Casa Del Lago

The location worked well for walking around Florence, and the room had nice views. It was basic but pleasant. Staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast included a gluten-free option, though it was a simple one.

Breakfast is simple, with different breads, coffee or tea, juice, some fruit, butter, jam and cheese. The owner serves it personally. The room is nice enough and functional, with everything working and nothing really broken. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Ponte Vecchio, and from there you can get almost anywhere in the city center in around 30 minutes.

The bathroom still had tissues and other rubbish left by previous guests when I went in. I complained angrily at reception, but the man just said, “Yeah, I’ll fix it,” looked back at his computer and did nothing. The rooms were dirty and the customer service was poor. This was the worst hotel I’ve stayed in across Florence. Please clean your rooms.

Antonio is fluent in English and knows a lot, from where the buses stop to good, authentic Italian food. He recommended paparossera around the corner, and we’re going back there before flying home. He also works at the desk and serves breakfast. We’re still at the hotel and enjoying it. The rooms are large, cleaned daily, and come with fresh towels. Many look out over the Arno. There are plenty of electrical outlets, but, like most Italian hotels, there’s no kettle or fridge. Bring your own kettle. If you put milk in a basin filled with water, it should keep for three days. WiFi is free. Breakfast has yogurt, assorted bread rolls, juice, cheese, jams, tea and coffee. The hotel is on the fourth floor of a building shared with the Luxembourg and Austrian consulates. The US consulate is a few doors away.