Desiree

Located on a surprisingly quiet street near the train station, the three-star Hotel Desiree provides family-run hospitality in a beautiful historic building.

The focal points in the 18 spacious guest rooms are the colorful stained-glass windows, which are original to the early 20th-century building (also home to another EuroCheapo pick, Hotel Fiorita). The rooms are painted in greens and pinks and many of the cream-colored armoires and headboards sport floral detailing. Some rooms have small balconies, and most are decorated with large paintings of Florence. All are equipped with air conditioning, television, soundproof windows and free Wi-Fi. There are a few mini-fridges to be found as well.

Some rooms have newly refurbished bathrooms with gleaming tiles and frosted box showers. Older bathrooms are also quite nice, although many do have the Italian-style showers, with no barrier to keep the water in.

The included breakfast is served in the turquoise breakfast room, made cozy by an old fireplace, wooden tables and paintings. The small bar in the next room has floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to a terrace. From here you can take in some amazing views of the Duomo and San Lorenzo’s cupola.