Best Western Vivahotel Laurus al Duomo - Florence

4.5

Great location, but the overall quality in not as good as other 4-star hotel in Italy! Shower area is really small and water drain too slow, my feet were covered by water all the time. Breakfast quality isn't that great as well, milk for cereal was in room temperature for those 3 breakfasts i had there. Room had smoke smell and some strange odor. Other 4-star hotels i stayed in Rome and Venice have much better overall quality.

8.6

The central location nearby the duomo is brilliant.

5.1

Hotel Vivahotel Laurus al Duomo was a great hotel in an EXCELLENT location. I don't have any complaints and would definitely stay there again. The breakfast was fine but not as good as some others I had in Europe.

9.5

The location of this hotel was our #1 consideration. We were traveling by train, and it was within easy walking distance to everything we wanted to see. The staff was very professional and helpful.

9.5

Excellent location for seeing all of the sites of Firenze. You can easily walk to everything with the exception of the Academy Art Gallery that houses the David. We were two couples traveling together and the cab ride from the hotel was very reasonable. I would recommend this hotel to anyone. The breakfast room was on the sixth floor which was no problem and the service was very good. Only complaint was the they didn't serve any eggs, but then we just like eggs in the morning.

8.3

Brilliant hotel, clean and modern, in a prime location.

4.8

Location great but service and friendliness of staff especially front desk Manager was severly lacking. The roof top terrace which was the only outdoor space was below standard in relation to outlook, comfort and service available. Also the outlook from our room which was superior accommodation was very disapointing with a small window overlooking the street.

10

This hotel was perfect. I proposed to my partner (she said yes) and the hotel team could not do enough for us! As I had already emailed the hotel in advance of my plan, upon arival, we were upgraded to a gorgeous room with it's owm terrace overlooking Florence. The reception team and waiting staff were exceptionally welcoming, warm and helpful. The bar man arranged a table on the roof terrace for us and bought complimentory 'nibbles' along with the champagne. After proposing and the champagne he gave us a complimentory drink! The breakfast staff all knew that we had got engaged the previous evening and xwere very kind in the morning. The hotel room was eceptional for the price with a stunning view. Very modern room facilities with a high standard of cleanliness. Very quiet, great air con and beautiful flooring. Location. Very good. 5 minute walk from the train station and main square Staff. The above speaks for itself. They are delightful! I have stayed in many 5 star hotels throughout the world and pound for pound (this being 4 star) this is by far the best. This hotel and Florence is now special to us and we will be returning again to the Vivahotel Laurus Dumo. Thank you to all the kind and professional staff at the Vivahotel Laurus al Duomo! David and Carla Nottingham England Stayed 28.08.08

8.7

Agosto 2008. Hemos estado en una habitacion doble con vistas, y merece la pena pagar por ello. El hotel esta fenomenal, es un 4 estrellas! Todo muy limpio. Fenomenalmente situado al lado de la estacion y la plaza del Duomo, se puede ir andando a todos sitios. El desayuno en la terraza es maravilloso.Espero volver a Florencia porque es una ciudad con encanto y repetire en este hotel.

8.1

It was very heavy to find road on the car.

10

Excellent hotel in a perfect location - highly recommend to all thinking of staying here. (We stayed on 6th floor and it was very quiet).

9.2

We really enjoyed this hotel. Especially the young man working at the bar gave us the best service ever in Italy. Location, cleanlines, decor, price, service,and breakfast were all considered making this one of the best hotels in Florence. If you have a car do take advantage of their expensive parking 32 euro because driving and parking is impossible in this area.

8.8

First class hotel. Friendly helpful professional staff. Brand new bathroom. Comfortable beds. Huge choices for the included breakfast.

9.3

This hotel was in an excellent location and my husband and I had a wonderful two night in Florence. I would highly recommend a visit.Lovely view from the roof garden of the Duomo, great breakfast and pleasant staff. Within walking distance of everywhere.

9.2

We stayed at the Laurus in mid February. We were very pleased with all aspects of the hotel and would highly recommend it.

10

This hotel was perfect for us--good location, lovely room and the frosting on the cake, the lovely terrace with great views of the Duomo, and the surrounding areas. Available at breakfast in the am, and as a bar later in the day and evening, it made a great place perfect!

8.6

excellent value for money and the best location possible.

8.9

Conveniently located in a great city. Most of the staff was quite helpful, with the exception of one woman. We were interested in booking some day tours. She booked one and told us that any other on that day would be time prohibitive. Since we only had a limited amount of time, once we thoroughly looked at the times, we realized that was not the case. When we asked another employee to sign us up for this tour, it was already full, however, the tour company had us come to the meeting spot and there were some cancellations, which allowed us to participate. I would think the hotel employee could have prevented this. Aside from that it was fine. Claudio, the bartender at the rooftop lounge was also very helpful and interesting.

7.7

Se dovete fare colazione preparatevi che vi chiederanno almeno 10 volte il numero della vostra stanza. Ma questa eccessiva premura non si rispecchierà nell'altrettanto zelo al livello di servizio. Infatti vi può capitare di non avere il piatto o la posata, e che nessuno vi chieda se volete un cappuccino o caffè. Dopo avervi tormentato con la domanda sul numero della vostra stanza si metteranno nell'angolo più lontano possibile della sala colazione e vi guarderanno in cagnesco. Se volete essere serviti meglio dovete, forse, mangiare molti cibi nel pomeriggio, appena arrivati in hotel, nel bar adiacente, gestito sempre dalle stesse scorbutiche persone che vi serviranno a colazione, che guarda caso saranno molto più disponibili nel loro bar che non nella sala colazione. Le persone alla reception sono al contrario molto competenti e disponibili.

8.9

I booked a room here for one night in preparation for a two-week stay with an Italian family during language study. My room was in the back of the hotel and completely quiet, in stark contrast to the front of the hotel, which faces the very busy, noisy and crowded street. The Duomo is literally right down the street and visible when you exit the hotel's front door. They made an excellent recommendation for dinner, Cipollo Rosso, within very short walking distance. Fabulously clean bathroom, quiet, dark room for sleeping and a very helpful staff. A bit pricey, but overall worth it.

7.5

The only problem with this room, which was on the fifth floor, was that it was right below the dining room where they serve breakfast in the morning and then keep it open at night as a bar. The floor is either marble tile or hardwood (I forget) but we could hear every step and every table move early in the morning or late at night. Otherwise, great location, very clean hotel.

6.9

Nice hotel. Slightly more three star than four. Small room but clean and utilitarian. Lovely bar / roof terrace slightly spoilt by the fact that the waiter is only present for about 5 mins in every 30! But well located for getting around. Reception was tatty and staff were brusque - aren't all Italian Hotel reception staff?! Checkout was comical - printer had broken down!

9.1

Brlliant location. Fantastic roof terras for breakfast and evening drink. No reliable opening hours for this terrace though! Food for breakfast and nibble for the evening drinks of superb quality. Friendly staff. Reception staff can differ in friendliness and service. Rooms absolutely perfect. Mini-bar could hold better selection. Views from rooftop room as well as from a lower floor very pleasant, And no noice from the streets thanks to the double glazing plus outside extra window sheeld. If visiting Firenze again, we would stay in this hotel, certainly. Within walking distance from railway station to all major Italian cities and only a short and cheap taxi drive from airport. Firenze has only one negative aspect: the beggars and streat merchants with illegal fakes of handbags and sunglasses. The beggars are very aggressive and do not hesitate to hold your arm or shout at you. The merchants of fake fashion are friendly, but clearly illegal as they pack their stuff in handy folded cartons or bedlinen, every time the police drives by (and does nothing).

