Residenza Florentia

Very easy to arrive from the train station (650 meters). Self check-in, the “hotel” is just one floor located in an anonymous building (there is another hotel in the same building located two floors below) The entrance corridor has this terrible sewage and musty smell even in the elevator area but once enter the “hotel” is very nice, clean and welcoming... we had a room with street view, looks like they made some refurbishments in the room (furniture, tv) all very clean, comfy; the bathroom still was the old one but OK and functional. Noisy nights in the weekends because of the pub downstairs but everything is close at walking distance; restaurants, supermarket (140 mts) and attractions like Ponte Vecchio (600 mts), Uffizi museum (750 mts), Catedral (600 mts). A fantastic base to explore Florence.

The absolute worst service I have ever received at a place of lodging, ever, anywhere in the world. First day, I'm told that each room gets 2 free water bottles per day. Great. One of those days, the water bottles are a bit different (they looked like hard plastic made to feel like glass). Didn't think much of it. At the end of my trip, I refilled a few of the standard bottles and one of the hard plastic ones and took them on my train to Rome to stay hydrated. I then get a text from the Residenza Florentia staff telling me I have to pay €25 because I took one of the hard bottles which turns out were glass. Again, I was told on day one that all water bottles were free, and I was NEVER informed that the harder bottles had to be left in the room. It also didn't say so on the bottles or in the room. I was never told. I said this to the Residenza Florentia staff who texted me and expressed my displeasure with the poor communication, which felt like they were trying to make some extra money from me, and expressed that if this were actually pursued, it would certainly leave a negative impression and merit a negative review. Again, had anything been communicated in writing, verbally, or otherwise, I would've certainly obliged. But it wasn't, and no, it's not obvious. What followed from the staff of Residenza Florentia were grossly unprofessional and offensive accusations via text of how "it's obvious" and "do you also steal the bathrobes at other hotels" and "you're the one who thought it was okay to steal a water bottle." I paid €1,922.01 to stay at your hotel for 8 nights, and I'm a stupid thief who's out to steal a water bottle that's apparently worth €25? Right... Unfounded accusations of criminal behavior meant to cover up for poor business communication and a general lack of respect and professionalism. If you like being treated with respect and dignity, DO NOT stay here when visiting Florence. Look elsewhere. I know I will. There are much better places.