A new hostel has opened its doors in Florence, offering affordable accommodations with modern tech-driven amenities. a&o Firenze Campo di Marte, located near the city’s historic center, is the second a&o Hostels property in Italy and also the 42nd in Europe.
The 119-room hostel, a 30-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo and 10 minutes from the Asics Firenze Marathon stadium, features 466 beds. The newly renovated building includes a spacious, light-filled lobby, an outdoor terrace and AI-generated wall panels.
The renovation of the former administration building preserved its 1960s facade at the request of city officials. Sustainability features include water-cooled air-conditioning, a rooftop photovoltaic and solar thermal system and energy-efficient upgrades.
The hostel integrates several tech-forward features, including:
- Seven self-check-in terminals available in 13 languages
- Industrial robots cleaning hallways and common areas 24/7
- Mobile key access via the a&o app
- E-charging stations and 40 parking spaces
- Centrally controlled digital convection oven for meal service
The property is located near Campo di Marte train station with connections to Santa Maria Novella every 15 minutes. a&o Firenze Campo di Marte is expected to attract budget-conscious travelers, school groups and families.
a&o Hostels plans to offer discounts for off-peak travel periods.
“Florence is a versatile city full of character with a year-round appeal. We want to make visiting Florence affordable, so after an extensive renovation, a&o Firenze Campo di Marte is opening its doors to give high-value accommodation to visitors from around the world,” said Oliver Winter, founder and CEO of a&o Hostels. “Whether it’s a city trip, stopover or workation, the city inspires. With its range of art and culture, Florence is a superb destination.”
The launch comes as a&o Hostels prepares for its 25th anniversary this year, with plans to invest more than €500 million in expansion and sustainability projects across Europe.