Florence, Italy: Hidden Gems & Unforgettable Experiences (NH Hotels)
Florence, Italy: Hidden Gems & Unforgettable Experiences (NH Hotels) - A (Slightly Crazy) Review
Okay, Firenze, Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance… Yeah, yeah, I get it. But let's be real, finding the right hotel can make or break your Italian adventure. And finding one that's actually good, not just posing? Tricky. So, I just returned from trying out the NH Hotels in Florence – let's dive in, with all the glorious, messy details.
Accessibility: Navigating the Cobblestones (and the Hotel):
Look, Florence is not built for wheelchairs. Let's get that out of the way now. Cobblestones are the enemy. Period. However, the NH Hotels genuinely tries. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests," and while I didn't personally need them, I saw elevators that actually worked (a miracle!), and staff who seemed genuinely willing to help. It's a start. The "exterior corridor" thing is a plus if you need quick access and fresh air.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, to varying degrees. Check specifics for the exact hotel you're looking at – some locations are better than others.
Getting Around: From Airport to Aperitivo:
They offer "Airport transfer," thank the heavens! After that flight, I was a mess, and the thought of haggling with a taxi driver felt… wrong. There's also "Taxi service," and hey, "Car park [on-site]," and even "Car park [free of charge]" at some locations! Score! My lazy bones appreciated that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind, Finally!
This is where NH Hotels really shines, especially in these… interesting times. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," and "Professional-grade sanitizing services" genuinely gave me peace of mind. Honestly, the "Hand sanitizer" dispensers were everywhere. I felt like I could actually breathe, which is a HUGE win.
Cashless payment service: Yep, essential these days!
Hygiene certification: Check. I'm not a scientist, but it looked legit.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch. You can decline if you're feeling super-Zen.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Renaissance Soul (and My Stomach):
Okay, food. This is Florence, people! You live to eat. The NH Hotels, bless their hearts, try to keep up. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent. Bread, pastries, the usual suspects. I’m a breakfast snob so I’ll give it a C+. I went for it because I'm a sucker for a good "Coffee/tea in restaurant.”
Breakfast in room: A godsend for late risers! Breakfast takeaway service: Useful for early starts (or if you’re hungover…)
A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Restaurants, Western cuisine in restaurant: It's all there, and I found the restaurant staff very patient.
The big one… the Restaurant and its ‘Asian cuisine.’
There were ‘Asian cuisine’ options… and I had to try one of them. Big mistake. Huge. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a food snob, but, dear lord. My tastebuds are still repelling the memory. It was bland, uninspired, and frankly, an insult to anyone who's ever had real Asian food. Ditch the noodles. Go for the basics. Stick to the Italian things, and maybe a salad in the restaurant. The best meal I actually had was the “Salad in restaurant”.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Good Stuff:
- The Bar: Ah, the bar. This is where the NH Hotels redeemed themselves. After a long day of dodging Vespas and admiring David, I needed a Negroni Sbagliato, pronto. The bartender (a charming young fella) knew his stuff. Perfectly balanced, the right amount of fizz… pure bliss. The "Happy hour" didn't hurt either!
- Poolside bar: Yes, there’s one! But in Florence? I mean, you’re in Florence. Get out and explore, people! (Unless it's a scorcher. Then, by all means…) Room service [24-hour]: Essential after a late night of limoncello.
The Rest of the Dining Stuff - The Verdict:
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Run away.
- Desserts in restaurant: Try something. You are in Italy after all!
- Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Probably fine? I didn’t test these.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated in the room.
Rooms: Comfort (and Imperfections):
My room was… fine. "Non-smoking," of course. "Air conditioning" (thank you, sweet Jesus). "Free Wi-Fi" (yes, but sometimes, slow… very slow). The "Blackout curtains" were a lifesaver. The "Bed" was comfy enough, not the best by all means but good enough. "Mini bar” was well-stocked, though I definitely overindulged.
Available in all rooms: "Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens"
The bad bit (and I'm being real here): the "Shower." It wasn't bad, but the water pressure was… anemic. And the lighting in the bathroom was… well, let's just say I wouldn't want to scrutinize a zit under those conditions. Small stuff, but noticeable.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa (Sort Of):
Okay, so the "Spa/sauna" wasn’t exactly a world-class haven. It was small, and I didn’t use it. There's a "Fitness center" which I did use, I felt guilty if I didn't. It had the basics but wasn’t inspiring. I did, however, find myself spending WAY too much time in the "Swimming pool [outdoor]." I think I relaxed there every day.
