AC Hotel Firenze

The imposing and ultra modern facade of the AC Hotel Firenze by Marriott seems a bit out of place on the corner of a wide residential street in a Florence suburb. The huge lobby, with its U-shaped light well and large glass windows, is impressive and bright, despite its dark-gray tile floors and long black counters. Contemporary-style armchairs and sofas are arranged around tables to create a comfortable sitting area, with tall cylinder-shaped paper lamps adding interesting lighting accents. Tasteful abstract artworks decorate the stark-white walls of the corridors. The rooftop terrace offers views of the Florence skyline and the Tuscan hills just beyond. Though catering to business travelers, the hotel also attracts a large number of leisure travelers looking to stay outside the high-priced historic city center. And the property is a frequent overnight stop for tour groups. 

Located in Florence’s Porta al Prato neighborhood, AC Hotel Firenze by Marriott is on a quiet residential street. The hotel is outside central Florence, which is within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. It's a five-minute walk to Porta al Prato railway station, and Florence's ultra modern Opera House. But there are few restaurants, cafes, or bars in the immediate area. The Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo are 20 minutes away by bus, and it's a 30-minute ride to the Uffizi Gallery. The airport is a 15-minute drive, without traffic.

Tasteful, uncluttered, and modern in style, the 188 guest rooms perfectly complement the minimalist aesthetic of rest of the property. The dark hardwood floors, dark gray and white contrasting walls, square lampshades, and clean lines of the gray and black metal furniture give the rooms a sophisticated and elegant look and feel. Wardrobes are hidden behind attractive Japanese-style sliding doors. Ultra modern bathrooms, connected to the rooms with frosted glass doors, have clear glass sinks and sink tops, walls covered in small brown tiles, and the same hardwood flooring found in the bedrooms. At 161 square feet, Deluxe Rooms can feel cramped, while Superior Rooms, at 226 square feet, are only slightly larger. The hotel has one Suite, which includes a separate living area. All rooms are air-conditioned, and come with minibars and flat-screen TVs. Higher-category rooms add free bottled water, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

A buffet breakfast, available for an extra fee, is served at the AC Restaurant, which is also open for lunch and dinner, and offers 24-hour room service. The AC Bar, located in the spacious lobby, is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink. On-site parking is available for a daily fee. The hotel also has three meeting rooms equipped with phones, an Internet connection, screen, flip chart and video projector. Other services useful for business travelers include photocopying, fax, and translation and secretarial help. The small fitness center is located in the basement, and has three cardio machines and a few weights. The rooftop terrace, with a few sofas in the corner, offers wonderful views of the Florence skyline and the rolling hills beyond. but the space could be better used. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, and in Deluxe and Superior Rooms and the Suite. Marriott Rewards cardholders also get free Wi-Fi in all room categories.