The Villa Camerata - budget accommodation in Florence
If you feel like enjoying the Renaissance architecture and art of Florence, but want to keep your finances within budget, then you could enjoy the experience of staying at the Florence Hostelling International Hostel. Housed in the elegant seventeenth century Villa Camerata, with broad, majestic stairways, the hostel has a large dining room, a lounge with internet access and a bar where everyone gathers in the evening to drink beer and chat. The hostel lays on a very good evening meal at very reasonable cost, of a pasta course followed by a main course of meat and vegetables.
Set in its own grounds, the hostel also has a campsite, for those who prefer to be under canvas. This is probably best for the summer though, as the Florentine winters can actually be quite cold.
The hostel is a short bus ride from Florence city centre, and perhaps the main drawback is the fact that it is located a long walk up a lonely road, which is fine by day, but perhaps not so great at night.
The hostel is a little strict, and not so up-to-date as more northern European hostels. We booked online, reserving one room for our mixed party, but on arrival our group was firmly segregated into single sex dorms. We weren’t too bothered about this, it was just that it would have been more convenient to be together.
If you love cats you will love this hostel – there are loads of furry felines happily wandering in and out of the villa.
The wonderful villa provides an excellent way to see Florence, while at the same time staying in a real old Florentine residence.
