Por Santa Maria Apartment

The friendly staff really make the place, so thanks to them. The location is excellent, too. Rooms are rudimentary, though, and a small fridge and TV would add value. Most of all, another washroom is a must, just saying.

The location is central, but there are plenty of better places in Florence with the same convenience and none of this misery. Avoid it unless overpriced disappointment, no sleep and rude service are your thing. Hotel Por Santa Maria was one of the worst hotel stays I’ve had, and I rarely write reviews. The room was tiny, stuffy and depressing. Walls were paper thin, so I heard every word next door and every door slam in the hall. The bed felt like concrete, the pillows were flat, and the online photos were misleading. The bathroom smelled musty, had mold in the shower, and the water barely got warm. The air conditioning didn’t work; they just suggested opening a window, though we were above a noisy street with late-night drunks and shouting tourists. Staff seemed not to care when we asked for directions and acted as if we were bothering them. There was zero hospitality. The elevator also felt unsafe, and hauling heavy bags up flights without help was absurd.

The location is the best part, close to everything and just right for a few nights in Florence. It’s a good option for the price, and I’d recommend it for that. The room was clean and okay, part of a larger apartment with a homey feel. The place is small and cozy, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Our room had a shower, while the toilet was outside. That was fine, though a bit strange at times; the shared toilet had some issues, but staff helped fix them.

Even though our room faced a busy street, it stayed wonderfully quiet thanks to the excellent soundproofing. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the en-suite bathroom was spotless. The owners were really friendly, too. Best of all was being right in the heart of Florence, so we could pop back between walks to shower, rest, or refill our cold water. A 10/10 stay for us.