Residence Hilda

The Hilda's bright lobby features classic black-and-white checkerboard tiles and antique furnishings, which give the space a swish Florentine vibe. There's also  a small, but lovely courtyard terrace with a patio table with chairs, a cushioned love seat, terra-cotta planters, and lanterns with candles. The property is a good choice among long-term business guests thanks to its large apartments with kitchens, although it's an equally plausible choice for families with kids, and the hotel can provide cribs and high chairs for guest convenience. 

The Residence Hilda is located on a quaint, quiet block lined with shops and cafes in the heart of historic Florence. It's right by both the Duomo and the Piazza Sentissima Anunziata, and the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David, is a three-minute walk around the corner. The Uffizi Gallery, the Arno River, and the Santa Maria Novella railway station are reachable in 15 minutes on foot. A trip to Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci International Airport takes about half an hour by taxi or 40 minutes by bus via the Santa Maria Novella station.

The Residence offers 12 spacious one-bedroom apartments, all done up with simple, modern decor with understated, neutral color schemes, hardwood floors, and pops of green, yellow, or orange. Living rooms are furnished with retro sofas, chairs, and small flat-screen TVs. All units have kitchens with fridges, stoves, microwaves, and kettles, and free bottled water, coffee, and tea are provided. Bathrooms are large, with granite vanities, marble tiling, full baths, and basic toiletries. 

Classic and Superior Suites have comfortable twin or double beds, desks, and small flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms, while Deluxe Suites offer king-size beds, DVD players, bathrobes, and yoga mats and weights for in-room workouts. In Classic and Superior Suites the living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas share the same open space, while Deluxe Suites have separate kitchens. Some street-facing Superior Suites offer small balconies with views of the Duomo and all apartments have individually controlled air-conditioning and heat. Cribs and highchairs are available free of charge for guests with children under three years of age. Keep in mind that none of the suites allow more than three guests, and in Classic and Superior Suites the third guest must be a child (age restrictions apply, so check with the Residence before booking).

Though these apartments are geared towards long-term guests, the hotel provides sone of the same basic services as other four-pearl hotels. The concierge can arrange restaurant bookings, local tours, and excursions to other destinations in Tuscany, and bicycles, Segways, and scooters are available for rent. Grocery shopping, babysitting, and laundry services are available, and while daily housecleaning is included with the apartments, linens and towels are not changed every day. Though there is no restaurant on-site, the Residence offers a good deal on full breakfasts at the cafe next door, and room service is available into the evening. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the property.