JOIVY Together Florence Urban Resort

So I stumbled upon JOIVY Together Florence Urban Resort on Via Livenza, and honestly? It’s one of those places that surprises you in the best way. The name’s a bit of a mouthful – I mean, what exactly is an “urban resort” anyway? – but once you’re there, it actually makes sense. It’s tucked away in this quieter residential area that feels refreshingly removed from the tourist chaos around the Duomo, yet you’re still close enough to walk everywhere that matters.

The thing that struck me first was how they’ve managed to create this modern, almost minimalist vibe while still feeling warm and lived-in. The lobby has this clean, contemporary design with lots of natural light filtering through these huge windows, and there’s always this faint scent of fresh coffee lingering around – turns out they take their morning spread pretty seriously. The staff genuinely seems to know their stuff about the city, not just the usual scripted recommendations. When I asked about getting to Oltrarno without dealing with crowds, the guy at reception immediately suggested this back route through Via de’ Serragli that I never would’ve found on my own.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it feels like they’ve thought about what travelers actually need. The rooms are spacious by Florence standards – and trust me, that’s saying something in a city where most hotels squeeze you into spaces barely wider than the bed. Everything’s thoughtfully designed with plenty of outlets (finally!), blackout curtains that actually work, and this fantastic rain shower that’s perfect after a long day of walking on cobblestones. The air conditioning is solid too, which you’ll appreciate if you’re visiting during those sweltering July afternoons when the city feels like an oven.

The neighborhood itself is honestly one of my favorite discoveries. You’re on the edge of Campo di Marte, so there’s this nice mix of local life and accessibility – actual Florentines going about their day, little corner bars where you can grab a proper cappuccino without paying tourist prices, and that wonderful morning market on Via Livenza where vendors still remember your face after a few visits. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the historic center, which sounds far but is actually perfect – close enough to pop back for a midday break, far enough to escape the crowds and inflated prices.

Parking can be a bit tricky if you’re driving (though honestly, why would you want to drive in Florence?), but the tram stop is practically around the corner, and the buses run frequently into the center. I particularly loved how quiet it gets in the evenings – you can actually open your windows without being serenaded by street performers and tour groups until 2 AM. The whole area has this authentic, residential feel that makes you feel less like a tourist and more like you’re getting a glimpse of how locals actually live. With an 8.6 rating, it’s clearly doing something right, and after staying there, I can see why people keep coming back.