10

The hotel was very nice. Our room in particular was on the top floor which I would highly suggest. There are only 4 rooms on this floor which I think keeps it more quiet. The hotel happy hour was great. We stopped by each night for a glass of wine and some light appetizers and had a great view of the Duomo from the terrace. The hotel was in walking distance to everything, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizzi, Academia. Our room had been updated with wood floors and marble baths and a big tub. I would definitely stay here again and also recommend it to anyone visiting Florence. The staff in the restaurant was very helpful and genuinely nice.

9.1

I did not know this was a Best Western hotel. I was trying to stay away from "American" hotel chains, but was surprised. It did not feel like a chain.

8.3

I was told that there was no possibility to leave my car but the hotel had an agreement with a garage: I found absolutely too expensive the price asked to park my car (€ 36 per night).

9.1

The hotel was in a perfect place to enjoy Florence. Easy walk to everything and many restaurants close by. The breakfast room was wonderful and the food very good. A quality experience

9.0

Helpful staff. Breakfast on the terrace is a great way to start the day. Convenient location.

8.2

The Hotel was very well located near to the Duomo and most sites. The Terrace breakfast area was pleasant, but breakfast spread not too well provided. Best service was the free internet service from the bed rooms, so do not forget to bring your connection cable. TV programes in English was limited to news and religious programes. Will definitely recommend this Hotel..overall rating for our 5 rooms...8.5

8.3

This was a great hotel with a perfect location. It is with in walking distance to just about everything!

10

We stayed at the Laurus for 6 nights and saw a lot of Florence. After looking at OLD buildings all day and evening it was great to come "home" to a sparkling new room. Renovated last year, this was nicer than most hotels in the U.S.; really. It was central enough that we could go back to the room during the day to rest or freshen up. Request a room on the street so you can see the neighborhood; we could see the Duomo from our room. The breakfast room & terrace were great. Can't say enough good about the Laurus.

10

Fantastic location next to the Duomo. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking it is excellent and abundant. Hotel sent me excellent directions on how to drive into the center of Florence without getting lost (don't know how I did it!). Only improvement would be to let one know on the web site how much parking cost each night (36 E).

10

This hotel is actually a best western (although not stated anywhere). Normally, I would have never stayed at this hotel had I know it was a Best Western (I usually stay at Marriotts), but i am sure glad I did. This was one of the nicest hotels I stayed at on my vacation. (Trying to save money and plan a European vacation don't go hand in hand). This hotel it was VERY clean. The rooms are all newly rennovated- new pergo floors and nice bathrooms (all marble). The rooms had flat plasma TVs(2 in the larger room). The hotel is in a GREAT SAFE location. You are LITERALLY less than a 5 min STROLL from the DUOMO (one of the biggest attractions in Florence). It's also only about a 5-8 minute WALK to the train station (it's great, if you want to save some cab fare). Good shopping is also within 5 minutes. I enjoyed my stay at the Laurus. If you like a quality hotels like a Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton, then you won't be disappointed and will save a few dollors.

9.7

great hotel, great location, great staff - our room was very clean and wonderful for a family.

9.3

A fantastic hotel! The staff were really friendly and could not do enough for you. The view from the hotel breakfast terrace was outstanding. The hotel could not be better positioned; we couldn't believe how close were were to the Duomo square! Absolutely wonderful - would return without a doubt!

9.5

excellent location, very clean and newly renovated

7.9

The staff was unfriendly.

10

This is a PERFECT location!!! It's close to everything. The staff was very pleasant and the room was very comfortable. We would recommend this hotel.

8.2

In general, the room was clean and the bed was large and comfortable. The "view" that came with the Room-with-a-View meant leaning out the window to your waist and turning right. But this is a small complaint, as I cannot fault the location of the hotel and the relative quietness of the room. The roof-top terrace (even in February) was a great place to have breakfast. Would recommend highly for a weekend stay.

