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Reviews of Hotel Ester

3 out of 5
Hotel Ester
Largo Fratelli Alinari 15, Florence, FI

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 175 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 75 out of 175 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 175 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 175 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 175 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Adrian

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this property inside the hotel room was extremely dirty. While the surface appeared clean when I drew back the fitted sheets, they were stains all over the mattress. On top of that there was very little toiletries in there. The door will not lock. The carpet and I use that word loosely on the stairs was coming up and half of it was missing. There was tape that they used on the stairs. This is not a three star property. This is a two star at best. The one good thing about this property was the view from my room as I saw the top of the cathedral. For the price it is not worth what you're paying. I didn't even stay the whole time. I left out of concerns for my own safety and cleanliness. The staff was cordial but cold. The area, however, was convenient for walking the sites

8/10 Good

Jing

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Very convenient location, but room are out of date, no blanket, staff are very nice!

10/10 Excellent

Ayse Inel

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Irsa

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel ester is conveniently located beside the train station, which is exactly what I needed. The area around the building is not quiet, but that is expected. There was a grocery store nearby, which was great. The duomo was only a short walk away. The hotel room was clean and well maintained. The bathroom walls were the only ones that might need maintenance at some point, due to moisture buildup over time. Overall a nice convenient location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

hyungsik

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very poor facility
everything is so below the price
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location, comfortable room
Convenient for Unità tram stop and historical centre. Comfortable room. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Response from Saimir on 8 Sept 2022
Thank you Steven.You are welcome for the next stop in Florence.

8/10 Good

Gus

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Florence is an old city but full of history the hotel is also very old our room was the biggest the bathroom was very spacious for the price we paid is worth it and is with in walking distance to the train terminal and the light rail that take you to the airport next to the hotel I paid €1.50 per person straight to the airport no need for taxi at all if you stay at this hotel loved it, the staff was nice friendly helpful, all the restaurants are very close.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Natalja

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great small hotel in an excellent location. One can walk to Duomo in under 5 minutes and 15 to all other main attractions. The main train station is just two minutes away waling. The staff are super friendly, kind, and helpful. The room itself was very spacious and so was the bathroom. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

6/10 Okay

Anthony, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The good: Easy access to trains, tram to airport, easy walk to most of the tourist spots, and a lot of food and drink around the hotel. The bad: Room was nothing like the pictures posted and had a musty smell. View from room was the other side of the building with almost no sunlight. Entrance to the building feels like a garage. Overall hotel has more of the feel of a hostel than a hotel. Have been to Florence before and in the same price range you can find a nicer place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from Saimir on 4 Nov 2021
Buonasera, vi voglio spiegare che l'entrata del hotel è una classica entrata di un palazzo del 1900 ed è talmente famoso che pure i FRATELLI ALINARI si sono spostati qui. L'hotel da un area famigliare ed accogliente come una casa. Spero che la prossima volta che viene a visitare Firenze di apprezzare un po di più la nostra cultura. Grazie

8/10 Good

Val

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and convenient. Quick access to metro lines, eatery’s, and shops.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Samad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Marco on 3 Oct 2019
Thank you a lot !

10/10 Excellent

Hyundo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Strongly recommend
This place is really good to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Marco on 3 Jul 2019
thank you !!!! Marco

10/10 Excellent

Rosa Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place in the middle of everything! Aldo... We love you.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Marco & Pardis on 29 May 2019
WE LOVE YOU TOO ! thank you !!! Marco

8/10 Good

Roger, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel Ester in Florence
Florence is gorgeous at Christmas but very cold. The lights are spectacular and the FLIGHT exhibition makes it even better. Motel Ester had paid parking which is a huge plus but it isn't in an ideal area. The area is congested and run down but is only 10 minutes walk to the centre. The hotel staff were excellent, friendly and welcoming - unlike most Florentine people who are not.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Marco on 25 Dec 2018
Thank you dear guests !

