Hotel Locanda Orchidea

Though it’s situated in the heart of Florence, the family-run Hotel Locanda Orchidea provides a quiet respite from the central city. With simple rooms in a historic building, the Orchidea is a homey escape with a nice price.

Each room is warm and welcoming. Interior rooms look out onto a small garden while street-facing rooms offer small alcoves (for watching the pedestrians below). Recent upgrades have also added air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.

The shared bathrooms are comfortably sized and very clean, with standard boxed showers and blue-and-white tiles. Each room has a sink and mirror for washing up, and a few have small in-room showers as well.

The second-floor Orchidea is situated on a quiet pedestrian thoroughfare, about halfway between Santa Croce and the Duomo. History enthusiasts take note: The medieval Donati tower in which the hotel resides was the family residence of Dante’s wife. Original frescoes greet guests as they enter, and the hotel displays an assortment of sketches and photographs showing how the neighborhood has changed over the years.

The Orchidea definitely has the cozy thing down. The sunny TV lounge is packed with artwork, books and comfy leather furniture for enjoying them. Tea and coffee are complimentary throughout the day.

Wi-Fi is available for free. 

Booking note: With its charming accommodations and low rates, the Orchidea can book up quick. Be sure to reserve your room early.