I am bringing my 16-year-old granddaughter with me for a week on the Cinque Terre, but flying into Florence for a couple of nights pre-and-post hiking. This will be her first exposure to Europe, and I would love to find a place for our first night that is not hugely expensive - I would hope for $150 range?? - but more importantly really is a place with the flavor and charm of Italy. Not interested in glitz and amenities, just style and charm. - and maybe small views?? (Can walk up stairs!) Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
3240 posts
We loved the Hotel Alessandra in 2014 - not sure if it's in your budget though.
I have friends who highly recommend the Hotel Monna Lisa.
http://www.hotelalessandra.com/?fbclid=IwAR1pjwbbnhuKEjHsq1-3ITG4PuAwBbtlr4lKkeGepmZkTJ3r1uk588zB99k
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23240 posts
You probably will get better response if you post your question in the Destination Q & A section under Italy. This section is for giving review of properties in Italy. Not everyone will see it.
Posted by
11130 posts
Hotel J & J Historic House is a restored monastery, lots of charm and atmosphere.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16178 posts
I would recommend the family-run B and B Casa dei Tintori, in the “dyers district” near the river, just a bit upriver from the Ponte Vecchio. It is an easy walk to the Duomo area on mostly pedestrianized streets.
http://www.casadeitintori.it/en/
The Indigo room can be set up as a twin=bedded room, and at 120 euros a night is within your budget. For a bit more (150 euros), the Green Room will offer you more space and a bit of privacy for each. We had this room with our daughters and it was very comfortable. The bathroom is quite large.
The historic building has been nicely renovated and has lots of charm but is not fancy.
There is an excellent local restaurant (menu only in Italian) just up the street. The owners and waitstaff were very friendly. I will try to remember the name . . . Something like Fagioli (beans) although they specialize in meatballs.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16178 posts
it is “Del Fagioli”, a Tuscan trattoria. They have no website; we reserved by stopping by the day before to ask for a reservation. Here is a review:
http://www.elizabethminchilli.com/2011/10/ristorante-del-fagioli-florence/
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1819 posts
A few years ago I stayed at Hotel Torre Guelfa near the Ponte Vecchio with my daughter in a twin bedded room. It is a little more than your $150 range, but it has such charm and character. Our favorite part was the small seating area at the top of the tower where you could have a drink brought to you while you had a 360 degree view of Florence.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2394 posts
We enjoyed staying at the Casa per Ferie Suore Oblate dell’Assunzione Borgo Pinti - a nun operated guest house. Our cab driver said it was the best location in Florence. Very near the Duomo. Nice room, good price, twin beds.
No need to be Roman Catholic or even Christian. I can’t imagine that I would ever stay elsewhere. Info and booking at www.monasterystays.com
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6487 posts
I liked the Hotel Silla on the south bank of the Arno, a short walk across the bridge to Santa Croce. It's next to a park, has a nice terrace, and close to various eating options. The breakfasts were excellent. It's up a flight of stairs, but there's an elevator too.
Posted by
30 posts
We loved Hotel Orto de Medici Charming hotel (with free popsicles)on a quiet street with a lovely garden and great breakfast Also walking distance to the main sites.
Posted by
616 posts
When are you going? Price may change a lot between low and high season.
Also you should decide whether you prefer a hotel, b&b or a small apartment.
Going from there, go on booking com or vrbo or Airbnb website and check their reviews.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Have a look at Villa Bonelli in Fiesole, just above Florence. It is a pretty 15 minute ride on the No. 7 bus. The Villa and the the owners are charming. The dining room overlooks the city of Florence and you can see the Duomo..