Florence Hotels

Hotel Alba Palace got great reviews from a family member who stayed there in the past. We're headed to Italy tonight and have made reservations for this hotel in Florence.
http://www.hotelalbafirenze.it/

You may wish to consider looking at tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews in Florence. People rate the hotels with such observations in mind - such as access issues that may be needed for your mother. I stayed several years ago at a beautiful hotel that was across the river overlooking the city - but that may not be what you want since it took a shuttle to get downtown and back.

We stayed at hotel Balcony. It is just down the street from the Duomo and the train station. Clean, safe and wonderful friendly staff.

Family run hotel, in centre of Florence, need to be book far in advance.

Hope it helps.

http://www.regency-hotel.com/en/12/luxury_florence_hotels_-_rooms_suites.aspx

5 Star according to Conde naste and if you look at the Conde Naste Traveler mag and click on the concierge site you'll find a whole list of Florence hotels.

http://www.loggiatodeiservitihotel.it/ This one is recommended by a friend.

We stayed at the Adler Cavalieri which was very nice.

Located near the train station & had a Great breakfast.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d281838-Reviews-Adler_Cavalieri-Florence_Tuscany.html

Hotel Pendini sounds like what you are talking about. It is in an excellent location, has the largest rooms by far that we stayed, has free internet and a wonderful, free breakfast buffet with lots of choices, not just pastries. They also have a very nice sitting area.

It is located between the Accademia and Uffizi, a few steps off the main piazza, and just a few blocks from the Duomo and Baptistry.

You might think about renting an apartment. It's nice to have your own kitchen and a living room to relax in. We found apartments to be cheaper than hotels. Plus it was nice to have a washer. Be aware though, that most apartment building do not have elevators. So inquire what floor the apartment is on. We had 65 stairs to the 4th floor in Florence.

we stayed at the hotel maxim about 1/2 block from the duomo..the rooms were large and the rates were good..the breakfast was also nice...I loved the location as you could go anywhere..free internet too

You might look at the website for Tourist House Ghiberti. The building and the B & B are charming, while the rooms and bathrooms are wonderfully updated. Elevator in the building takes you to the 2nd floor where the B & B is located, if you don't want to walk the stairs. Located a block and one half from the duomo. We loved it. Check tripadvisor.com reviews, and here is the website:
www.touristhouseghiberti.com

Just stayed at B&B Il Residenza Villini in June. A wonderful, quaint, comfortable place with large rooms, bathrooms, a quiet beautiful courtyard, wonderful owner/hosts. Breakfast is included which was quite plentiful- yogurt, cereal, croissant, meat, cheese, fresh juice, made to order coffee/cappucino/espresso. 130 euros per night. A/C and free internet included.

Liz: We stayed at the Residenza Il Villino in June and I happily recommend it to you. It was 140 euros per night and worth every penny (euro!). Charming, large room, private bath, substantial breakfast, meticoulously clean. And Sergio, Elizabeth and Lorenzo were wonderful hosts. They are husband, wife and son. Friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic about their city. Go to www.tripadvisor.com for photos and reviews. It's also recommended in Rick's guide.