Hotel Europa - Florence

9.6

I can not give a higher review for the Hotel europa. From the moment we arrived ( without lost luggage), Miriam, Gassim and the entire family were amazing hosts. Our first triple room's air conditioning wasn't working well and they moved us to a newly renovated room with a flat screen TV, great air conditioning, and a view of a small backyard square with the duomo in the background. The location is quiet but centrally located, the academmia is right around the corner , the duomo 2 blocks away, and the central market 3 blocks. We ate at Za Zas in the central market square where I had great pasta with clams, and at Da Mario, next door to za za for an authentic lunch sitting at a table with a funny univ. professor. If you are going to Florence and can afford 200 euro for a triple, I would give the Hotel Europa my highest recommendation. I am a seasoned world traveller and the fact that there are 350 yr old frescos in the breakfast room is an extra.

9.1

We should have rated this hotel as excellent all the way round apart from the fact that renovation work was being done both within the hotel and on the ground floor below.This led to more noise than usual. Additionally, the breakfast room was a temporary measure because of the work and therefore there was no natural light and it felt a little cramped. The breakfast itself, though adequate, would have benefited from the inclusion of fruit and a choice of wholegrain bread/rolls. Again, this may have been a consequence of reduced space because of the ongoing work. It was great to have the free internet connection, the room was lovely (with view of Duomo) and great to have the fridge, the bathroom was efficient and clean with constant hot water. Sadly I didn't find the remote control for the air con (and stupidly never asked, we are not used to hand held ones!) therefore we had a few rather warm nights. Above all, the staff are wonderfully welcoming, helpful and friendly and speak english. They have experience of travel themselves and are keen to provide well. This, and the convenience of the location (2-5 mins to several of the major sites of interest) makes the Europa a very good choice for a comfortable Florence break.

8.7

This was our first trip to Florence. We reserved a triple room, but when we got there, we had a lovely suite that included 2 gigantic bedrooms and a state-of-the-art bathroom. The rooms were well appointed with very high ceilings that were painted with 14th century art. The only downside was the noise on the street, as our rooms were facing the front. However, most of the noise was muffled when we closed the double windows. The staff were very helpful and remembered each of us by name every time we went in or out. The location was excellent. We were able to walk to all locations that we planned to visit.

9.9

Excellent hotel in great location. Staff was the best in every respect. Large clean rooms. We have stayed at other hotels in Florence and paid more but will return here. Highly recommend this hotel.

8.9

A great hotel right in the heart of Florence. Everything within walking distance. A charming entrance requiring you to get on a tiny little elevator with manual doors. The room was huge. Fairly sparse furnishings. Had internet access.

9.0

A budget priced hotel in a central location near the Duomo. The room and ensuite were spacious and spotlessly clean, and the owners were welcoming and very helpful. The breakfast was rather lacking in choice but overall the hotel was better than expected.

9.5

The hotel location was very convenient to all the major sights in Florence. The hotel staff were totally charming and always helpful. For value, this was an excellent choice and we would not hesitate to return.

7.2

Our room was very dark, overlooking an internal courtyard, so we needed to have the lights on ALL the time. Our bathroom was huge but had only a shower, no bath and with a strange smell. I think the room may have been awaiting refurbishment as the descriptions of other rooms were very diferent from our experience. The public areas were a little run down. The location is excellent, very central but quiet.

8.9

We felt very welcome at the Europa from the moment we arrived until we departed. Gassim and Miriam were happy to help with any requirements such as ticket booking and looking up train timetables etc. The room we had was on the second floor and had been newly renovated. It was very clean, spacious and had a view of the Duomo and the Campenile from the windows, which could be opened for some fresh air. The room was quiet except for the church bells in the morning! The Breakfast room with its ancient frescoes on the ceiling is very homely and the selection on offer is quite generous by Italian standards The location of the hotel is very convenient for all the sights and only 20 minutes walk from the train station. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any of our friends and will stay there again if we ever get back to Florence.

9.4

We had a very nice welcome from this family run hotel. the room was very nice, quiet, clean and with view. Ideally situated for all the major siteseeing places. The only downside was the dining room could have done with a lick of paint and some better furniture, but this would not put me off going back there.

