Alloro B&B

Alloro B&B is a romantic mid-range option set in a 16th-century Florentine family residence. At just five rooms, it’s tiny, but that’s part of its charm, as the petite size feels cozy and intimate. Each room is different and delightful in its own way: antique furniture, original frescos, and pretty floral furnishings make it popular with couples, though single travelers pass through as well. The sister hotel, located across the elegant shared courtyard, houses the breakfast room and reception area, and the two hotels practically co-exist as one. Both have an overall quiet atmosphere, save street noise from nighttime revelers and the morning garbage truck -- a disturbance that may require ear plugs, but that's almost expected with the hotel's central location. Both hotels attract guests young and old, primarily from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and South America.  

Alloro B&B is located around the corner from a more upscale part of Florence’s historical center, with designer shops on nearby Via de’ Tornabuoni, a five-minute walk away. It’s also a five-minute walk to the Duomo, as well as the main train station. For authentic local dishes made from fresh local produce, try the Mercato Centrale, a four-minute walk from the hotel. The Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and historical Ponte Vecchio are all about 12 minutes away on foot, while Florence’s airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Despite some worn furnishings, the color-themed rooms are a delight, with a quaint, cheerful atmosphere and romantic Florentine-style furniture. They also come with plenty of freebies and modern conveniences, including air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Guests also get free slippers, chocolates, and savory snacks as a small welcome gift. The marble bathrooms are stocked with toiletries made from locally produced organic olive oil, and have either showers or shower/tub combos. Although the Topazio Room is small and best suited for single travelers, it includes a desk and large window overlooking the elegant courtyard. Ambra and Ametista can accommodate up to three, and are romantic, with beautiful ceiling frescos. Zaffiro is themed in floral blue, while the lovely Rubino Room can house four guests and has an original stone spiral staircase. Keep in mind that noise from late-night revelers and morning garbage trucks can be an issue -- this is the center of Florence, after all.

As is standard with most Florence hotels, features are kept to a minimum. Alloro B&B’s cozy reception and breakfast room -- which are essentially the same space -- are housed in its sister hotel across the courtyard. The free breakfast is a continental buffet that’s fantastic according to past guests: it includes freshly baked bread, fresh fruit juice and pastries, homemade yogurt, and a variety of savory products including vegetables, cold cuts, cheese, and hard boiled eggs. Free fruit and hot drinks are available there throughout the day. The elegant ground-floor courtyard has seating for guests, and small pets are accepted with advanced approval. Paid parking is available at a garage just down the street -- but they don’t do valet service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.