Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
A five-star hotel in two Renaissance palaces set in one of Florence's largest private gardens, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
Ostello Bello Firenze
A sociable hostel near the Mercato Centrale with dorms and private rooms, a rooftop terrace, a free guest kitchen and a 24-hour bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Social hostel
- Area
- San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- ostellobello.com
Good to know
- Rooftop terrace
- Guest kitchen
- 24-hour reception and bar
- Female-only dorms
- Private rooms
- Free events
Why we recommend it
Ostello Bello is a small Italian hostel group known for its sociable atmosphere, and its Florence hostel on Via Faenza is a popular base for budget travellers, solo travellers and groups of friends. It is about five minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella station and two minutes from the Mercato Centrale, in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood, with the Duomo about ten minutes away on foot and the Uffizi around fifteen.
Accommodation ranges from shared rooms for two, six or ten people, including female-only dorms, to private rooms and family rooms. Every room has its own toilet and shower, air conditioning, lockers and a USB socket near each bed. Pets are welcome in private rooms. Plenty of extras are included in the price: a welcome drink on arrival, high-speed Wi-Fi, free water, tea and American coffee, and use of a fully equipped guest kitchen stocked with free pasta, fruit and vegetables, which makes cooking your own dinner an easy way to save money. Breakfast is a buffet available at extra cost.
The rooftop terrace, overlooking the dome of the Medici Chapels, is the social heart of the hostel and is open until late. Reception and the bar are open 24 hours a day, and there is a coworking area for remote workers. A weekly programme of events keeps evenings lively: free quiz nights, karaoke and drinking games, plus paid activities such as a craft lab and beer pong. Luggage lockers and late check-out are available, which helps on departure days.
The hostel suits solo travellers, students, backpackers and young groups who want to meet people, as well as families on a budget who book a private room. Light sleepers should note that the social atmosphere can mean noise in the evenings; earplugs are provided.
Via Faenza is lined with budget hotels, cafés and simple restaurants, and the Mercato Centrale's food hall is the obvious place for a cheap dinner. The Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo are a few minutes away, and Trattoria Mario and Trattoria Zà Zà are just around the corner. Booking ahead is advisable in spring and summer, when beds sell out.
Ostello Bello Firenze FAQs
Where is Ostello Bello Firenze?
At Via Faenza 56, about five minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella station.
What types of rooms are available?
Shared rooms for 2, 6 or 10 people, female-only dorms, private rooms and family rooms.
Do rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes, every room has its own toilet and shower.
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is a buffet available at extra cost.
Can I cook?
Yes, there is a fully equipped guest kitchen with free pasta, fruit and vegetables.
Is reception open 24 hours?
Yes, reception and the bar are open 24/7.
Are there social events?
Yes, including free quiz nights, karaoke and drinking games.
How can I contact the hostel?
By phone on +39 392 9478050 or by email at [email protected].