Hotel Ester in Florence

We stayed for two nights here on our tour of Italy and it was lovely. There is a small elevator, but a lot of stairs, so be prepared if you are planning to stay here. The rooms are quite small but comfortable and the air conditioning was great considering the heat. The central location meant we were able to wander around Florence easily, enjoying the city while also having a nice base to escape the crowds and the heat. Breakfast was lovely each morning, with pastries, meat and cheese, fresh fruit and juice. The coffee was lovely and the staff were all friendly and helpful. Thank you for a lovely stay—Grazie!

I recently stayed at Hotel Ester, and it turned out to be one of those stays that quietly elevates your entire Florence experience. The location alone is a dream: just a short stroll from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. In fact, from the small porch of my room, I could actually see the train tracks—an oddly charming reminder of how connected and convenient the area is.

What really stood out from the start was the staff. They were incredibly friendly, warm, and proactive. Before my arrival, they reached out to confirm my check-in time and thoughtfully sent clear, detailed instructions for accessing the hotel since I arrived after front office hours. That level of communication instantly made me feel at ease.

I booked a room with a small porch overlooking the city. It was cozy, but just spacious enough for us to step outside, breathe in the Florentine air, and enjoy the surrounding views. Inside, the room was spotless thanks to the lovely housekeeping staff—affectionately known as the “Nona’s.” Fresh towels were provided daily, and everything was consistently clean and well cared for.

The neighborhood is perfect for travelers who love food and local life. A Conad supermarket sits right across from the hotel, with another local grocery store just a short walk to the right. There are also plenty of excellent local eateries nearby. One highlight was grabbing Lampredotto just behind the hotel at Piazza Dell’Unita Italiana—a must-try Florentine street food experience.

Food lovers will also appreciate being only a five-minute walk from Mercato Centrale. Major landmarks like Basilica-Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore are easily reachable on foot. For Piazzale Michelangelo, a nearby bus stop makes things simple, or you can enjoy a scenic walk across Ponte Vecchio—ideally ending with gelato at the award-winning shop by the bridge.

Overall, Hotel Ester offers comfort, warmth, and an unbeatable location. It’s an excellent base for exploring Florence on foot, with just the right balance of local charm and practical convenience.

The hotel assigned a room on the top floor with stunning views of the cathedral and the city. However, the stairs to the top floor are steep and narrow, which might be inconvenient for those with large suitcases. The location is excellent, close to the train station and tourist attractions.

Good location good servise

Very convenient and close to the main train station. Walkable to all the attractions sights.

Friendly staff and a spacious, clean room. walking distance to the train station. Other than the wifi issue, everything was great.

The room was very spacious and comfortable. You can have breakfast in your room, so you can relax and enjoy it. Another thing I would recommend is that it is very conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk from the station.

The night shift guy was unfriend at all