9.9

This is a really nice change from your typical hotel....it's homey and comfortable and in a great location. It's close to just about everything and we were able to walk everywhere; to the art museums, to the train station, to all the restaurants and stores. We had a wonderful time.

8.1

I would stay here again on returning to Florence. The staff were so friendly and helpful. Hotel was a stones throw away from Duomo and within walking distance from all sights

10

Hotel Europa was in a great central location to tour Florence by foot. We arrived by train and walked everywhere we went with no problems. The family who own and operate Europa are WONDERFUL. They were all so very nice and helpful in every way. Breakfast was great...view from our rooms were great (rooms 52 & 53)SUPERB stay in Florence. Would recommend this hotel to anyone traveling in Florence.

9.9

We enjoyed our stay in Florence; we had stayed in various places in Italy for about a week and Hotel Europa was the one that has exceeded all expectations. The hospitality of the staff went above and beyond. The rooms were beautiful (suite on 1st floor) and extremely spacious to accomodate 3 persons. Look no further!

8.1

Welcoming staff, rooms very comfortable and clean, unassuming, would definitely stay again and very well located for the centre and main attractions of Florence.

10

the hotel staff were very friendly we were travel as a group of four adults and a baby so as you can imagine we had a lot of luggage but the hotel staff did there very best to help us get the luggage to the room for us the srvice was excellent we had a very pleasent stay.

10

We greatly enjoyed our stay at Hotel Europa.It was within walking distance of the train station and to all the attractions of the city. The room was very large, free internet access and Mr Abeka was very helpful and gracious. I highly recommend this hotel.

9.9

We stayed for two nights while attending a performance of Falstaff at the Teatro Communale. The Europa was a real find, and outstanding value for Firenze. All of the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful - nothing was too much trouble for them. We will certainly use the Europa again on our next visit to the city.

9.9

We recently stayed at Hotel Europa for a week. We found the reception/service provided by owner Gazim Abeka and family outstanding. We were personally greeted and served each AM when we arrived for breakfast. The hotel reception is located on Piano 2(2nd floor) of the building(with elevator) directly on Via Cavour. Internet service is available in the reception area. We booked a "suite" which was on the back side(very quiet)of the hotel and was one of the larger rooms we have sayed in our travels. The hotel is ideally situated approximately 1-1/2 blks from the Duomo with many/varied restaurants nearby. If you enjoy walking, all of Florence's many jewels are within reach from the hotel, including the Piazalle Michelangelo. We definitely plan to stay there on our next visit!

10

We had a fabulous stay at Europa. The staff were friendly & welcoming. When we arrived they provided us with information & maps about all of the main attractions. They helped us with museum reservations & dinner suggestions(Trattoria Za Za is a must). The hotel is centrally located in the historical center, within wlaking distance of all the museums, galleries,markets & attractions. The breakfast was the best of our whole 3 week trip. I would definitly stay there again & not hesitate to recommend this hotel.

7.4

The location and family that run the hotel are excellent. Our bed was comfortable and we appreciated the free computer access. The hotel is very dated, the public spaces and the bathroom have probably not been changed since 1950. The price for the room is very reasonable.

9.9

This is a wonderful place to stay. Miriam and her family were most generous and vert caring. I would recommend the Europa to anyone traveleing to Florence.

9.8

We were delighted by our stay at Hotel Europa. The staff was very warm, friendly and accomodating. We loved our very spacious and beautifully appointed room. The location was also excellent. We would not hesitate to recommend Europa to our friends and family.

9.6

Recommended as a base to explore central Florence on foot. Very friendly and efficient staff. Excellent value for money.

9.9

Our experience at Hotel Europa in Florence was wonderful. The room was bright, clean, and yes, was indeed a "room with a view" of the Duomo. The staff was lovely and very helpful, and the breakfasts each morning were delightful. An added bonus was the free use of the internet in the hotel lobby. I highly recommend this hotel and would certainly go back. I would like to mention that there is a difference between what Europeans and Americans describe as a suite -- there was no separate sitting room. Which was fine, just a heads-up. Loved the experience.

