The hype
Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located right next to the T1 tram line for easy access to the Duomo.
Raffaello
$100-250/ night
Book this if You want an affordable, clean base with free parking and easy tram access to central Florence, but don't mind staying outside the historic center.
Why People Love It
- 10-minute T1 tram ride directly to the city center
- Free underground parking (a massive rarity in Florence)
- Recently renovated rooms and common areas
Quick Take: It’s a solid, budget-friendly option with great transit access, but paper-thin walls mean you'll be intimately acquainted with your neighbors' conversations.
Reviewed by @chrismax1: I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked out our window at Hotel Raffaello. Having the Florence Duomo perfectly framed by the historic stone felt like a dream. It was the perfect spot for our group of four to soak in the city's magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The soundproofing is practically non-existent, making it hard to sleep if your neighbors are night owls.
- You are driving to Florence and need free parking
- You want to save money by staying outside the main tourist zones
- You rely on public transit (tram stop is 3 minutes away)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally clean and tidy, though some guests report housekeeping entering without knocking and occasional missed spots on older floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are functional and equipped with bidets, but a few isolated reports mention clogged sinks or unpleasant drain smells.
- Maintenance: The hotel claims recent renovations, but some guests note old, creaky elevators, broken TVs, and poor building insulation.
- Linens & towels: Beds feature hypo-allergenic bedding and firm pillows, though some older reviews mention brownish-red drapes that feel dated.
- Odors & scents: Mostly neutral, but clogged plumbing in some rooms has led to complaints of unpleasant smells.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Neighbors talking and watching TV through paper-thin walls
- Ambulance sirens from the nearby Careggi Hospital
- Traffic noise if windows are left open
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is an extra €10 but generally considered good value
- The T1 tram ticket costs €1.70 and takes you straight to the Alamanni Stazione
- City tax is collected separately at the hotel
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the neighbors
- A travel kettle if you like hot tea, as rooms don't provide them and charge for hot water
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior rooms with a balcony for a bit of outdoor space
- Rooms facing the inner garden to minimize street and ambulance noise
Rooms to avoid
- Connecting rooms, which have the worst sound bleed
- Rooms facing Viale Morgagni due to heavy traffic and hospital sirens
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hello, I am a light sleeper. Could you please assign me a quiet room facing the inner garden, away from the elevators, and strictly NOT a connecting room? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel walking distance to the Duomo?
No, it's about 3.5 km away. You'll need to take the T1 tram, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Is the parking really free?
Yes, there is a free underground garage, but spaces are limited and it's very tight to navigate. It's strictly first-come, first-served.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly for dogs and cats up to 22 lbs, though a fee may apply.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No pool on-site, but there is a fitness center and a winter garden lounge.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, rooms are air-conditioned, but some guests report it can be stuffy in the winter when the building switches to central heating.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes, the hotel has its own restaurant (La Fornarina) and there are local spots like Pizzeria Hosteria dell'Altra Volta nearby.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the hotel director, Marco, for curated recommendations—he's known for giving great local Tuscan tips.
- ✨
Skip the expensive taxis; the Vittorio Emanuele II tram stop is just a 3-minute walk and costs under €2.
- ✨
If the hotel garage is full, look for street parking, but pay close attention to the colored lines to avoid fines.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is right next to Careggi Hospital, which is great for medical tourists but means constant ambulance sirens.
💡There are no kettles in the standard rooms, and reception may charge you for hot water.
💡The bathrooms feature bidets and slippers, adding a nice touch of Italian comfort.
💡The hotel hosts a lot of large student tour groups, which can crowd the lobby and breakfast area.
💡Despite being rated a 4-star hotel, the vibe and amenities feel much closer to a solid 3-star.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Raffaello is located and what's nearby.