8.8

excelente situación, las habitaciones muy buenas, recien remodeladas, aunque algo pequeñas(menos que la mayoria de los hoteles italianos)muy buena relacion calidad precio (si es el de venere).En conjunto, muy recomendable.

8.4

very pleasant hotel, very good breakfast excellent location

8.8

The redecorated rooms were beautiful and well appointed. They were having a problem with condensation of the windows due to the extreme cold... water from the windows would be damaging their beautiful wood flooring. The staff were pleasant and helpful. We would return.

8.8

Thank you, Venere for this follow up. Laurus Hotel was a comfortable and pleasant hotel, clean and quiet in an excellent location. Upon arrival we found that someone had already been in the room we were assigned. We walked "on him" which was a not so pleasant opening experience, but the front desk was responsive and made up for this by upgrading us to a deluxe room. This happened to be excellent, since not only the Supreme room is much more spacious, but also faces the back (with roof tops nice views) which made the stay quiet and serene as quiet in a big city could be. Rooms are very clean and linen are fresh every day. Staff is not very friendly and English is not their strenght. They had no control over the heating/AC system which in a transitional season like October didn't help. Computer service at public area is very costly, although the PC itself is stationed in a very public spot (just across from front desk) with no privacy, quiet nor a comfortable desk/chair. Otherwise,in over all it was a positive experience and Venere was a very friendly and trust worthy service... we will certainly use both again. Thank you!!!

9.9

Highly recommended. A great hotel perfectly situated in the heart of florence. Service was excellent. Would stay there again.

9.9

Everything was terrific; location is perfect for a visit to Florence.

8.4

location was excellent, close to station and shops as well as the sights of Florence. The hotel was immaculate, very clean. We were disappointed that internet was not complimentary - we paid internet cafe prices to use the net, and breakfast was very ordinary.

9.9

I loved this hotel. The rooms were clean, modern and very well designed. After coming from an older hotel in Venice this was a nice change. The street is a little busy but the double windows make it completely quiet. The staff was very professional and helpful. Breakfast on the rooftop patio was very good. The variety was great- even scrambled eggs. The location is perfect. We walked everywhere within minutes. The train station is about a 5 min. walk away. Take the underground passage to avoid traffic.

8.2

Excellent location and tastefully refurbished room. Double glazing meant the room was quiet. Breakfast was fresh and offered a variety and tea and coffee making facilities in the room on request – at no charge - was great. The only negative was the responsiveness of the reception staff. With the exception of one woman (the only one we saw on reception) who was terrific, the others were curt and unhelpful.

9.7

Immaculate boutique hotel in a perfect location, easy walk to everything. Staff was very helpful, housekeeping superb. Standard room was a bit small but who spent their time in the room? Beds were excellent. Not for people who demand room service but for us, great

10

I could not have been more satisfied with my accomodations, price, and service. More than anything, I was very pleased with the service.

5.9

Our welcoming to the hotel was less than cheerful, the lady at the desk had an attitude and tried to charge us three times the rate for our last night and also, tried to get me to sign without reading the details. After a call to the booking agency, it was revealed that there was a computer glitch and we paid the same rate for each night. The lady at the desk could not be bothered to look into it and I had to call myself. The room was clean and small but the cost of storing the car was prohibitive- 35 euro a night- garages are much cheaper if you find your own- there are plenty in hte neighborhood.

8.9

A great hotel for the money. Feels much like a 4-star. Only a 5 minute walk to the train...and a 2 minute walk to the Duomo. Views from the rooftop terrace are great but not incredible. Overall a great place to stay in an excellent location to see the old city. I recommend highly.

8.9

The hotel rooms are really comfortable, the location is really central right in front of the Duomo and 5 minute walking distance from the Florence main train station

9.7

Our room at the Laurus was just what we had hoped for . . . it was cool, relatively spacious, and very clean. The service from everyone at the hotel was outstanding!! The breakfast was also excellent! I would definitely recommend the Laurus to friends!