Things to do:
- The Pool: It has a "Pool with a view." And yes, that view is of the Florentine rooftops. Very Instagrammable. A real way to feel relaxed.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful Bits (and the Oddities):
- The "Concierge" was helpful. They’re the unsung heroes.
- "Cash withdrawal" is always useful.
- "Laundry service" is essential, because, ew, walking through Florence in the summer…
- "Luggage storage" is great if you arrive early or leave late.
- I got an "Invoice provided" without any hassle.
- There’s a "Gift/souvenir shop" (perfect for last-minute panic buying).
- And, bizarrely, a "Shrine." (No idea why, but it’s there).
For the Kids: Family Fun?
I didn't travel with kids, but they do have "Babysitting service" and are "Family/child friendly," with "Kids meal", and "Kids facilities" available.
The Verdict (Finally!):
Look, the NH Hotels in Florence aren't perfect. They have their quirks. The Asian food, that anemic shower… But the cleanliness, the helpful staff, the location, and that darn pool… They more than make up for it. It's a solid, reliable choice.
The Quirky Highlights:
- Finding an American bar and the best Margarita was surprisingly nice.
- The constant sound of Italians speaking near the hotel was surprisingly lovely to sleep to.
The Stream of Consciousness Rambling Recommendation:
Book the NH Hotels in Florence. Not for Michelin Star cuisine, but for peace of mind, great service, and a convenient base camp for exploring the most beautiful city in the world. The pool alone is worth it, trust me, for the times you want to forget you're in a packed city.
SEO-Focused Booking Appeal:
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Tired of crowded, stuffy hotels? Yearning for a truly relaxing Florentine experience? Look no further than NH Hotels in Florence! We've got the amenities and the essential features for a stress-free trip:
- Unbeatable Cleanliness & Safety: Prioritizing your well-being with premium sanitation protocols, anti-viral cleaning, and trained staff. Rest easy knowing your stay is in safe hands.
- Prime Location: Explore iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery with
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Firenze. Firenze! And it's going to be a total, gloriously messy adventure. Forget perfect Instagram shots; we're aiming for memories you can smell.
NH Firenze: Where the Florentine Dream…Actually Gets Started (and Maybe a Little Discombobulated)
Day 1: Arrival and the Immediate Aftermath
10:00 AM (ish): Land in Florence. Okay, "land" is a strong word. More like, "stumble off the plane, slightly bewildered by the sheer volume of Italian chatter." I'm already sweating, and I haven't even seen the Duomo yet. The cab ride is supposed to be scenic, but all I see is a blur of Vespas and a guy aggressively gesturing with a baguette. I swear, the Italians are born with a baguette in one hand and a passion for life in the other.
11:00 AM: Check into NH Firenze. Alright, the hotel is…fine. Clean, functional. The little soaps smell suspiciously like something out of a hospital. I'm already judging the hell out of the toiletries. Maybe I should have shelled out for the fancy one with the rooftop pool. Sigh. Already regretting my budget-conscious choices.
12:00 PM: Lunch! Find some "authentic" trattoria near the hotel, get a pasta dish, my first thought it's so perfect, I shed a tear. (Okay, maybe not a tear, more like a wistful sigh.) The waiter is ridiculously charming, and I understand maybe one word in three, but I'm pretty sure he just called me "bella." Score!
1:30 PM: The Duomo. THE Duomo. Holy mother of ceilings! (Literally.) I crane my neck, jaws agape, trying to absorb the sheer, audacious beauty. It's overwhelming. I almost started hyperventilating in the crowd. Take a deep breath, calm down, focus. I swear Michelangelo was showing off. Seriously. The sheer audacity of it, the perfect proportions, the way the light plays… I’m basically speechless. And that, people, is a rare achievement.
3:00 PM (give or take): A little wandering. I start to get lost. It's glorious. Get side tracked by a shop selling leather goods…which I should have avoided because I don't need a leather jacket. I’ll buy it anyway! The smell of the leather in the shop is intoxicating. I start making mental notes to send postcards to jealous friends.
