Room Mate Isabella

Situated in an elegant 19th-century building, the hotel’s entrance is marked by a small canopy, and a narrow stairway leads to the elevator on the first floor. Renovated in 2013 with the help of interior designer Lorenzo Castillo, stripes play a huge role in these classically furnished interiors, all of which feature vertical striped wallpaper in a variety of bold colors. The charming lobby is doused in rich crimson hues and full of plush patterned armchairs in corresponding shades, with a large oil painting on the wall along with several framed illustrations and maps. The effect is that of a quaint and elegant parlor. The adjoining breakfast room keeps with the aesthetic, also covered in stripes, from the wallpaper to the tablecloths shrouding small wooden tables.

The hotel is situated on via Tornabuoni, the most prestigious of Florence's shopping streets that's lined with designer boutiques and posh shops of the most famous and expensive brands, such as Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, and Gucci, which is right next door. The hotel is two minutes away from Palazzo Strozzi, a renaissance palace and venue for exhibitions. Most sights are under 10 minutes away on foot, including the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, as well as Santa Maria Novella train station. Florence Peretola Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or bus. There are several bus stops within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, providing regular service to locations all around Florence. 

Rooms come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from Singles and Standard Rooms, to Double Deluxe Rooms and a Junior Suite, all of which are fairly spacious and feature beautiful classic decor mixed with modern details. The striped wallpaper present throughout the hotel is also seen here in a variety of hues including yellow, brown, and silver, and it's complimented by patterned bedding, elegant headboards, classic prints on the walls, and solid oak wardrobes and desks. The Suite is located on the top floor and has lovely exposed wood ceiling beams, a small sitting area, and large windows with great views over the rooftops and church spires of the city. All rooms have 37-inch flat-screen TVs with cable, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary, but all feature attractive modern tiling and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos as well as a range of the hotel's signature toiletries. All rooms look out onto the busy shopping street and are subject to street noise, especially during the day. Windows lack nets, so mosquitoes could be an issue in the warmer months.

This hotel offers free breakfast that consists of a small buffet with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juice, that's served until noon in the breakfast room. The reception is open 24-hours, and staff is helpful with laundry service, restaurant recommendations, tours, car rental arrangements, and hauling luggage -- which is key as there's one flight of stairs from the ground floor to the elevator that's unavoidable. There is no parking on-site, but paid garages are within a 10-minute walk. Wi-Fi is free throughout.