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay - Can't beat the price for location, comfort, security. Marco was very accommodating with regard to adjusting rooms, providing info, offering a.m. food. He stored our luggage on the last day until we were ready to take the train out. The hotel is within walking distance of the train station, bus station, Central Market, ATMs, and countless restaurants. The place was quiet too, although bear in mind that we were there in mid-Nov, so starting to go off-season.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
You can’t judge a book by its cover
The hotel occupies one floor of a four or five storey building. The building exterior is shabby so the very nice, obviously recently renovated room was a relief. Hotel is clean. All the staff we encountered were helpful and spoke English.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Marco on 26 Sept 2018
thank you Angela!! :) Marco

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location with a lift and aircond
Lift was a great plus. Perfect location within stone's throw from station. Helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from Marco on 27 Jun 2018
thank you !

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very close to the train station. Grocery store almost in front. Downstairs lobby as inviting as a jail in 1930. But hotel reception is okay. I had a very small room that smelled musty. Had to buy an air freshner. No view. Could not reach the hangers in the wardrobe and I am 5'4". Wardrobe felt like it would come apart if I was touching it. There was a safe and a small fridge in the room. Staff was helpful. Coffee not too bad for a vending machine.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Response from Marco on 27 Jun 2018
thank you

8/10 Good

Guangyi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Response from Marco on 27 Jun 2018
thank you

10/10 Excellent

Nancy, Southern California

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Debbie and Nancy go to Italy
Staff was extremely helpful in orienting us to destinations and routes. They were willing to store our bags as we went on our tour. Room was not overly large, but very comfy. Great location close to the train station. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Marco on 27 Jun 2018
thank you very much !

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from Marco on 29 May 2018
thank you

8/10 Good

Lai San

Old but good location
The hotel is just 5mins walking distance from the Firenze Santa Maria station. The sign is on the wall outside a building which houses a few hotels. Just look out for the sign on the wall. The building is old and the room is dated although they have renovated the bathroom. Good size for 3 persons in a triple room and the beds are comfortable. Room is clean. They have a mini cafeteria if you want to have snacks and breakfast can be sent to the room with prior notice. They also have washing machine although we didn’t make use of it. However, for almost €130 (including city tax) per night I would look for a newer hotel
Response from Marco on 10 Apr 2018
1) dear guest , room has been renovated (as the bathroom ) 3 years ago .maybe you get the impression from the building , we are a little hotel , our Hotel starts at second floor , not before . 2) City tax is not part of the price , all hotels have to collect money for the city of Florence , anyway the price changes every day , so maybe if you booked another ( "newer hotel " ) the same day you booked ours you would maybe pay 260 instead , differently , why you didnt ? our rooms are more updated that our pictures online , so i guess there is not space for less than expectations . I am very happy you enjoyed our , position , size , bathroom, beds , service , staff , cleanliness , ..

10/10 Excellent

Ban Hin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!
booked the room with balcony ( amazing view of the city) .. location perfect near the main train station and all the scenic tourist attractions are walking distance from the hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2017
Response from Marco on 14 Nov 2017
Thank you very much Ban Hin , we appreciate it a lot . we hope to have you again in Florence with us . all the best to you and your family . Marco

10/10 Excellent

Afshin, Toronto,Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Better than it looks
The entrance to the hotel is very miss leading. Even the location may be miss leading but the place was extremely clean. We can say it was even cleaner than two four star hotel that we stayed in Rome and Sorrento. Everything was well thought. it exceeded our expectation. We definitely recommend this place. By the way despite it’s location noise was not an issue. Being close to train station was very convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Marco on 30 Nov 2017
thank you a lot ! if i could change the entrance of the building i would do it Yesterday ! grazie ! Marco

4/10 Poor

Gin

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff tried best but awful sewage smell in bath
Room was spacious, bed a little too firm but they provided extra pillows. Shower facilities were good but the whole bathroom smelled of the sewage during our stay. Staff tried to fix it and said its never happened before but smelling the sewage was definitely not worth the price we paid. If i hadnt prepaid the hotel i woyld have moved to another one. It was such a horrible stench.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Response from Marco on 14 Nov 2017
i am sorry about that , really , the bathrooms are new so we couldnt understand why sometimes there would be that smell , we finally fixex it though, something in the sink system was not perfect , thank you . Marco

8/10 Good

ken

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
good location and affordable
It was very pleasant. Luca and Marco was very helpful throughout the stay and friendly. The place was clean and with a nice view as we stayed on the top floor. It's kinda old fashion but that's what makes it special in its own way.

