Academy Hostel

It is very hard to find a reason not to like staying at Academy Hostel in Florence.

Location

The hostel is based in the center of Florence, just meters from the cathedral. You might skip some sightseeing and sit in the spacious common room, watch TV, chat with other travelers, or just enjoy the beautifully working air conditioning. The Academy really knows what backpackers need -- it's not like other hostels in town, trying to squeeze the last Euro out of you.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are different dorm sizes, from three to six beds, and most have a shared bathroom. Also available are a private single and a double room. If you are lucky, you get to stay in a room with a gallery -- you won't mind taking a few steps up the stairs to your bed. All rooms have air conditioning and a device keeping mosquitoes away. The well-working shutters make sure that you won't be woken by the sun after a long night out. The whole hostel is very clean and the bathrooms make you feel like you're in a four-star hotel (with paper towels, soap dispensers, and hygienic paper layers for the toilet seat).

Common Spaces

They offer free internet and Wi-Fi, free breakfast, single beds, big rooms, and secure lockers. Bed sheets and towels are included. At check-in, you are provided with a reading lamp and a key for your locker. The hostel is open twenty-four hours and has a little snack kitchen and good priced vending machines. Washing and drying is cheaper than anywhere else in Florence.

Summary

Overall, the Academy Hostel should be an example to most hostel owners in town, showing them that there is a way to provide travelers with a place to stay they will remember. The hostel is run by heart and the friendly staff always make sure that you have a great stay.

— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
July 2008