Hostel Review – Ostello Archi Rossi – Florence, Italy
| Ostello Archi Rossi Via Faenza 94r Florence, Italy +39 (0)55 290804 |
Overall Rating: 9 (10 Maximum) Bottom line: Fantastic, if you can get in. |
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What to Expect
Ostello Archi Rossi’s two outdoor patios and their well-stocked fridges. (Images stolen from the hostel’s website.)
Ostello Archi Rossi’s lively atmosphere and ‘free’ bonuses (Internet, breakfast) help make it popular, but as far as I’m concerned, this place is all about the patios. After a busy day of Renaissance art or sightseeing, lounging in the warm Tuscan air in Archi Rossi’s two outdoor patio areas (complete with gurgling fountain) made for memorable conversation on a nightly basis during my stay.
Until now, the running joke about Archi Rossi was “you’d love it, but there’s no way you’ll get a bed there.” They never accepted reservations and the only way to get a bed was to get in line early — they often fill by 8 a.m. For whatever reason — probably fervent demand — Archi Rossi now takes online bookings through their website. While this is immensely more convenient for many travelers, it’s a bit sad to see one of the last holdout ‘walk-ins-only’ hostels join the online reservation revolution.
There’s no hiding the price tag: starting at €21, Archi Rossi isn’t cheap. But in return, travelers gain access to quality accommodations and my favorite: the patios.
Quirks
- Archi Rossi’s perks include free breakfast (continental or egg) and free Internet access.
- Artwork covers many interior walls, ranging from painters’ homage to the classics — appropriate for Florence — to the obligatory marker graffiti zone.
- If sleep is a priority, request a bed away from the courtyard; quiet hours don’t kick in until 2 a.m. and the echoes are loud.
- If it’s raining and you miss bad American acting, there’s a big-screen tv in the dining room and dozens of movies sitting around.
- Laundry machines are new and inexpensive.
- Free lockers are in each room and luggage storage is available.
- The array of food and beverages for sale in the lobby is vast, including microwaveable meals, seemingly dozens of Fanta varieties and liter bottles of Heineken.
Directions
From the main train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella), exit left and walk straight, through a Vespa parking area and to a large street, Via Fiume at Piazza Della Stazione. Cross Via Fiume and walk straight along Via Nazionale. Turn left at Via Faenza. Walk for a few minutes. Ostello Archi Rossi is on your right. A map is provided; Google’s is also good.
Disclaimer & Call to Arms
Things change. These reviews are written based on the last personal visit to each hostel. Use this guide confidently, but at your own risk. If your experience was different, we would love to hear about it.
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