JR Hotels Hermes Firenze Hotel

We couldn’t rest either of the two nights we stayed. Our room was right beside reception, so we heard every conversation, and people there could hear everything we said too. We felt very uncomfortable and had no privacy. The rooms have no sound insulation, which is a serious problem given the location. Trams went by every 3-5 minutes, making it noisy until midnight and again from 5 am. We could also hear people in the next room very clearly, even when they weren’t speaking loudly or were using the bathroom. We asked to move, but were told the hotel was fully booked and weren’t offered a solution. We also asked to speak with the manager. After staff said they would contact him, we never got to speak with him and still haven’t heard anything. The women at the front desk were kind and understanding, but nothing was resolved. With so little privacy and no chance to rest, I can’t recommend this place for a holiday where you need somewhere to sleep.

We had a good time and the price was good. The room was small, but as a couple we didn’t need much space. It was spotless and newly renovated, with a central location and kind receptionists. The cleaner was wonderful. The blackout curtains helped us sleep well, though the cute windows open onto a tiny shared atrium, so you can hear the neighbors. Air circulation wasn’t the best, and the bed felt too soft for our preference for a firmer one.

The staff were lovely, accommodating and always smiling, and the breakfast was reasonably priced. We were pleasantly surprised by the rooms, which were clean and had a good shower and complete amenities. There were even free soft drinks in the fridge. It’s very close to Florence’s central train station, and I’d gladly book here again for a short stay.

The location is handy if you’re arriving by train, less than five minutes’ walk from the station. But the elevator sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t, so carrying a heavy bag could be a problem. The rooms are really, really small for two people. It’s impossible for both to sort out bags at the same time. Based on my stay, I wouldn’t recommend it.