Cool and collected Vincenzina has been running this little darling since 1974, and she keeps the place fresh-faced and classy. Hotel Giappone sits on a quiet street just around the corner from both bustling Piazza Santa Maria Novella, and the shopping of Via Tornabuoni. Giappone is most assuredly worth the massive climb up to the fourth floor.
First impressions vaguely recall a southern plantation house, with pale green walls, freshly-painted white doors, and elegant accents. Rooms still have a touch of casual funkiness, though, revealing their age a bit. We saw 1970s lamps and functional dorm-style wardrobes and desks. Space-wise you'll have no complaints. Rooms are large and airy.
Bathrooms are a bit tighter, following the retro vibe with grey and white printed tiles and colorful shower curtains. We're happy to report that rooms without a private bathroom feature simple box showers.
All in all, Hotel Giappone is a darling eight-room hotel, cute and clean, located on a central yet quiet little street.
Note: This hotel is located on the fourth floor of and doesn't have an elevator.
» Annie Shapero
Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.
About the Hotel Giappone neighborhood
You can't miss Brunelleschi's magnificent dome atop the rosy marble Cathedral. It's the obvious central meeting point and tourist hub of the city. Here, you're in the vicinity of practically everything: the Uffizi Museums, Palazzo della Signoria, the San Lorenzo Market, and the Accademia. The streets surrounding the Duomo cater to visitors, with generic, all-day dining (for a price), and exclusive shopping. The big guns in Italian fashion are located along Via Tornabuoni (technically closer to Santa Maria Novella), with several others on Via Calzaiuoli, Via del Corso. Borgo Albizi, which starts behind the Duomo is more a boutique street, featuring handmade, original designs in clothing and accessories. Souvenir shops abound, as do street performers, caricature artists, and tourist traps.
more about Duomo