🇮🇹 Florence, Italy
Relais Accademia
📍 Via Ricasoli, 50122 Firenze, Italia, Via Ricasoli, 50122
Photo: official website
Your stay — Relais Accademia
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Florence.
The Property — Relais Accademia
Relais Accademia is a charming, family-run 3-star hotel in the heart of Florence, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The lobby's antique furniture and terracotta-tiled floors evoke a sense of classic Italian elegance. This hotel suits budget-conscious travellers and couples seeking a authentic local experience, as its proximity to the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery makes it an ideal base for art enthusiasts. The hotel's small size and friendly staff create a homely feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a more laid-back stay in Florence.
Chronicles of Florence
Florence was founded in 59 BC by the Romans, who named it 'Flumen Florentia' (Dedicated to Mars) due to the Arno River's importance. The city's strategic location on the river made it a key hub for trade and commerce, leading to the rise of the Medici family and their patronage of the arts in the 14th century. The city's iconic Duomo, a terracotta-tiled cathedral complex, was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took nearly 170 years to complete. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, with artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli shaping the city's cultural identity. Today, Florence remains a city of stunning architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving arts scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Florence guide →Best months
The best time to visit Florence is in September and October, when the summer crowds have dissipated and the weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F). Alternatively, April and May offer mild spring weather and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Florence, with the city hosting the Estate Fiorentina festival, a month-long celebration of music, dance, and theatre. Hotel prices increase significantly during this period, with prices up to 30% higher than the rest of the year. The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are particularly busy, with long queues and limited availability.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Florence is from November to March, when prices are significantly lower, with budget-friendly deals and discounts available. The weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) in January to 12°C (54°F) in March.
Weather & packing
Florence is known for its microclimate, where the temperature can drop significantly at night, even in the summer months. Pack layers for your stay, including a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Live City Briefing — Florence
- The city's new tramline, the T2, has been extended to the Oltrarno district, making it easier to explore the city's lesser-known neighbourhoods.
- The Uffizi Gallery has introduced a new timed-entry system to reduce queues and improve visitor experience.
- The city's historic centre is now 100% pedestrianised, making it a more pleasant and accessible experience for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Relais Accademia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) to minimize noise from Via Ricasoli, a moderately busy street in Florence. Avoid rooms on the 1st floor as they may receive more foot traffic and noise from the street. Consider rooms with a city view, but be aware that the hotel's orientation may not offer a full unobstructed view of the city.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor due to potential street noise and foot traffic.
Best views
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a view of the city, although the orientation of the hotel may limit the view.
Quietest floors
Floors above the 3rd floor are likely to be quieter due to reduced street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Via Ricasoli is a moderately busy street, but the noise should be manageable with a room on a higher floor. Be aware of potential noise from the lift and 1st-floor foot traffic.
Insider tips
Request a room with a city view to make the most of your stay in Florence. Consider visiting the hotel's reception during off-peak hours to avoid long queues.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Relais Accademia
Free on all floors, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers in the lobby
14:00-22:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00, late check-out until 12:00 with €20 fee (€30 on weekends)
Limited availability, €5.00 per bag for up to 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair-friendly entrance, some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities
On-site parking available for €25.00 per night, nearest public car park: 'Q-Park Porta al Prato' (€28.00/day), no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3.00 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit + incidental card hold of €100 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Cappella dei Magi (544 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Cappella di San Luca (576 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Cappella dei Principi (631 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Compagnia di Sant'Antonio Abate (683 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
COIN — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Piazza della Vittoria — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Cenacolo Di Sant'Apollonia — 49 m · ~1 min walk
Teatro Niccolini — 733 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 25 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia Dott. BRIZIO MAZZEI — 54 m · ~1 min walk
Carrefour Express — 342 m · ~4 min walk
Firenze Santa Maria Novella — 935 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travellers can exchange money at banks, post offices, or currency exchange offices in the city centre. Be wary of poor rates at airports and tourist bureaux, as they tend to be less favourable. Some hotels and restaurants may also exchange currency, but rates might be even worse.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Florence, with many businesses also accepting contactless payments. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted in many places, but it's best to confirm with the merchant first.
Tipping in Italy is generally less than in the US, with 1-2 Euro per drink or 5-10% in restaurants considered sufficient. For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest Euro is sufficient, and hotel staff typically don't expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a bar for around 1-2 Euro, with a caffè espressso or cappuccino costing around 1.50-2.50 Euro.
A panino (sandwich) or pasta dish at a local trattoria can cost around 8-12 Euro, while a street food option like a supplì (fried risotto ball) costs around 2-4 Euro.
