Hotel Basilea

The 38-room Hotel Basilea is very basic three-star located within walking distance of much of central Florence, from the Santa Maria Novella train station to the San Lorenzo market madness and that infamous Duomo.

The somewhat shabby interior sports the occasional attempt at class: brass detailing, a real antique or two and black-and-white sketches of old Florence hanging on the walls. Rooms are standard and sparse, and on the whole the property could benefit from a facelift. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a minibar.

Bathrooms are a bit of a gamble. Some are spacious and bright, while others are rather closet-like.

Tucked into a 14th-century palazzo, with old school shutters and cutesy brick detailing, the hotel offers a pleasant, if not super luxe, taste of a lively Florentine neighborhood—at rates that won't make you cringe.

Internet (Wi-Fi in the common areas and wired in the rooms) is available for an additional fee.