9.5

On my trip, I stayed in 4 hotels in 4 different cities in Italy and France and this was, hands down, the best of the hotels.

9.5

The situation is perfect to visit all the principal monuments of the city, is near by the Duomo. The hotel is really clean and quiet and the relation price-quality is excellent. We enjoy a lot and we recomend this hotel to everybody.

9.0

Great hotel and great location. We were very pleased with the accommodations. Would definitely stay there again!! Thanks!

9.7

I was very pleased with this hotel. The price for the location was tremendous.

9.2

The Laurus is a beautiful new hotel, walking distance from the train station and to the Duomo. Our room on the 6th floor was spacious with a nice balcony. The breakfast room (also on the 6th floor) was very nice, with outdoor seating and a view of the city, and offered capuccino as well as american coffee. The front desk was helpful in getting dinner reservations. We would definetely recommend the Laurus.

9.9

We were so happy with our stay at the Laurus. Being recently remodeled, the hotel is very nice, clean and with modern amenities. Much nicer than the 4-star hotel we stayed at in Rome which was quite a bit more expensive. The Laurus is in the heart of Florence, within walking distance of everything. Although it is on a busy street, the remodeling of the hotel included double windows which almost entirely blocked out the street noise when closed. When opened, we could experience the flavor of the street life below. The staff at the Laurus were extremely accomodating, friendly and helpful and the hotel was cleaner that I would ever have imagined. The room in which we stayed was not very large, but not uncomfortable for my husband and I. My daughter lives in Florence and this was our first visit, but when we go back, we will definitely stay at the Laurus!

7.0

THE HOTEL IS VERY CENTRALLY LOCATED NEAR THE DUOMO, HOWEVER, THE PRICE V/S. QUALITY LACKS - THE PRICES ARE 5 STAR BUT THE QUALITY IS A CUT ABOVE 3 STAR

8.3

The place is virtually adjacent to the famous Duomo but there is no view of it from the “rooms with view”. To see the architectonic wonder, one has to climb to the veranda of the roof-located dining room which is definitely worthwhile to say the least. NO ACCESS BY CAR TO THE HOTEL, PERIOD!! The valet-parking garage the hotel has a deal with is 10 minutes away by foot and quite expensive (€50 for 2 nights).

8.2

Overall, a great stay. The desk staff could have been a little nicer, but fortunately, we didn't have much interaction with them.

8.0

Hotel is well located in the centre of Florence and easy to find from the railway station, it is central to most of the museums and other sites in the town. Room was a good size and clean.

9.3

In summary I was 100% pleased with my stay in Laurus. If you want a reasonable price (€130) in a central location, spotlessly clean and newly refurbished then Laurus is the place for you. The rooms were soundproffed and free of noise. Personally when on Holiday I tend to spend as little time as possible in the hotel, using it as a base to explore the city, so the limited facilities didn't bother me. If you are the sort of person who likes to hang around the hotel then perhaps Laurus isn't the place for you. I would recommend it to people who wish to eat and drink elsewhere, which I would highly recommend.

9.1

The hotel was completely remodeled within the last year with a spacious room and modern and large bathroom. I requested a balcony at booking and was given an private patio without asking again at check-in.

8.4

Laurus is situated superbly close to Duomo, good shops and midway between all main sightseeing sites. The concierge was helpful in recommending restaurants, and helping us book concerts and opera. Hotel bathroom excellent, room alos; we asked for and got second chair. Asked for tea maker, got it late, the supply of milk and teabags not renewed. Clean linen and towels every day, courteous staff. Breakfast had good variety of rolls and cake, nice fresh fruit, tinned compoted daily, but scrambled eggs invariably overcooked, cold and tough and bacon too fatty. Second cups of cappucino etc provided willingly. We would stay at Laurus again.

6.0

Good hotel with nice, clean rooms in an outstanding location. Breakfast is not very good and beds are rock hard. Overall price for quality not as good as in other places.