5:00 PM: Gelato time. Mandatory. Pistachio, of course. The perfect gelato is not just a dessert, it's a sensory experience. The cool, creamy sweetness, the crunch of the pistachios… pure bliss. I'm officially in love with Florence. And gelato.
6:00 PM: Aperitivo. This is it, the real Firenze experience! Found a spot near the Ponte Vecchio, and oh lord! It's beautiful. The Aperol Spritz hits the spot. The small snacks are delicious and the waiter is beautiful!
8:00 PM: Dinner. This is where things get… complicated. I had this amazing restaurant bookmarked, but I can't find it, even with Google Maps. I've wandered for an hour and now, I'm starving and slightly hangry. I end up in a perfectly fine, but slightly boring, restaurant. Maybe I should have just eaten another gelato…
10:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted in the best way. Florence, you are magic. Even when I get completely lost and end up eating mediocre pasta.
Day 2: Art, Angst, and Accidental Shopping
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Gotta fuel up. The hotel breakfast is… well, it's breakfast. Cold cuts, some uninspiring croissants, and that weird coffee machine that always seems to be out of order. I'd kill for an Americano.
- 9:30 AM: Uffizi Gallery. (Ugh-fee-zee, they call it). So overwhelmed before even entering, I start sweating. I’m not an expert on art, ok? But I do like to look at things, and people say it is a "must-see". I feel the pressure to “appreciate” and pretend to understand, but I’m mostly just staring at the ceiling. I try to look like I know what I'm doing, but I probably still look like a deer caught in headlights.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Find a place that serves sandwiches near the gallery. I decide to embrace the chaos and sit outside. I eat a great sandwich but that darn bird steals a bite.
- 1:00 PM: The Ponte Vecchio. Okay, yeah, it's crowded. But also, stunning. The shops selling jewellery and things are unique. I probably can't afford anything, but it's fun to look.
- 2:00 PM: Accidental Shopping. I can’t decide which souvenir I should buy, and I have to choose. I find a cute shop and I buy a bag that has some pretty art but I’m not sure if I'll like it once I'm home. I don't even know why I bought it! Maybe because I’m still riding the high of the gelato.
- 4:00 PM: Boboli Gardens. Beautiful gardens! I wander around aimlessly, taking it all in. A much-needed escape from the crowds. I sit under a tree, and just breathe.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I order some room service.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. This is where things get interesting. I decide to embrace the adventure and try that hole-in-the-wall place I saw earlier. Turns out, the food is incredible! The pasta is divine. The wine is cheap, and the atmosphere is electric. I talk to the locals and try to speak some Italian.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and the Bitter Sweetness of Leaving)
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast. Trying to savor it this time. Still not impressed with the coffee, but the croissants are a little better.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. I am a master procrastinator.
- 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Find something to remember this trip.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Another amazing place. I had to find something great before I left.
- 1:00 PM: Check out from the NH Firenze.
- 2:00 PM: To the airport. Waving goodbye to all the beautiful places in Florence.
- 5:00 PM: Home.
This is not a perfect itinerary! It may get sidetracked. I don't care for planning and I love to get lost. And honestly, that's the point. Don't be afraid to ditch the plan, get lost, eat the gelato, and embrace the chaos. Firenze is waiting.
Escape to Paradise: Your Kuta Cozy 1-Bedroom Haven (NE78A)
Florence, You Beautiful, Chaotic Beast: FAQs (NH Hotels Ready!)
Okay, Florence. Everyone raves. Is it REALLY worth the hype? (And, no, I'm not just being difficult)
Alright, deep breath. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. But… (there's always a "but," isn't there?) It’s a potent mix. Imagine inhaling pure beauty and then getting a face full of gelato-smeared tourist chaos. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. The Renaissance architecture alone will melt your brain. I remember the first time I saw the Duomo. I actually teared up. Totally cliché, I know. But the sheer audacity of it, the scale… it's humbling.
The downsides? Crowds. And more crowds. And people trying to sell you… well, everything. Expect to be jostled, bumped, and possibly serenaded by a very enthusiastic accordion player at any given moment. But embrace the chaos, my friend. It’s part of the charm (eventually). Just be prepared for a slight feeling of overwhelm at times.
Beyond the obvious (Duomo, Uffizi), where do I find the 'real' Florence? The hidden gems? Because... I'm so over lines.