10/10 Excellent

Nikhil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
convenient location, nice and clean hotel
the hotel is a 2 minute walk from SMN train station, which make it convenient, if you are commuting to Florence using the train. The hotel was nice and clean. We

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Location perfect!!!!!
Perfect location, central and can walk to ALL interesting site seeing areas. Local restaurant next to the hotel is fantastic! Basic hotel and ideal if you are bit planning to spend any time in your room but just need a safe clean place to sleep.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
Last minute reservation... great for the money... not luxurious, not the cleanest, but near the station and walking distance from everything!!!!

4/10 Poor

Ann Marie, Canada

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location
Hard to find, registration not well marked, on 4th floor of a building that was across street from room. With lots of luggage it was quite the effort getting across street and up small elevator to 4th floor. 5 minute walk to cathedral area which was great!

10/10 Excellent

Chak Yam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very close to train station. easy to access visiting points and many good restaurants nearby. Can see the city view, ie. doms of churches

6/10 Okay

Heather Wilde, Phoenix, AZ

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
OK
This is a decent value for Florence. Our room was HUGE by Italian standards, and it was pretty comfortable, however, we booked a non-smoking room and it constantly stunk of cigarettes. The staff is really nice and the location is great - you are two minutes from the train station and can walk to everything in Florence.
Response from General Manager on 9 Aug 2016
I m very sorry you say the room slell like cigarettes , in all out rooms is strictly forbidden to smoke ! sometimes people do not respect it ( not often ) and i am very sorry if that was the case Marco .

10/10 Excellent

Lauren, Pittsburgh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love this hotel!
We were in the triple room with the City view, and it was a WONDERFUL view! It was my second time staying in this room, and it still hasn't disappointed me. The bed was super comfy, had air conditioning, very close to the train station, and a 10 minute walk from major sights. Breakfast was simple, but a nice break from breakfast buffets. Neighborhood is a bit seedy because it's so close to the train station. Marco the manager was very helpful and accommodating. I will always stay here when I come to Florence!

8/10 Good

Tore, Oslo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel Ester is ideally located - Value for money
Stayed there 6/5-13/5 with my wife and 6 good friends. Hotel Ester is good value for money and is ideally located within walking distance to most of the great sights - like Il Duomo, the Uffizi Galleries, Ponte Vecchio etc. - and just a five minutes' walk from the railway station Santa Maria Novella. Friendly staff, good beds.

10/10 Excellent

Karl, Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Florence Spring 2016
Marco and his staff are excellent and are very personable. Great service. Hotel ia very covenient.

10/10 Excellent

Sheila, Jersey City

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Florence
My short trip to Florence was made very comfortable by Hotel Ester. They provided every accommodation even before and after the time we checked-in. Mark and Ann, who were very friendly and welcoming, made sure that our needs no matter how brief our stay was, were well attended. The location of Hotel Ester is very strategic because it is near the SMN train station, restaurants, and shopping stores. They gave us a room with a breath-taking view of Florence. I will definitely book this hotel again for my second trip to Florence and will surely recommend it to my friends and family.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
We love you Sheila , thank you very much !! from me and Anna .

