day. Our room was cozy, with just enough room to step onto the porch and enjoy the city air. It was a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Florence.

We had a good stay and I’d come back. The hotel is near the historic center and only a short walk from the railway station. Just be aware that the stairs and old lift up to the first floor might not suit everyone. Our safe didn’t work, and staff couldn’t get it fixed during our brief visit. The air conditioning could have been colder, and the bathroom could use more counter space and hooks.

The room was clean, a decent size, and had a balcony. I also liked the shower, which was better than the ones I’ve had at other hotels in Italy, and the in-house coffee machine saved me a trip downstairs when I wanted coffee. The staff were friendly, cooperative, and clear when explaining things. It’s a good budget option, about a five-minute walk from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and only two or three minutes from the tram. Supermarkets and restaurants are nearby, and there are tourist sights within a 10 to 20 minute walk. The team is normally at reception from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entrance is in a shared building with several hotels and stays, and The Ester is clearly marked. The lift is small, really only enough for two people with luggage. Keep the entry codes handy, since the code for the main road gate and the hotel door are different. I’d stay here again.

Our room wasn’t cleaned during our three-night stay, and no one had told us at check-in that cleaning had to be requested. We found it untouched when we returned on the second night. We called reception then and reminded them again the next morning, but it still hadn’t been made up by the third night. The soap dispenser was empty from the first night and never refilled, despite several requests. Hot water only lasted long enough for two people, leaving the other two to shower in freezing water at night. The heater didn’t work either, so we slept in layers to keep warm. When we raised everything with a male receptionist on our last day, he got defensive and told us to take it up with management because he was only the receptionist. We were stunned. As guests, we expect the staff we speak to represent the hotel and help address problems. This was a terrible experience that spoiled our time in Florence. We wouldn’t return or recommend the hotel.