We traveled to Florence via the 'bullet train' from Venice and upon getting into the train station, we took a bus to the hotel --- bus number 1 to the Cionfo Binlecure stop (it should appear within the bus on a sign) and then walk in the opposite direction you came from and it will be on the right hand side. You could also take bus number 17, but you would have to walk much farther -- if you have not been here before, take bus number 1.
Upon walking in, you will notice that it is not new, but not an older hotel either. It has an updated foyer and there is more than one elevator. Note that you will be required to pay a VAT (city tax or value added tax) for each night you stay there.
The room we stayed in was on the third floor, which mean it is actually on the fourth floor... We had a nice few from the back of the hotel and it was very quiet.
It was mentioned before that the breakfast was lacking any type of meat(s), but this is typical for Italy, bread with some cheese or butter spread is the norm. If you want a significant breakfast, lunch or dinner, I suggest going somewhere outside of the hotel.
Here are a couple of recommendations when traveling to this hotel:
1) Bring your own bar of soap as the soap provided is a packet of liquid.
2) Bring your own shampoo and/or conditioner, what the hotel provides is not enough.
3) Understand that this is an older hotel and it may or may not have a bath tub -- our room did not have a tub, but it did have a wonderful shower and the bathroom was quite large.
4) Bring water back with you at the end of the day or you can purchase water from a vending machine.
5) There is wifi access in the lobby only and it is quite expensive, I would look for a cafe for free wifi.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a cheap, affordable hotel. It was easy to get to, the staff was friendly and it was relatively close to everything or you could take a bus from a nearby bus stop.
Lastly, I stayed there December 1st - 2nd and the weather in Florence was very comfortable (cool at night) and it was not crowded at all...
- Meridiana Hotel Florence
