"Why book? Offering great facilities, a young vibe and a location that is in easy reach of the central sights, the well-priced Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) is not just for students. The rooftop pool and bar area is reason enough to book in the height of summer. Set the sceneOccupying an entire corner block on the ring road that circles the west of the city center, Florence’s Student Hotel burst onto the scene in 2018. The 19th-century building (20,000 square meters of ex-office space incorporating a spacious courtyard garden ) houses both long-term student accommodation and hotel rooms whose keen prices attract a real mix of savvy backpackers, older independent travelers, families, and hip young business folk. The bars and restaurants also attract locals who don’t want to battle with the traffic and parking problems in the centro storico. The facilities were designed with long-term student leases and co-working spaces in mind and not just tourists; there is a hairdresser, a bike repair shop with bikes for rent, a music store, and a smart concept store. The fabulous rooftop terrace with its view over the Florence skyline, pool, XL sun loungers and bar is a magnet for a cool crowd in the summer months. The backstoryThe Netherlands-based TSH group ‘where boutique hotel meets student dormitory’ was founded by Scottish CEO Charlie McGregor and now has 15 hotels in Europe including Bologna, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid and Paris; a new 500-room TSH is due to open in Florence in 2024. The idea was to create a series of co-living, co-working hybrids where students could be encouraged to mix with short-term guests in a lively, stimulating setting with exceptional facilities. The roomsThis place is huge although it doesn’t feel that way thanks to the clever design; 390 rooms are divided between fairly basic long-term student accommodation and hotel rooms which are available to book on a daily basis. Recalling higher-end student digs, rooms are functional, bright, and clean with fitted furniture, cork message boards, and bright textiles. Room service is very reasonable and there are kettles, Nespresso machines, and fridges. Food and drink The rooftop bar is a prime spot for drinks and snacks; choose from a menu of 14 signature cocktails and Italian tapas-style snacks and sharing plates (tartare, platters of local cheeses, charcuterie, and the like). The ground floor bistro-style restaurant offers breakfast plus an all-day menu that covers all the bases; pasta dishes, panini, club sandwiches, and a choice of healthy bowls. The neighborhood/area To the northwest of the city center, this is an area of imposing 19th century palazzi (mostly converted into business premises), swirling traffic, and few residents, but it’s only two tram stops from Santa Maria Novella train station from where there is easy access to everything you will want to see and do. The service Cool and kind. You can either check in virtually or at a conventional desk with a human. The young, smiley staff are on hand to help guests find their way around the city and the regularly changing program of events includes yoga classes, crash courses in how to be a DJ, art exhibitions, and live music. For familiesTSH is a good choice for families traveling on a budget; the self-catering apartment sleeping four is the best value solution although there are lots of interconnecting rooms. The large courtyard garden is a plus. Accessibility There are 10 adapted rooms; the hotel is fully accessibleAnything left to mention? The Student Hotels are all cash free, so don’t forget your plastic." - Nicky Swallow
