During a recent solo journey from the rolling hills of Tuscany all
the way up to the canals of Venice, I made a half-day stop in
Florence to catch the train up north. Due to the brief nature of my
stay, I needed a hotel close to the station that was practical and
fast. For me, that was Joy Hotel, located just a block or two from
Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station (and a few quick steps
from the bus).
The hotel, though seemingly crammed into its location on Via degli
Orti Oricellari, served as the perfect launch pad for riding Trenitalia.
Its design is reminiscent of home: particularly evoking modern-
matte finishes like you see with a lot of posh Brooklyn/Manhattan
properties. And its library/bar (yes, they're both in the same room)
was ideal for some morning reading and coffee just after their
breakfast hours.
Fast, cost-effective, and ironically chic, Joy Hotel features tight
rooms but a warm, hip staff with a great knowledge of the city (all
of whom speak English). A quick stay here will not be anything like
staying at The Ritz-Carlton. But if you're in search of a quick one-
night stay before exploring the rest of Italia, the property makes for
an easy transition—especially if you're planning to travel by railway.
—MICHAEL SCIVOLI, EDITOR
JOY HOTEL
Florence, Italy
V U E N J . C O M
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