Hotel Nizza - Florence, Italy     

Hotel Nizza is an accommodation typical of European hotels. It was fairly easy to find and was a quick walk from the train station (once we actually went the correct way!). My husband and I would have no problem staying at this hotel again as it was clean and near to the attractions. Pros: The room is of decent size. The room had a private bathroom with a stand up shower and the size of bathroom was more than adequate. For the adventuresome and inquisitive American, there is a bidet, but I digress. The Hotel was close to Santa Maria Novella, markets, and the duomo. It was near enough to the Ponte Vecchio, as well. A basic breakfast is included. Some of the food stuffs that were served include: hard breakfast rolls, cereal, a very limited selection of meats and cheese, toast, and croissants. Juice was served, but don't expect fresh squeezed; you will be served the Italian equivalent of Tang. There is a coffee machine that makes espresso, "American Coffee", hot chocolate and gives hot water for tea. All of the hotel clerks were kind to my husband and me and were willing to give suggestions if we asked. Cons: Don't expect any frills, i.e., mini fridge, soap, shampoo, shower cap, etc. Also, do not expect an elevator. If you can't walk up the steep steps, then forget about staying here. If you have a poor tolerance for heat, then don't stay at this hotel during the summer months. Although it is true that there is air conditioning in the room, the wall unit is just not powerful enough to cool down the room sufficiently. The common rooms are not air conditioned. So, breakfast is a bit stuffy as the ceiling fan merely pushes around hot air. Lastly, if you book a room with a double bed, it is not a true double; it is two twin beds pushed together. The problem with this setup is that I always roll into the uncomfortable center crack. Also, the pillows were so thin I got better support using the neck support pillow I use when flying.

We had an excellent stay at the Hotel Nizza in Florence. The hotel couldn't be more central: it's within a stroll of the railway station and Duomo, and within 10 minutes of all the other major sites. There are also numerous snack bars and restaurants on the doorstep. There is a flight of stone steps up to the reception area (no lift, but this was not a problem). There is a lobby area adjacent to reception which has a PC with internet access, seating and a small library. We had room 22 which is on the same floor as the reception area and facing a side street. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. Neither of us speak Italian but we had no communication problems. One of the owners in particular had good English and enjoyed telling us about his trip to Scotland many years ago. The room was clean and tidy and had everything we needed (apart from maybe an extra pillow – but I’m sure one would have been provided if we’d asked). There was some traffic noise at night but not enough to stop us sleeping - besides, this is the centre of Florence. Breakfast is buffet style (7.30 – 10.00am): bread rolls, croissants, meat, cheese, jams, cereals, juice and hot drinks – simple but adequate. Drinks can also be obtained during the day. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone on a budget who wants to be in the centre of Florence. We got a really good deal with Filcoo.com and stayed four nights for 200 euros. I would definitely stay at the Hotel Nizza again when/if I return to Florence.