1 Star Hotel

Hotel Merlini

Via Faenza 56, Florence, Italy View Map

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Hotel Merlini photo 2
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Hotel Merlini

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About

Set in a historic building from the 1700s, Hotel Merlini is 820 ft from San Lorenzo Market. It offers bright Tuscan-style rooms and a communal terrace with snack bar. This family-run hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella Train Station and less than half a mile from Fortezza da Basso conference center. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to any destination within the city limits. All rooms at the Merlini are air conditioned and have lots of natural light thanks to large windows. They come with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They offer views of the grounds, the cathedral or other Florence monuments. Your day at the Merlini Hotel begins with a continental breakfast that includes hot drinks, pastries and sweet and savory items.

163 Reviews

8.9Very Good
Cleanliness
9.3
Staff
9.8
Location
9.7

What Guests Say

  • “What a wonderful surprise to find this gem. The staff were exceptional and there was the added bonus of free meals, karaoke and other…”
  • “The location is excellent. Sandwich bar across the road is a highlight.”
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Top Amenities

  • Free Internet Access
  • Pets Allowed
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
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Room Options

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Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Double or Twin Room1/4

Double or Twin Room

216 sqft • 2 Single, 1 Queen

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Bidet
Double or Twin Room with View1/4

Double or Twin Room with View

216 sqft • 2 Single, 1 Queen

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Bidet

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    What Guests Loved

    8.9
    Very Good

    Based on 163 reviews

    Location

    9.7

    Cleanliness

    9.3

    Staff

    9.8

    Overall Quality

    9

    Pros +

    • What a wonderful surprise to find this gem. The staff were exceptional and there was the added bonus of free meals, karaoke and other fun activities. Great vibe and would definitely stay again.
    • The location is excellent. Sandwich bar across the road is a highlight.
    • It is a very easy walk from the station and Via Faenza is a street full of character and lots of eating and drinking options.There is an elevator ( it’s on the 3rd floor)

    Cons -

    • Bathroom extras such as shower caps etc would be useful.
    • This place is NOT a hotel. It is a hostel, which is fine if you want a hostel.But I booked "Hotel Merlini" in the belief that it was a hotel.It is actually a hostel called Ostello Bello, which is also called a few other names, as you can see from the photo in the elevatorSome of the staff were excellent. The lady at reception was disinterested and unhelpful at best.Asked how I could get a taxi, was told to phone them.As it was a hostel, it had lots of young people. Who liked to party, which made it very noisy, esp on karaoke night. The rooms were dated but ok.Breakfast was fine.Would have been fine if I was much younger and it was half the price.
    • Merlin’s and all the other accommodations in this building used to be true family‘Pensione‘ full of warmth and character. They are now all owned by a company and there is little personal touch or charm in the corridors. It has a very youth hostel feel which is fine for young people though I also found it expensive ‘- at least wit our Australian $.
    Business Traveler (8)Solo Traveler (30)Traveling as Couple (144)Family with Young Children (47)Family with Teens (2)Senior Traveler (1)Group Traveler (39)Total (583)
    10SharonPosted on: 10-21-2025

    What a wonderful surprise to find this gem. The staff were exceptional and there was the added bonus of free meals, karaoke and other fun activities. Great vibe and would definitely stay again.

    Bathroom extras such as shower caps etc would be useful.

    3BakerPosted on: 10-8-2025

    The location is excellent. Sandwich bar across the road is a highlight.

    This place is NOT a hotel. It is a hostel, which is fine if you want a hostel.But I booked "Hotel Merlini" in the belief that it was a hotel.It is actually a hostel called Ostello Bello, which is also called a few other names, as you can see from the photo in the elevatorSome of the staff were excellent. The lady at reception was disinterested and unhelpful at best.Asked how I could get a taxi, was told to phone them.As it was a hostel, it had lots of young people. Who liked to party, which made it very noisy, esp on karaoke night. The rooms were dated but ok.Breakfast was fine.Would have been fine if I was much younger and it was half the price.

    5NewtonPosted on: 10-5-2025

    It is a very easy walk from the station and Via Faenza is a street full of character and lots of eating and drinking options.There is an elevator ( it’s on the 3rd floor)

    Merlin’s and all the other accommodations in this building used to be true family‘Pensione‘ full of warmth and character. They are now all owned by a company and there is little personal touch or charm in the corridors. It has a very youth hostel feel which is fine for young people though I also found it expensive ‘- at least wit our Australian $.

    1MariePosted on: 10-2-2025

    Very littleFirst room offered was unfit for purposeSmelly, terrible bed linen

    Shocking old tired decorWalls need d painting2 single beds needed replacingNot up to any basic standard

    10Marina A.Posted on: 7-6-2025

    The staff were very friendly. The bed was comfy and it's located near the train station

    10MarinaPosted on: 7-6-2025

    The staff were very friendly. The bed was comfy and it's located near the train station

    9DebbiePosted on: 6-20-2025

    I extended twice at this accom it is like a home away from home. It runs like a hostel with individual rooms, a/c, ensuite, pay as you go washing machine and dryer, lift, kitchen area is clean and opens to a terrace, bar and breakfast area on ground floor which opens to the street. Tables and chairs out front to watch Florence go by. The loveliest staff all amazing at keeping the place moving. There is Karaoke nights, a piano, guitars to help yourself too, outings, a decent buffet breakfast for price. It’s alive and interesting. Location to train terminal cafe restaurants and sites is perfect. It’s budget accom, I’m a mature aged solo and it suited me. Love it

    10AvaPosted on: 6-13-2025

    The location is perfect. We walked everywhere. The owner makes the best coffee and cappuccino during the breakfast time.

