any advice on these florence/siena hotels?

Posted by sue (ny) on 09/04/07 06:18 AM

hi, i'm starting to plan our trip to florence and siena and just booked our hotels. has anyone stayed at the torre guelfa in florence? and if so, has anyone stayed on the rooms on the "first floor?" we were given a room on the first floor but i'm not exactly sure what this means. I've read some of the reviews on this website and others but not many of them refer to the rooms on the first floor.

also, has anyone stayed at the locandi di san martino in siena?

any comments would be greatly appreciated!!

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

09/04/07 08:06 AM

23626 posts

First floor in Europe is what US calls second floor. You are not ground level.

Posted by steve

gaston, oregon, usa

09/04/07 08:50 AM

842 posts

Have you read the reviews on " Booking.com" on the San Martino?
http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/locanda-di-san-martino.en.html

Also check out the reviews on Trip advisor for the Tore Guelfa.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d235981-Reviews-Torre_Guelfa_Hotel-Florence_Tuscany.html

Posted by sue OP

09/04/07 10:44 AM

5 posts

Thanks Steve - appreciate the links. I have actually read the reviews on both tripadvisor and booking.com. Just wanted to see if there were any additional comments particularly on the "first floor" rooms @Torre Guelfa.

Posted by matt

Philadelphia, PA, USA

09/04/07 01:39 PM

3 posts

I stayed at the Torre Guelfa last October. Fairly simple, but clean and well maintained rooms. Bathroom was huge and recently remodeled - something out of a 5 star hotel - all marble. Lots of character. Staff was great. Location is fantastic. Would highly recommend.

Posted by Ann

Boston, MA, United States

09/06/07 07:32 PM

2 posts

I stayed at the Torre Guelfa on two occassions. The first was when we were unable to book the hotel we wanted, and it was recommended. Naturally, we were apprehensive -- particulary when we entered the spooky doorway and got on the rustic elevator. (As with many Italian hotels, the Torre Guelfa occupies the top floors. So, by "first floor" it likely means the first of the floors occupied by the Torre Guelfa.) When we got off that elevator, it was another story . It was beautiful. The hotel had just opened (1995, I believe) and was looking for customers. The rooms were exquisite. The linens top-rate (which I REALLY care about) The breakfast room was in an open-air area and delightful. And in the evening, guests can go up to the tower (open by day to paying tourists) for an apertif and look out on all of Florence. Naturally, we stayed on 4 nights longer than planned. You've bungled into what I believe is the absolute BEST accommodation in Florence. And the only place we will stay!

Posted by Ann

Boston, MA, United States

09/06/07 07:43 PM

2 posts

I just noticed the following comment on another site, and want to paint a realistic picture for you. It is true. My sister was tormented by 1 or 2 mosquitos, which for some reason do not come near me. Also, you can hear the workers moving the hollow "push carts" over cobblestone in the morning. VERY LOUD! Just bring ear plugs. Honestly, these are very minor nuisances for such an ideal place to stay. Also, the staff gave superb recommendations for dinner, shopping, and sightseeing. Here is the posting I was referring to and I think it is a good one: The antithesis of a Holiday Inn - charm, character, uniqueness abound. The breathtaking full-circle view from the tower is worth the cost of a night's stay alone. Their recommendation for a restaurant was fantastic. The only blemish is no screens on the windows to block mosquitoes.