7.1

The owner and staff at this hotel are it's main asset. They were unfailingly helpful and courteous. The hotel facility itself was initially a bit scary, it is clean but very, very timeworn. The room was normal size by european standards, but the bathroom was problematic with an impractically small shower that had insufficient water pressure. The room was at the top of a set of stairs that needed a bit of athletic prowess to navigate, only persons with a good deal of physical strength can use this facility if they have any luggage to carry.

7.5

Hard to find this hotel. The sign of this hotel is too small. Across the road, there was Macdonalds, I don't eat there. A little noisy, but clean and spacy hotel with cheap price.

8.5

Sorry about this late review as we actually stayed in Fall 2002. We enjoyed the hotel. The location was reasonable (just on the outskirts of the historic town center) but on more of a commerical street. The hotel has a small lift and the rooms were very modern.

7.2

Great location and very welcoming and friendly staff. on the block across the street from the Medici Palace, only two blocks from the Duomo and whithin a short walking distance of most central atractions and restaurants. This is a 2 star hotel,... so the facility expectations should not be high. The decor is a bit run down and the bathrooms are small. Still, this is a wonderfull place to stay if convinience and budget are the criteria

8.5

Very quiet, great view from room to Duomo. Very good stay, if you look for hotels in the very city centre (near Palazzo Medici-Riccardi)with good relation price/service. Not very luxurious, but very friendly people.

9.9

We stayed at the Hotel Europa for 2 nights and we were very pleased with the quality of the room, the great location, and the helpfulness of the staff. The value for the price paid is excellent and we would definitely stay at this hotel our next time in Florence.

9.2

Whilst this is a two star hotel, I found it perfectly adequate and exceeded my expectations. We had the quad room right at the back of the buiilding, which was very quiet. The room is reasonably large and looks out onto a small piazza. The bathroom is small but adequate.It was nice to have air conditioning, as the weather was so warm. The gentleman and lady who are in charge were so charming and so were all the staff, remembering our children's names and giving helpful informantion when asked. The location is great, just around the corner from the San Lorenzo market and only a 10 minutes walk from the train station. Breakfast is included, which was basic - rolls, croissants, jams, pate etc but good enough, We were thrilled with the staff, the location and the price. Would stay there again.

9.6

Hotel Europa was a perfect start to our Italy vacation. The staff was competent, helpful, and was the one hotel on our trip that made us feel they were genuinely glad we were there. Miriam helped in the planning of our sight-seeing (warned us of the strike that closed most museums a day, so we could plan around this) We were in a room for 4 that was huge, well air-conditioned, and quiet. Location is pefect; only a block or two fron the Duomo, and a few in the other direction to the Academia. Highly recommend!

9.5

the few rooms that front on the street are noisy, but those off the street are bissfully quiet. Very nice, helpful staff. Breakfast is not fancy, but is sufficient. Excellent value and location.

9.8

We loved the hotel owner and his daughter Miriam. They were so friendly and accomodating. They made restaurant and museum reservations for us. Suggested places to eat and sites to see. We would chat with them about our day and they always listened and loved what we had to say. We felt like we were part of the family and even kissed them good-bye. They made Hotel Europa a very special place. The hotel is also in a very conventient location and the view from our window was lovely.

9.6

We had booked a double suite with bath, but when we arrived, there were no rooms with baths available for the 4 nights we wanted. Instead, we were given their best suite (no. 39) which was at the front of the hotel. The rooms were very spacious (I think they normally accommodated more than 2 people), with frescoed ceilings and beautiful Florentine furniture. They were very dark, however, since the shutters did not open fully. I asked if I could see a suite with bath for future reference, and was shown room 36 at the back of the hotel. This was really charming, smaller than ours, and only one room not two, but it was full of light and had a view over the rooftops of the Duomo. Since I love natural light, appreciate a view, and really enjoy soaking in a bath after a long day's sightseeing, this is the room I'd book when we return. Gassim and family were friendly and helpful hosts - although we didn't tell them it was my husband's birthday one day, we found they had laid a table in our sitting room with a bottle of wine, glasses and a birthday greeting when we returned in the afternoon. This was a lovely touch and really appreciated. All in all this is a really nice hotel which is excellent value for the money.

