I was finally able to find affordable accommodations in Florence for our family--an apartment located in the Piazza S. Croce near the Ponte Vecchio. The only other affordable option is staying at the Instito Gould (Rick's book)--which is a bit farther and about US $20 difference/nite. The apartment is all inclusive, and my communications with the owner seem reputable. Any suggestions?
Lynn,
My son and his wife spent 1 month in an apartment on Piazza S. Croce. Their bedroom window looked out onto the Piazza. It was perfectly safe. They loved it! The only thing was that on the weekends seems like the party started about 2:00 a.m. on the piazza and it was very noisy. So, if you look out onto the Piazza expect the noise......just accept it as part of the Florence experience....enjoy!
Have a great time in Florence!
Just to be certain and put your mind at ease cull the TripAdvisor website for any info and reviews on the apartment you've found. Make certain you have the phone #, address and printed copy of the confirmation with you when you arrive in Italy. If you are stopping somewhere else first, either call them or find a cyber cafe and email them to reconfirm your arrival time. Lastly, try Google Maps. Type in the address of the apartment and when it pops on on the screen click on the satellite button. If you do it correctly you'll get to see where you are located and how near the "main" sites you are. Enjoy. Bella Italia!
Piazza S. Croce is my FAVORITE place in Florence!!! enjoy.
Lynn if you are looking for a place to eat may I suggest the restaurant Il Ghibellini about a 5 minute walk from Piazza Santa Croce. Very friendly, casual and not overly expensive restaurant that has outside or inside seating. Serves over 50 different types of pizzas amongst other things and a pleasant atmosphere with very good food.
Your neighbors will be Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo. Have a great trip!