Hotel Cristina

We had a family reunion based at this lovely bed and breakfast. It was perfect. It had a private pool in the back which we all enjoyed. Francesco, the head of the villa, was available when we checked in to get us sorted. The staff are not there at all times, but they allow guests to utilize the kitchen and all appliances which worked out perfectly for us as we tended to enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the terrace before heading into town. The town was a short walk from the villa, about 5 minutes. There were plenty of restaurants and shops. They even had a music festival one of the weekend nights which we enjoyed. I had no issues with the wifi, it worked perfectly. Great stay, only about a half hour from Siena so a great base for Tuscany as well.

We was there one year ago. Doors was closed and we had to wait about 30 min. We don't knew that somebody will come and open it. We wasn't sure - is it real entry to this hotel. Door is not only for hotel, but is for whole house where living another people. Hotel inside is poor. Corridors are tight. Reception is muddle like stopgap. Often noone is in reception. They gave us keys to this common door and room door. Room is poor, stony floor, old windows, potty light.

If you want to be in the center of everything, you will be at Cristina. However that also brings noise all night long -- something I have never experienced in another city -- people screaming and singing and doing all they can to be loud until dawn. I booked a double shared bath. When I arrived they informed me double shared baths were in their property across the street. OK, not far. But on the 3rd floor. These annex rooms are in a converted apartment -- it has 3-4 double rooms. The kitchen was nice to have. However, unlike other rooms in places like this, the Cristina annex was really bare bones. No hangers in the room. Not even a hook to hang the towel from. The bed was fine. It was very clean, and the maids were great. Clean linens daily. I liked all the staff. It was good for the price, but it would be better if people knew they were staying across the street, and it would be great if they added towel racks and hangers in the rooms. The only thing they can do about the noise would be to replace the windows, and I assume that isn't going to happen for this price. Also, I think it would be very very hot in the summer to be on the 3rd floor of this building -- they need to provide fans for summer (perhaps they do). Breakfast was served in the main "hotel"/hostel, so you had to cross the street. It is a breakfast of cereals, yogurt, packaged rolls and nutella/jams. Juice, coffee, tea. All said, I had a great time in Florence and Cristina was fine, but I won't stay there again. I didn't sleep well because of the noise, which is nothing against the hotel itself.