9.8

Can't say enough good things about this place. Might have been the friendliest staff I've ever met.

7.4

I enjoyed my stay at the Europa, the staff were very friendly and helpful and although the room, a single was a little on the small side was clean and in good condition although the bathroom could be tidied up a bit.Florence is a busy city so living in quiet village I noticed the traffic noise being in a room on the main road, walk a lot then you will sleep well!!True, as previous writers have said it is not easy to find but once found,opposite the tourist information office and next to a shop called CiaoCiao and up two flights of stairs,lift available, is excellent for it's location near the Duomo and attractions.Overall a good place to stay with pleasant staff and at a reasonable price. Would stay again. Enjoy your trip.

10

Breakfast was a little too basic and could be improved with cold-cuts and cheese

7.3

The room was very quiet, clean, and spacious but don't expect that to carry through into the bathroom. The bathroom was small with only a shower curtain to delineate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom. I only wish the hot water pressure was better also. Location of the hotel is good with close proximity to San Lorenzo and the Duomo. The hotel owner was very friendly and cordial but I only wished he was more helpful when I asked him about the address of a restaurant I wanted to visit. Overall, it was a decent stay as long as your expectation is not too high.

8.6

Friendly atmosphere, clean rooms, small bathroom, good service.

9.7

Un Hôtel sympa propre et bien tenu. Très bien placé non loin d'Il Duomo. Accueil excellent et très familial. A savoir pour les couche tard : l'hôtel ferme à 1 heure du matin.

6.0

Breakfast was a letdown, but location was excellent. Facilities to make hot drinks in room would have been appreciated. These simple improvements would make a stay more enjoyable.

9.1

This very unassuming hotel is approached under an archway via a quaint lift, the proprietor and his family were very welcoming and although we are Italian speakers they all spoke excellent English, Italian and French. The continental breakfast was more than adequate (cereal,yoghurt,rolls, jam, croissant,brioche, butter,cheese,fruit juice,tea and superb coffee (esspresso,latte,capuccino). You can book for various galleries and museums, they have a free internet service and would do there very best to accomodate almost any request. We had a very pleasant stay and would recommend them highly.

9.6

It was the first time that I reserved a room in internet and we was really lucky, the photos was taken by our room. Just a note: you have to come back into hotel before 1 a.m.

8.4

Europa is a good two-star hotel. It's best points are its location (we had a partial view of the Duomo from our window) and its courteous and helpful staff. Also useful to me was free internet access at the reception desk. The building is old, but our room was spacious by Italian/European standards, and of the four rooms we had in Italy, Europa was the only one with air-conditioning sufficient to truly cool the room. An in-room mini-fridge made it possible to enjoy snacks, juice, and wine bought from a nearby grocery store. The staff was helpful, reserving tickets for our visit to the Uffitsi Gallery and sending our laundry out to be washed for a resonable fee. The continental breakfast offered by the Europa was typical, although the coffee was better than average. Europa has no parking facilities, so if you are driving, plan on spending 20 to 24 euro a night to park in Florence. One other quirk is that the reception desk for Europa is on the second floor above ground, reached either by stairs or by a small, old-style elevator with doors that are manually opened and closed. If someone fails to close the doors upon exit, the elevator will not respond to a new call. Overall, we were very satisfied with our stay.

8.0

Overall, my stay at Europa was good, but it's situated on a very loud and busy street, and my room faced the street. My first two nights, I was constantly awoken by cars, buses and ambulances, and as I was trying to budget, I didn't opt for the air conditioning, which would have cost me more. So, some advice: ask for a room away from the street. Otherwise, location was ideal for sightseeing.

7.2

Location was excellent. Breakfast was very average. We had three rooms (large family), two of which had views of the duomo and/or the campanile and they were very quiet too. One room faced the busy street and was pretty noisy. All in all a good choice for a two star hotel so close to all the major sights.

9.9

A bit hard to find as there are no large signs- only Europa in small letters on a glass door, within a busy, mostly pedestrian area of Florence. Parking with valet pickup/delivery in nearby garage was only option & cost 13 Euros. Perfect location & warm hospitality.

9.4

BREAKFAST WAS POOR