6/10 Okay

Rajiv

Liked: Cleanliness
Decent hotel for the price. Recommended!
Warm Management and staff. Friendly and helpful. Location of the hotel is very close to the train station. Lots of eating places and sightseeing around. Only the lift is ancient probably from the roman times.Room is ok decent size for a four bedded.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfy place but cold during autumn
The hotel is a small place located in a nice location. The place is good and overall comfortable. Only complaint about room facilities is that these were extremely cold at night. About the service, I paid for breakfast and owner insisted that I did not pay for it and would not give me the tickets. I had to look up my reservation to prove I had paid extra for it and and ask for them, along with the bath slippers, bottle with water, etc that they advertise. As for breakfast, consisting of a pastry, small sandwich, a cup coffee and a glass juice, he only gave me tickets for one day only. I had to ask, again, for the breakfast tickets for all days of my stay. Wi-FI is good. Keep in mind that it advertises as having free long distance calls but the calls are made using SKYPE. This is not mentioned and when wanting to make a call to solve an issue overseas regarding travel docs, they told me it could not be made. Had to, again, tell them it was not what they advertise and they finally agreed. Regardless, it is a nice, clean place and good price, but it is important to be straightforward to avoid misunderstandings.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
dear guest , i really appreciate your long review and details, i feel sorry for you and for myself for what happened , i was not there so i can no talk about that too much , i just want to say i m sorry you did not get to talk to the " right " person ! i do not advertise something i dont want to give then...i dont think any normal person would do it . of course we do have free calls and breakfast for people booked it . sorry again . Marco

8/10 Good

Not Provided, Miami, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great Location
Steps away from the train station, this hotel is small, very clean with friendly staff and comfortable rooms, but...the reception is on the second floor reached via an open, European style cage elevator, which I personally dislike. I don't recall seeing this information on any of the hotel's descriptions: if I had, I would have booked elsewhere. Other than that, I would recommend this hotel for a couple of nights' stay in Florence.

8/10 Good

N&S, Montreal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
amazing location
Very well situated. Walking distance from Florence's train station. There's a grocery store across the street. On the second floor but there's an elevator. The staff was very welcoming and helpful.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good place
Very good place. It is not a luxury hotel but it's a great location near the train taerminal.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
thank you a lot dear guest ! yes , we dont want to be " Luxury " we do not want our guests to pay that unnecessary plus . we want them to have all they need, all working , and them to feel " Just Like Home "

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location
Good.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
thats really true ;) Thabk you

8/10 Good

Fatemeh, Iran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice bathroom!
Thelocation of the hotel is great. Very close to the the train station and also to the main attractions almost all walkable. The staff are nice and helpful. My favorite part of the room is it's bathroom which is not too small, clean and comfortable. The room itself was a bit small. I'd definately go back to this hotel if back in Florence.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
thank you a lot , i m sure you loved our big showers ! :)

10/10 Excellent

Renee E, South San Francisco, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great family of four adventure with adult children
Hotel Ester is a gem! 2 min walk to Florence SMN Station. Staff is GREAT - (I think the Manager's name is Marcos) - Manager made you feel safe; both the lady and manager made feel welcomed and at home. The lady did our Laundry for 3 euros per load (very helpful after a week on the road), but you dry the clothes yourself in the room. Great find is Alinerie's Cafe ( I think that's the name, but the manager will let you know). Everything was walkable. Another great find is 'Dark Rome tours'! Paulo was full of info on our walking tour that you would not know walking around yourself or by podcast. Family of 4 with 20-Ish children. Another place is Trattoria Nella. Close to shopping, too.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
grazie !

8/10 Good

Sharon Z, sacramento

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location for your money
It is locatwd within wallking distance from the train terminal and downtown shopping, restaurants and sighseeing. The only thing missingnis the free breakfast buffet most hotels offer.
Response from Marco on 11 Mar 2016
Hello Sharon , thank you very much for your nice review , for breakfast, we do not have common space enough for that kinf of service , we do give different option , 1.Room Service , 2 Coffe place under the Hotel prepaid .3 breakfast in the little Hotel Bar corner .

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and clean room, convenient location, helpful and friendly staff. The only scary thing is the lift, which is expected in the old revamped building in Europe.
Response from Marco on 14 May 2016
thank you very much ! i would really like to change the elevator , isnt in my power, anyway i really think thats just " different " not scary after a little...;)

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Only a block from the station. All of Florence is walkable, but it was perfect for us. Rooms are a little outdated and lifts are tiny, but Vladka at the concierge was a great help! We felt very comfortable throughout our stay.
Response from Marco on 11 Mar 2016
Thank you Jane for your veru nice review for us ! i do agree vlatka is a wonderful Host . I have to say 99% of our rooms and bathrooms have just been renovated , not the same for elevators and buinding , thats out of our power , still all functioning .