Althea Rooms

Althea Rooms is a simple, budget guesthouse that gets loads of positive reviews due to the owners, Antonio and Maura, who are genuine and helpful and always available when needed. Probably best suited for the young and easygoing traveler, the rooms are a mix -- some cheerier than others -- but all with private ensuite bathroom, portable A/C, TV, phone, fridge, mini-safe and computer with internet (as well as WiFi). One room has a shower that's located in a closet, and bathroom just outside the room, but in a private corridor. Althea is made up of two apartments, one that has a nicer entrance than the other, but if you can ignore the tight squeeze from the apartment door to some of the rooms, they are certainly clean and quiet once you reach them.

It's located on the south side of the Arno river in a neighborhood called "Oltrarno" which is famous for its streets lined with traditional artisan workshops (of mosaic, wood carving, and ceramics, for example), antique dealers, and art galleries. It is steps away from the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and a quick walk, perhaps 5-10 minutes, to the famous Ponte Vecchio which leads into the historic center of Florence. Its location makes it easy and quick to get around Florence by foot or bus, yet it is just outside the traditional center of the city so its streets are a little quieter and more tranquil.