A budget-friendly dinner option can be found at a local osteria, with a main course costing around 15-20 Euro. Some pizzerias also offer affordable meals for around 10-15 Euro.
The Oltrarno neighbourhood has a high concentration of street food stalls and affordable eateries, while the Mercato Centrale offers a variety of food options at different price points.
Local supermarket chains like Conad and Carrefour have stores in the area, offering a range of products at competitive prices.
The Fortezza da Basso market offers affordable high-street and vintage clothing options, while the local Mercato Centrale also has a selection of affordable clothing and accessories.
A single ticket on public transport costs 1.50 Euro, while a day pass costs 12 Euro. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the bus (Vola in Bus) for around 6 Euro.
Buy a Firenze Card for free entry to many museums and attractions, saving around 30 Euro per person.Take advantage of happy hour offers at bars and cafes for discounted drinks and food.Consider purchasing a rechargeable public transport card (Carta Blu) for unlimited travel on buses and trams.
Good to know — Florence
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
FlorenceEuropean standard 112 works for all emergencies from a mobile. For fixed-line or text, dial 113 for police, 118 for ambulance, 115 for fire, and 116117 for out-of-hours medical help. Keep 112 set as a speed-dial in your phone.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Florence, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Relais Accademia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 25 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Dott. BRIZIO MAZZEI — 54 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Florence Airport (FLR) → Hotel David via Alamanni/Santo Spirito areas
💡 Newest eco-friendly tram system (opened 2019). Fast and cheap. Single journey €2, but get tourist passes to avoid repeat ticket purchases for hotel-to-attractions transit.
Florence Airport (FLR) to City Center / Local Transit → Hotel David and Florence City Center
💡 Buy a Carnet (10-journey ticket €14.50) or 48-hour tourist pass (€16.50) for all local buses. Airport coaches cheaper than taxi but slower with stops.
Florence Airport (FLR) → Hotel David, Florence
💡 Book pre-arranged transfers through your hotel to avoid inflated rates from unofficial taxis at airport rank. Expect traffic congestion during peak hours (8-10am, 5-7pm).
Florence Airport (FLR) Terminal 1 Train Station → Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, walking distance to Hotel David
💡 Most convenient and reliable option. Connect to local trams/buses from Santa Maria Novella. Hotel David is walkable (10 mins) from station in city center.
About Florence
Wikipedia ↗
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital and most populous city of the Italian region of Tuscany, with 361,625 inhabitants as of 2026. It is also the capital of the eponymous metropolitan province, which counts 988,494 inhabitants. Florence was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Relais Accademia?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) to minimize noise from Via Ricasoli, a moderately busy street in Florence. Avoid rooms on the 1st floor as they may receive more foot traffic and noise from the street. Consider rooms with a city view, but be aware that the hotel's orientation may not offer a full unobstructed view of the city.
Which rooms should I avoid at Relais Accademia?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor due to potential street noise and foot traffic.
Is Relais Accademia noisy?
Via Ricasoli is a moderately busy street, but the noise should be manageable with a room on a higher floor. Be aware of potential noise from the lift and 1st-floor foot traffic.
Which rooms have the best views at Relais Accademia?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a view of the city, although the orientation of the hotel may limit the view.
What are insider tips for staying at Relais Accademia?
Request a room with a city view to make the most of your stay in Florence. Consider visiting the hotel's reception during off-peak hours to avoid long queues.
What time is check-in at Relais Accademia?
Check-in at Relais Accademia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Relais Accademia have Wi-Fi?
Free on all floors, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Relais Accademia?
€3.00 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Relais Accademia?
A panino (sandwich) or pasta dish at a local trattoria can cost around 8-12 Euro, while a street food option like a supplì (fried risotto ball) costs around 2-4 Euro.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Relais Accademia?
A single ticket on public transport costs 1.50 Euro, while a day pass costs 12 Euro. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the bus (Vola in Bus) for around 6 Euro.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
The best time to visit Florence is in September and October, when the summer crowds have dissipated and the weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F). Alternatively, April and May offer mild spring weather and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Top Attractions in Florence
💡 Check the upstairs museum (€6) for the originals. The church itself is free and usually empty, so you can sit in peace - a rarity in central Florence.
💡 Skip the expensive upstairs pasta. Head to the ground floor's Nerbone for a €5 tripe sandwich or €4 bowl of lampredotto - a true Florentine lunch.
💡 Go just before sunset to see the city glow. Stay until the lights come on - it's far less crowded than during the day and the Duomo looks spectacular.
💡 Arrive at 5.15pm weekdays in summer to hear the monks sing Gregorian chant during vespers. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience, and free.
💡 Book ahead online (€6) - they limit visitors to 30 per 15-minute slot. If sold out, show up at opening and ask about returned tickets.