About a ten-minute walk from Florence's main action, Hotel Mario's is a pretty package, a mid-range hotel with all the trimmings. For those who crave creature comforts, even the splurge-worthy peak double room rate of €155 (considering charm, comfort, and convenience) may be worth it. That said, Mario's doubles do start on the low side.
Housed in a 17th-century Renaissance building, dark wood, chunky antiques, arched doors, and stained glass set a scene of rustic elegance here. A dark, "medieval" atmosphere prevails throughout the hotel's 16 rooms too, which are done up in authentic antique style. Wood-beamed or vaulted ceilings accent tasteful red and gold brocade bedding. Matching desks, armoires, and bedside tables complete the décor. Bathrooms are long, narrow, and shiny. All rooms are air-conditioned.
Guests kick off their days in a breakfast room resembling a 14th-century banquet hall, and then pop right outdoors to a vibrant part of the city, where everyone (including actual Florentines) do their shopping. Hotel Mario's is cute, clean, quaint, and worth the splurge.
» 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 Mario neighborhood
North of the train station, and decidedly the most colorful neighborhood in Florence, San Lorenzo is home to many of the city's foreign population, many of whom man the stands at the bustling local market. The area is the cheapest place to shop and snack in the center of the city. Peruse the stands wisely for real leather bags and accessories, and be on the look out for fakes. The streets around the market are home to kebab stands and Asian markets galore, as well as cheap clothing and shoe shops. San Lorenzo is also home to Fiaschetteria-Trattoria Mario, the real deal as far as authentic Florentine eating goes, miraculously unruined by fame. There's not one guidebook or magazine that hasn't plastered a logo on the front door.
more about San Lorenzo