    8TrishaPosted on: 5-28-2025

    So conveniently located - 5 mins walk from Santa Maria Novella train station (where the T2 tram runs to and from the airport regularly), and a 3 minute walk from the Mercato Centrale, 10 minutes (at a leisurely pace) from the main Duomo and Baptistry, and 15 minutes from the Piazze de Signoria & Arno river. Rozario was warm and friendly, his son Marco made a great team. You can add an optional breakfast for 7 euros pp, which we tried on one morning, but the other mornings we either left too early or chose the Market instead. The location is secure, beautiful, surprisingly quiet and peaceful given how central it is. There are lots of restaurants, gelaterias and bars nearby. Our room was big and spacious, and room service came every day to sweep up and make our beds which was delightful. Being 6 months pregnant, it was great to have a lift to take us 3 floors up, rather then walk up steps at the end of a long day. On days where it looked a bit rainy, long umbrellas were provided. It was great value for money. Marco helped us call for a taxi to the airport at 4:30am on the day we were leaving, and this was done within 5 minutes. The checkout process was smooth and hassle free. Nothing felt like it was too much! Rozario was charming, and very caring and considerate. It was a perfect place to rest our heads and wake up feeling refreshed.

    10MarybethPosted on: 4-28-2025

    The hosts. Rosario and Marco are very sweet, attentive, helpful and accommodating.Location is amazing!

    8AlanPosted on: 4-25-2025

    nice little place, room was good, people were very friendly

    it's a little weird that they have to come and open the door every time you come back to the room

    9KatarzynaPosted on: 4-14-2025

    Location of the hotel is perfect, between the train station and the city center , few minutes walk to both.Hotel is a very safe place. Staff is very helpful and kind.There's lots of antiques and art.The wiev was great over Duomo cathedral.Breakfast was nice with good coffee.Look for Ostelo sign to find the place.Value for money.

    9KatarzynaPosted on: 4-13-2025

    Location of the hotel is perfect, between the train station and the city center , few minutes walk to both.Hotel is a very safe place. Staff is very helpful and kind.There's lots of antiques and art.The wiev was great over Duomo cathedral.Breakfast was nice with good coffee.Look for Ostelo sign to find the place.Value for money.

    8AdrianPosted on: 4-13-2025

    Convenient, clean, comfortable, great breakfast.

    The drain smell in the bathroom!

    10HenriquePosted on: 4-12-2025

    Location, breakfast, all the staff!! Mario, Rosario, Gabriella!! All great people!!

    Nothing …

    10Loredana E.Posted on: 3-23-2025

    The room was clean, we got fresh towels everyday, the host was very friendly. Very good location.

    10LoredanaPosted on: 3-23-2025

    The room was clean, we got fresh towels everyday, the host was very friendly. Very good location.

    9SvetlanaPosted on: 3-20-2025

    Good value for money and perfect for exploring Florence. I’m rating this hotel based on the price-to-quality ratio compared to other hotels in the center of Florence, and for a 1-star hotel, it was a great stay!Fantastic location – just a short 5-7 minute walk from the tram/train station. Clean and modern bathroom – recently renovated, with hot water available at all times. The AC can be set to both hot and cold, and it worked perfectly. Helpful staff – no kettle in the room, but they kindly provided a pot of hot water when we asked. The WiFi was fast and worked well throughout our stay. And OMG, the greatest safe!Overall: If you’re visiting Florence and plan to spend most of your time exploring, this is a great budget-friendly option.

    9SvetlanaPosted on: 3-19-2025

    Good value for money and perfect for exploring Florence. I’m rating this hotel based on the price-to-quality ratio compared to other hotels in the center of Florence, and for a 1-star hotel, it was a great stay!Fantastic location – just a short 5-7 minute walk from the tram/train station. Clean and modern bathroom – recently renovated, with hot water available at all times. The AC can be set to both hot and cold, and it worked perfectly. Helpful staff – no kettle in the room, but they kindly provided a pot of hot water when we asked. The WiFi was fast and worked well throughout our stay. And OMG, the greatest safe!Overall: If you’re visiting Florence and plan to spend most of your time exploring, this is a great budget-friendly option.

    7SelinPosted on: 3-10-2025

    The staff was helpful,the room was clean,(they clean everyday),the location was amazing!

    Old furniture

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Media & Technology

    • Free Internet Access

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection
    • Professional cleaning services

    General

    • Pets Allowed
    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 2:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:30 AM
    InternetFree Wi-Fi is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome.
    PetsPets are allowed upon request. It is free of charge.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    Please note that the hotel is in a pedestrian street. Guests have access with vehicles for loading and unloading luggage only.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

    Location

    Hotel Merlini

    Via Faenza 56, Florence

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