Il Sorriso

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Il Sorriso? It’s tucked away on Viale Milton in a way that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t figured out yet. I mean, you’re still right in Santa Maria Novella – honestly, you can walk to the train station in about eight minutes – but there’s this residential calm that’s pretty rare in Florence. The building itself has that understated Florentine elegance, nothing flashy, just solid and welcoming in a way that made me think “okay, someone here actually cares about hospitality.”

The staff genuinely seems to enjoy their work, which… well, if you’ve stayed in enough European hotels, you know that’s not always a given. They’ll tell you things like which gelato place on Via Nazionale closes latest (crucial information, trust me) or that the little market on the corner stocks decent wine if you want to picnic in the nearby Fortezza da Basso park. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid four-star – clean, comfortable beds, decent shower pressure, and windows that actually keep the street noise out. Nothing groundbreaking, but everything works properly, and honestly, that’s more valuable than you might think when you’re dealing with older European buildings. The breakfast situation is pretty solid too – they do this ricotta and honey thing that I kept going back for, plus proper coffee that doesn’t taste like it’s been sitting around since dawn.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – the location gives you options. Sure, you’re close enough to hit the Duomo and Uffizi without breaking a sweat, but you’re also positioned perfectly for the stuff that makes Florence actually livable. There’s this little trattoria called Il Latini about a ten-minute walk away that locals actually go to, and if you head toward Via Faenza, you’ll find the kind of neighborhood spots where you can grab a proper panino without paying tourist prices. The Santa Maria Novella pharmacy – the historic one, not just the train station – is practically around the corner, and if you’re into that sort of thing, it’s worth a visit just for the beautiful old bottles and the rose water that’s apparently been made the same way for centuries. I stayed there in late spring, and the area was busy but not overwhelming – I imagine summer gets pretty intense, but the hotel itself felt like a good refuge from the crowds. The 8.6 rating makes sense to me; it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Florence, but it delivers on the things that actually matter when you’re exploring a city like this.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $135. Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $137. Double Room with Extra Bed with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $137. Standard Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $146. Double Room with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $148. Double Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $156. Superior Double Room with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Fabienne from France – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  It's a very nice place, quiet, very clean, very well decorated, near a tram stop to the airport (5 mn by foot).
  Angelica is very welcoming and Lucia very smiling .
  I recommend this place !
  
  What could be improved: Nothing ! All was perfect !!

• Exceptional – Karen from Ireland – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel was lovely.It was clean and comfortable.The staff were lovely and friendly
  
  What could be improved: They need a little fridge in the room.It was so hot and we had nowhere to keep water cool

• A very pleasant stay – John from United Kingdom – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  Ideal location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really, although a small fridge in the room would be good.

• Just far enough away from the crowds. We walked 50km in 3 days! – Diane from United Kingdom – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  Size of room and attention from staff was great. Comfy big bed. Away from crowds.
  
  What could be improved: Coffee machine would have been welcomed. Main road was quite busy through the night. Otherwise all good.

• Will return to stay here. – Sakshi from Australia – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  Angela was great. Super helpful about how to get around etc.
  
  What could be improved: nothing.

• The whole stay was definitely up to our satisfaction! Angelica is the best! – Kisha from United States – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  The property is very close enough to the main attraction yet also far enough from touristy spots and noise. The property is so clean and Angelica is very accommodating to us!
  
  What could be improved: You can definitely hear the city noise such as cars and buses very easily. However it’s nothing you cant really ignore or put a little white noise to blur it all out.

• Very good – Bivas from United Kingdom – 24 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location was good, close to tram stop. Easy checkin , the staff was nice.
  
  What could be improved: It will be good to have a kettle and some coffee tea in the room may be.

• Exceptional – Tracey from United States – 15 May 2025 (10/10)

  Loved the terrace and being able to sit outside and have our breakfast. Our view of the Orthodox church was beautiful and hearing the bells amazing! It was just far enough away from the craziness of the tourist area but still super walkable.

• Comfy and convenient with helpful staff – Isaac from United States – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great value for the price! The girl working the desk was super helpful and kind! We were able to check-in a little early and also leave our bags after checkout for a little bit. Terrace was nice and I wish we had had time to use it more! Easy 15 minute walk from the tourist stuff which made it far enough out to not feel like you were constantly in all the hassle.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing 🙂

• We enjoyed the stay. – Gudelio from United States – 9 April 2025 (10/10)

  Friendly staff, cozy room, and close to train station, only two stops in the tram.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities