In a golden 15th-century villa framed by extensive grounds, not far from hilltop Fiesole, HI-affiliated Villa Camerata is among Italy's most beautiful hostels (and oh so quintessentially Tuscan!). 'Dorms', both mixed or separate male and female, max out at four beds, and there are single/double/triple rooms for guests seeking more privacy. Non-HI-cardholders pay €2 extra per night.
Bus 17 from Stazione di Santa Maria Novella stops 400m from the hostel; count on 30 minutes travel time. The hostel closes for a few days in January.