We really enjoyed staying at the Universo. Both the room and the bathroom were generously spacious. The furnishings are plain but useful. The airconditioning was a welcome relief from the summer heat in Florence. We especially liked the tub/shower combination. Most hotels we've stayed at in Europe don't really seem to get the concept of a shower very well. This one is by far the most generously proportioned. The hotel staff is exceedingly friendly and there are restaurants right next to thw hotwl. The Universo is close to thw train station and right next to Santa Maria Novella church and square. it's also within walking distance from the Duomo, thwe Pitti Palace, the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Vecchio. The only reason we're not giving it 5 stars is because the chairs in the room are very uncomfortable if you sit in them for a long time and the shower curtain keeps letting water leak onto the bathroom floor. Hower, for the price it's well worth staying here. read more