My daughter and I are now in serious planning stages for our Europe trip! I can't decide between these two hotels for our four nights in Florence. Il Bargellino is closer to the train station...but could that mean noisy? No breakfast, does have wifi. Il Villino has a mini fridge, included good breakfast...but is a 15-20 minute walk from the train station so probably need taxi. Il Bargellino is 10 euro less per night. Has anybody on the forum stayed in either of these hotels? Any help would be appreciated. Grazi!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10595 posts
Yes, I stayed at Il Bargellino in September. It is not noisy from the train station, because it is not THAT close. They have a large patio that is accessible to all their guests, and some rooms open to the patio. The other rooms are street side. It is a small street, but could possibly be noisy. After reading reviews I requested a patio room. The patio was a nice place to hang out and chat with people, have a glass of wine, etc. Free wifi (it worked in the room and on the patio) was nice and I didn't care that they didn't have breakfast. There was a small fridge in the room and I think they have a microwave available to use. I never went into the space where that is. It is walkable to/from the train station and to everything else. Be sure to bring the directions Carmel provides. I left my folder with directions at home by accident so tried to find it by the map. We definitely took the long way around to get there, but no problem getting back to the train station. I'm not familiar with the other place, so maybe someone else can give you information about that.
Posted by
Boston
12 posts
We stayed in Il Villino in April 2008. It was a very nice place, breakfast was included, lovely owners. It is about 20 min walk to the train station, if I remember correctly. We never took the taxi, although spent all our 4 nights in Florence, no day trips, only used train to get from Venice and onto Rome. There is a bus from the train station but I don't remember the details where you have to get off to get to the hotel. Overall, it was on a quiet street, very safe area, walking distance to main attractions.
Posted by
Trussville, Al
187 posts
Myself & 3 other ladies stayed at Residenza Il Villino May 2010. We really enjoyed our 3 nights. Wonderful breakfast each morning, their son gave us great restaurant recommendations & the owners are just great. We had the quad room which was roomy but I never saw any of the other rooms. A very quiet & comfortable B&B. I would definately return.
Posted by
New York
1206 posts
To be honest I have not been to either hotel. But I have been to Florence 4 times and twice were for a week each. Florence is a lovely small city where you can walk every where you want to see the sights. I only needed to get to the train station when I arrived from Rome. You only need to go to the train station when you come into Florence or leave Florence. Stay at a place that is closer to the sights for the time you will be in the Florence. Florence is not as overwhelming as Rome and you are able to see everything on foot. Stay at the place you think you will enjoy staying at and take a taxi if need be to the station.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Dawnya, I agree completely with every word Ann, Staten Island says!
Posted by
OP
Nevada
39 posts
I decided on Il Villino. This was based upon email correspondence with both hotels and more careful research of the tripadvisor reviews. I think my daughter will be happier at Il Villino. Thanks everybody for your advice. Now, I have to decide on a place to stay in Rome. When I was there in 2006, we stayed at Hotel Aberdeen, so I may just go with that one.