After an accommodation mix up after leaving Naples, then a mad panic and a quick phone call to AIRBnB, we ended up getting some affordable accommodation at the Youth Hostel Firenze 2000 for a couple of nights before heading to the Hilton Metropole Florence for some well-earned rest.

Now, if you haven’t been to Florence you are in for a real treat. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a beautiful city well worth the visit and time to explore. Discover the history of the city, see the statue of David, walk back into medieval times and marvel at the Florence Cathedral. Alternatively, browse the stores, buy a Florence puzzle ring or cross the Arno River via the spectacular Ponte Vecchio. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in the Gelato and Pizza.

The hotel for this leg of our stay in Florence is the Hilton Metropole Florence. The hotel is a situated outside of the main city centre (11.5km) but fairly central to the airport (5.5km) and the train station (7km).

As we were travelling to the hotel from the Youth Hostel Firenze 2000, we found the best and cheapest way to travel was by the local bus. So after a quick Google Maps search we had the best way to get to the Hilton Metropole Florence. We then paid for a ticket at an authorised tabbachi shop (tobacconist) and hopped on the bus heading in the right direction. Local bus tickets are valid for 90 minutes and tabbachi shops are widely distributed around the city.

On arrival to the hotel we enter the lobby with the reception area to our left. We are greeted by the hotel manager and because we are a little early our room was not ready. We are checked in and offered to wait in the Executive lounge on the fifteenth floor. Here we can rest, relax, have some drinks and snacks and take in the view before our room was finalised.

Once our room is ready we are escorted and shown around our room. The King Executive room is nice with a plain contemporary styling. The room contains a King-sized bed, a desk, in room coffee and tea facilities and a television. It’s nothing fancy but functional.

The bathroom is clean with supplied toiletries and large towels. The shower is positioned over the bathtub with a small glass protector assisting to keep the water in the tub. The hot water supply is good, and the water pressure is constant.

As mentioned above the Hilton Metropole Florence is a far distance away from the Florence city centre, therefore to accommodate the travel distance the hotel offers a free shuttle bus service. The shuttle drops guests and picks them up from the main train station at set times during the day. You just need to book your space at the front desk.

If you’d rather spend the day around the hotel, then the Hilton has some facilities that may tickle your fancy. You can spend some time in the gym, patterned recovery pool or have a massage in the neon lit rooms.

Alternatively, you can dine in the restaurant or met some other guests in the bar or executive lounge. We spent some time in the executive lounge during the evening, mingling with the guests. We were also lucky enough to meet an amazing couple from Balcombe, England who we spent time with during our time in the UK. It’s incredible who you will meet during your stay at the Hilton. I know that our new friends will be lifelong ones.

As we stayed in an Executive room we had the option of having our breakfast either in the main dining area or in the executive lounge. Both breakfasts were good, but there is of course a better range of choices in the main dining area, although the executive lounge is much quieter.

The Hilton Metropole Florence is a nice comfortable hotel which offers its customers a respectable product. Unfortunately, the distance from the city is quite substantial. The local surrounds are fairly limited with a small shopping centre next door with a couple of restaurants and discount stores. The hotel bus is a godsend if staying here, as you will need it to travel into the city centre. Make sure you get in early to book your seats and plan your day well to ensure you can get the bus back.

Overall, I’d stay in the hotel again as the staff are friendly and the service is good. Do yourself a favour and book an executive room to gain access to the executive lounge and make sure you make good use of the gym and pool. So, enjoy your stay at the Hilton Metropole Florence and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!

Additional Information for the Hilton Metropole Florence