Hello. I have Rick's Italy 2009 book and have been reading it extensively to prepare for a rather last minute trip, but I am struggling over hotel selection. The visit will be in late March. I've been reading Trip Advisor and read quite a bit on this site as well. The reason I'm having trouble is that there seem to be varying opinions on whether the hotel is good for older travelers or those with disabilities. We need a central location with not too many stairs. A few are okay, but the fewer the better. We like Rick's criteria, but definitely lean toward the mid-scale rather than budget. Private bath is a must. 100-150 euros is the ideal range. Please help me narrow down as I have to rely on those who have been there to know about the steps.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Residenza Il Villino. We stayed there before it was included in Rick's book. Great place, clean, affordable, EXCELLENT hosts and no steps on the ground floor rooms.
Posted by
OP
Pensacola, FL
3 posts
Thank you, Tim, for your fast reply! I have sent my information to the Residenza Il Villino to see if they have availability. Another B&B that I see on trip advisor that is central and gets high reviews is the Tourist House Ghiberti. Anyone know if that one has many steps? Also, the Hotel Il Perseo? These locations all look central.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We liked Hotel/B&B Johlea that we found in a Karen Brown Guide. Stayed there in 2004 for around 100 euros per night. It is well located just a few blocks from the Academia. It is located in an old building that houses a few offices also. There are just a few steps to enter the building and then you take elevator up. We had a spacious ensuite room that was nicely furnished. There were a few steps to the library and roof top terrace area. This hotel is very secure and quiet at night. Would stay there again which may be as soon as late May. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
We stayed at Residenza Giotto. Private room with bath was 140 euros in October high season. Probably less in March. This bed and breakfast also has a very safe elevator albeit small. Some people have complained that it is hard to find, but it is actually very easy. In the same piazza as the Duomo. Find the Gucci store. When you stand facing it, the door to the bed and breakfast is the very large door to the right. The breakfast included is a very light continental style breakfast. They also have a beautiful terrace that overlooks the Duomo. Very centrally located for everything that you will want to see in Florence and lots of shops and restaurants in the immediate area and nearby.
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
We always stay at the Hotel Dali near the Duomo. They have a lift so the steps are no problem. Good sized rooms (huge by Italian standards LOL) and they do have rooms with private baths. Delightful hosts Marco and Samanta will make you feel at home.