9.9

The hotel is nice, clean and proffesional, and we had a very pleasent stay. The staff was also very helpful when we wished to rent a car. The only thing we would have wished different, was that the roof terrasse should have been open for the guests longer than to 23.00 It closed too early, compared to dinnertime and when we were back at the hotel. It was very cosy there, but a bit too expensive in the bar. But nevertheless, we had an exellent stay! A great hotel!

8.1

The only thing that I didn't like is that the website did not indicate this was a Best Western. We have a Best Western premiere status and we could have checked for a better rate if we had not gone through venere.com. I would appreciate it in the future that you indicate whether or not a hotel is with a national/international hotel chain.

8.1

Ask for a room with a balcony and you will have a view of the Duomo. The breakfast was excellent and so was the location of the hotel once we found it. The holet is a one minute walk from the Duomo, right in the heart of Florence with great shopping all around. The air conditioning could have been a little colder but it was in the middle of a big heat wave so it was probably good enough. The location makes all the difference and the price was very reasonable. We would stay again.

7.8

A great central location in Florence. The friendly staff made up for simple decor and lobby. Rooms are quiet with sound-proof windows. The only down-side with our room was the small bathroom. A good value.

4.9

Location was excellent. The rooms were very small for the price

9.5

Excellent and helpful staff. Smallish rooms, but fine for purpose. Excellent location near but not at rail station, and with everything else close at hand. No real room service, but not a problem as lots of other options at hand. Most pleasant visit, and would go there again.

8.4

The hotel is spotless and could not be in a more convenient location--in sight of the Duomo and easy walking distance of most major attractions. Rooms were comfortable and very quiet, even though the streets below were teeming with people. The breakfast served each morning was healthy, of good variety, plentiful, and attractively presented; the cappucino was outstanding. The wait staff was courteous and efficient. The public areas will seem like standard motel decor to Americans, not the luxury associated with a 3 star property. There is bar service, but no restaurant and no washcloths are provided in the rooms. The hairdryer was substandard and a plug converter shorted out the fuse for the room. It would be helpful for the desk to have the needed converters on hand as a courtesy, like the coffee makers they provide. Additionally, a list of good restaurants (not the tourist ones) and directions would be very helpful. I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

10

Located right next to Duomo, Laurus was an awesome place to be located in Florence. The room was great, the balcony worth every penny we spent. We look forward to coming back to Florence and staying at Laurus again. The staff were very friendly and accommodating.

7.5

The location of the hotel within the city is excellent. The staff are very courtious and helpful, especially when trying to trace lost luggage. The overall stay was comfortable and pleasant, although I felt my particular room was rather on the small and dark side.

8.2

This hotel was in an excellent location and central to the main tourist area and the rail station. The staff were courteous and helpful at all times. My room was comfortable and clean. My one complaint would be that the plumbing was very noisy, and next door's shower/toilet/tv were audible from my room. Overall I wouls thoroughly recommended staying at the Laurus.

5.2

Laurus was listed as a 4 star hotel, however I would consider the accommodations 3 star at best. There was nothing special or outstanding about the hotel. It was far too expensive for the accomodations and service we received. Some complaints: There was no way to control the heat in the room, even though we turned it all the way off. It was below freezing outside and we had to open our windows to try and cool the room down. We were either way too hot, or way too cold. We did not get much sleep. Also, the way the shower was set up, it flooded the bathroom when we used it. There was no way to prevent this. Finally, they piped some kind of perfume into the bathroom that stunk up the entire room. The only way to lessen the smell was to keep the bathroom door shut at all times. On a positive note, their breakfast was very good.

8.8

It has a wonderful location close to the Duomo, Accademia and train station. The only problem we had was that our air wouldn't come on and it took us 2 days to get the staff to fix it (which took about 1 minute when they get around to it).

9.2

I can recommend the hotel following my recent six nights stay. Its central location is excellant for tourism purposes and the price for such a location, I suggest, is competitive.