Good choice, go for it

We booked the Diplomat after reading previous reviews, so we were fully aware there was no cocktail lounge or piano bar on the premises. I can understand the disappointment of people who chose the hotel based on such misleading information, but still we found the Diplomat a very good 3* modern hotel, perfectly located by the train station, and within walking distance to everywhere in the historic centre of Florence. We also found the area perfectly safe, if hardly Florence's prettiest. Even the hotel seemed rather shabby from the outside, but once inside the whole place looked like it had just been renovated, absolutely immaculate, simply but tastefully decorated all throughout.

Our room was at the back of the building, which we preferred to the noisy front. It was a decent size, with brand new mock period furniture, air con (not that we needed it in late November), minibar, safe, and tv with channels in Italian only though. The bathroom was also a decent size, very well appointed, with a bidet for the ladies, hair drier, and the usual free toiletries. The bathtub was somewhat small, but it doubled as a shower. No shower curtain though, so be prepared to wet the whole place if you are a shower-rather-than-bath type of person.

Buffet breakfast was good, served in a small restaurant on the top floor, consisting of bread, pastries, cereals, yoghurt, cheese, cold meats, fruit juice (rather watered down though), and chocolate, tea or coffee. The only real disappointment was the much-trumpeted-about view from the restaurant. We just did not find the rooftop of the train station and the rather uninspiring modern suburbs of northern Florence particularly picturesque.

Still, all in all we thought the Diplomat was a very good choice indeed, especially bearing in mind it was the cheapest 3* hotel in central Florence we found anywhere on the Internet (we booked through last minute the day before). We will definitely stay at this property again if we ever go back to Florence, which we surely will.

Room was big and bathroom was a wide open space

Among the 4 hotels we stayed in Italy, Diplomat Hotel had the most spacious room. The bathroom was huge with no shower or bathroom enclosure. Once we took a shower the entire bathroom was wet. Looking back I think they gave us a room for disabled people. The breakfast was okay. The hotel is located across from the train and bus station and is walking distance to the city proper. I would stay in this hotel again in the future.

Bare bones

My friend and I stayed at the Diplomat for 5 nights. While the hotel is very convenient for the train station, it is located in a seedy area where we were hesitant to walk at night (we were two women travelling together). The room was clean and fairly modern; however, the air conditioning is locked and monitored from the front desk, and is basically useless. If this is important to you, do not stay here. Our toilet ran (loudly!) for 4 of the 5 days, until one kind night desk man went up and fixed it for us. The others ignored our request. Breakfast was very nice, in a clean room overlooking the city. It appeared to us that much of the hotel's business comes from tour groups, changing out daily, so I think this left them with little time for concern about indivdual travelers.

Good hotel, good location

We stayed here one night in August 2005. This hotel is super convenient to the train station, and felt very safe. The room was spotlessly clean, fresh, good bed and linens, storage space, and airconditioning. We even had a patio off our room. The bathroom was also quite large, especially for Europe. Staff was very helpful, getting us reservations for David and holding our bags for us after checkout. They do serve breakfast, although it was not good; however, this should not deter you from this great value hotel. We would definitely stay here again.

Great location

This hotel was right in town, we loved it. Resturants, bars, Ponte Vecchio, churches, shops, Post office, all within walking distance. The rooms were tiny, but very clean. The breakfast room had a lovely view, where we enjoyed our pasteries, meats and cheeses. We were part of the Cosmos tour, so we were not expecting too much, we were very pleased with this hotel.

Best Value In Italy

The hotel Diplomat was the best value we found during our 3 week stay in Europe. It was very clean, quiet, & had great AC. It was located just across the street from the train station so it was easy to find, especially while carrying bags. Although this wasn't exactly the best location in Florence, it was easy to get to. The many attraction were about a 10 minute walk. During the hottest parts of the day it was a nice place to go & rest. It wasn't the greatest hotel we have seen, but it definatly had everything we wanted.

Great location for train travelers

The hotel is literally across the street for the train station, and this is not a negative in any way. Do not be worried about noise, as you can't hear the trains. Maybe some average traffic noise is the worst of it.

You can't beat the location though, especially if travelling by train. It was so easy to take daytrips to Pisa, Siena, Lucca- we just walked across the street, got our tickets, and got on our way- all in less than 20 minutes.

It is also an easy walk to restaurants and the major sites/museums. Maybe 20 minutes to the Accademia area?

I agree with the other poster that there is no piano bar or cocktail lounge. I believe they are partners with the 4star hotel next door, though, and they allow guests to share the amenities as well as the parking garage.

The breakfast on the top floor did offer great views over the city, but I never could get used to the breakfast food over there. Lots of juices and coffees to choose from.

The room was modern, obviously newly renovated, and quite spotless. The bathroom was the largest we saw in Italy. Everything seemed intentionally "Americanized", including providing appropriate electrical outlets. I could not have been happier with the hotel. The staff was kind, and more than willing to help me out with restaurant reservations and the like. Book with confidence.

Piano Bar?... Lounge???

The brochure of the Diplomat, available right there on its lobby, list a "Piano Bar" and a "Cocktail Lounge" among its amenities. But neither exists. I asked the personnel at the reception desk, and they told me - puzzled by my question - that there is no "piano Bar" nor a "Lounge"..... Interesting imagination of its marketing advisor!

I recommend Hotel Diplomat

The interior is much nicer than the exterior/lobby of this hotel. The location is great for train travellers - it's right across the street from the station. The rooms are lovely and modern with marble bathroom, towel warmer and new-looking furniture, bedding, carpet, etc. Our room even had a large balcony (not much use this cold winter). The breakfast room had a million dollar view of the Duomo. The breakfast of meat, cheese, hardboiled eggs, rolls, cereal and sweets was good - the only negative is the coffee machine/juice. The location is a bit far from the city center (20 min. walk). There are several good budget restaurants on Via Palazzuolo after a long day of touring.

Excellent Value

This hotel is great value. It is right across the road from the Santa Maria Novell Station and easy to access all the sites.

Breakfast is a buffet with lots of pastries and its on the 5th Floor of the hotel with views over the city. The hotel has just been renovated and is very clean and modern. Friendly staff, very clean. I shall certainly be staying there again on my next shopping expedition to florence.