Oh, bless you. The lines are a nightmare. Okay, for the real Florence, you need to *venture*. Get lost. Seriously. Wander across the Ponte Santa Trinita (gorgeous views!). Then, for a dose of local life, hit the Oltrarno district. It’s across the river (the Arno, in case you were wondering), a little less manic, and bursting with artisan workshops. I found a tiny little leather shop there, run by a guy with more wrinkles than a prune, who crafted the most beautiful belt *ever*. Expensive, yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Another tip: climb to the top of the Giardino Bardini. The view over Florence is breathtaking, and you'll have a fraction of the crowds of Piazzale Michelangelo. Trust me on this. And, for an even *deeper* dive, get a food tour! You'll find tiny family-run trattorias you'd never stumble upon on your own, eating things like tripe (not for me, I'm afraid!), and learning about the city's food history.
Let's talk food. Where do I find the *best* pasta, pizza, and, you know, all the good stuff? My taste buds are ready.
Right. Food is serious business in Florence. Okay, listen carefully: Forget the tourist traps near the Duomo. Walk a few blocks away. Start with the *panini*. All'Antico Vinaio. Prepare to queue. Prepare to possibly weep with joy. Order the "Inferno." It’s a glorious carb-laden monument to pure deliciousness. It's a sandwich. But it's more than that. It’s a *lifestyle choice*.
For pasta? Trattoria Mario is legendary. Be prepared to share tables and shout over the din, but the *bistecca alla fiorentina* (Florentine steak) is worth the chaos. And for a less formal, but still amazing pizza? Head to Gustapizza. Simple, fresh, and utterly perfect. Oh, and gelato? Everywhere. Just… pace yourself. And avoid the places with the neon-colored, suspiciously perfect-looking scoops.
Okay, let's get practical. Getting around? Transportation tips for a tourist like me. And are NH Hotels well-located?
Florence is surprisingly walkable. Really. You'll tire your calves, yes. But you'll see so much more. Public transport can be… challenging. The buses can be crowded and confusing, and the traffic is bonkers. Unless you're heading *way* out of town, walk. Or you can take a taxi. But even a taxi can be slower than walking at peak times.
And yes, NH Hotels are generally well-located. I’ve stayed at a few, and they tend to be close to the main attractions or well-connected via tram or bus. That's a *huge* plus when you're exhausted after a day of sightseeing. Make sure you check the specific location of *your* chosen NH Hotel, but they're often a solid choice in terms of convenience. Bonus points if they have a good breakfast buffet...essential for fueling those long days!
What about art? I'm not a total expert, but I want to *experience* it, not just passively look. Any advice for the Uffizi?
The Uffizi. Oh, the Uffizi. Gorgeous, overwhelming, packed. Here’s the deal: Book your tickets online *months* in advance. Seriously. Advance. The lines are insane. Consider a guided tour. Yes, it costs extra. But a good guide can make the difference between staring blankly at a Botticelli and actually *understanding* it. I learned so much! And honestly, by the time I was done, I was almost sad to leave.
My top tip? Don't try to see *everything*. You'll burn out. Focus on a few key pieces. The Birth of Venus (Botticelli! Swoon!), the Annunciation, maybe a couple of your personal favourites. And take breaks. The cafe inside the Uffizi has a decent view (though the coffee is nothing to write home about), and you’ll need a moment to process all the beauty. And bring water! So much water. And be prepared to share your space with a LOT of other people. But just soak it in. It’s incredible, truly.
Okay, specific experiences. Any absolute must-dos? I could also use some recommendations where to shop.
Okay, *must-dos*? Climbing to the top of the Duomo (the dome! The stairs!), even if you're slightly terrified of heights (I am! I *was*, but I didn't give up!). The views are worth the physical exertion. Get a sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. That's pure romance, even when surrounded by tourists. And, experience the leather market - but be prepared to haggle (or at least, give it a shot; I'm terrible at it, but it's a part of the fun!).
Shopping? Leather goods, of course. Check out the stalls around the Ponte Vecchio, but be prepared for a tourist tax. For more upscale, smaller boutiques, you can head to Via Tornabuoni. For more traditional Florentine crafts, explore the Oltrarno – try the Studio Laboratorio Mauro, if they're still open – because I am a big fan! Oh, and don't forget the perfume shops. Florentine perfumery is an art form. And don't buy *only* souvenirs. Find a unique piece that reminds you of your unforgettable experiences.
