軸之酒店 - 佛羅倫斯 Maxim Axial

It's the service that makes the difference

The Axial and its sister hotel Maxim immediately upstairs virtually define the essence of the value hotel in a central Florence location. Speaking of which, yes, that location really is about as good as it can possibly get, on Via de Calzaiuoli (one of 2 main north-south streets in the dead centre of Florence), places approximately equidistant (that's perhaps 200 m in either direction) from the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. So far, so good, but it's the staff that make the real difference, always friendly and efficient, eager to help, very relaxed. Most of them speak very good English if that matters - although it's clear they also get a lot of Italian guests (which possibly says something in itself) Lots of families come here, not surprisingly given the good rates (astonishing given the location) and clean, comfortable rooms. Rooms might not be the largest but they are nicely appointed. Beds in particular are especially comfortable; they manage the ever-elusive goal of getting pillows that provide adequate support yet sufficient softness (something I can confirm from many hotels around the world is difficult to do reliably), and the bedding offers the right balance of ability to stay warm if that's what you need and ability to peel back layers if you might otherwise be too hot. Very surprisingly given the location too, the rooms are quiet; an oasis of calm. In summary, this is the hotel I will keep coming back to year after year when in Florence, a place to become a regular patron of.

What's not to like? In truth any comments here from me would be more in the 'room for improvement' category than the actual 'didn't like' category. So what, if anything, could they improve? Possibly 24-hour reception (reception does close for a short time in the very middle of the night), possibly bathroom facilities (the plumbing is always functional but slightly unresponsive and feeble); that's about it. These it will be pointed out are quibbles - nothing that in any way diminishes from the experience and being honest, the sorts of minor quirks that you would expect from a hotel in this market segment.