Plus Florence

Location

Based a fifteen-minute walk away from the train station, Plus Florence Hostel is a massive, four-hundred-fifty-bed place aimed at young students who like to spend their short time in Florence with party, pool, and alcohol. Upon arrival you will feel how big the hostel is -- rooms come in all sizes, from private double to eight-bed dorms.

Long waiting times at the reception most of the day and trained friendliness put many travelers off from asking for information concerning sightseeing. No cash is taken anywhere besides reception, which also holds your passport till checkout. (Check out early when you're in a hurry, as thirty-minute waiting times are possible!)

Rooms and Bathrooms

A modern card system that gives you access to your room will not come handy when you need to charge it up for using it at the restaurant and bar. The rooms are modern and clean (as are the bathrooms), with air conditioning (if working) and flat screen TV included. There are lockers in rooms (when there are enough to go around and they are not broken) -- you need your own padlock. Bathrooms lack enough light and have no hooks, which means you have to drop your clothes on the floor.

Common Spaces

Even for Florence, this hostel is too expensive for the services offered. They charge extra for breakfast, laundry, and internet (although they give you fifteen minutes free by check in, and there is no Wi-Fi, despite offering it in June of 2008). The swimming pool, pool table, sauna, and small gym don´t make up for the high prices backpackers are charged. A self-service kitchen is in the basement, but only in the kitchen you are allowed to eat your own meals (and you'll have to leave a deposit for pans, plates, and cutlery). The restaurant and bar area, located on the beautiful rooftop terrace, is reserved for not consuming or bar and restaurant customers only. The view from the terrace overlooking Florence is great, especially during sunset and night. Common areas are all around.

Due to the late closing time of the bar, you might have trouble falling asleep when having a room close to it, meaning that not only screaming drunks but also drunks herding through the hallways on their way to the rooms might keep you awake. The floors are not soundproof!

Summary

Overall, this hostel gives young people a place to stay in the so-overcrowded city of Florence. It feels more like a resort hotel with young partying students than a hostel.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
July 2008