Deciding on Florence Hotels

Hi Sue, from the town of one of my favorites, Iggy Pop! We stayed four nights at the Hotel Hermitage last year: http://www.hermitagehotel.com/. Cost $595 for four nights. Rooms weren't big, but I did not care. Nice place, nice rooftop area to have a drink and enjoy the view. Easy walking to most of Florence.

I recommend La Scaletta, if you want a Billion dollar view (from the restaurant/bar). I don't think rooms have necessarily a view, but the rest/bar does and it's reasonably priced.

I would highly recommend either Hotel Alessandra or Hotel Torre Guelfa. Personally, I would likely choose Hotel Alessandra because of the mother and son who own it. The rooms are nice and comfortable, views are fantastic, and there is nothing owner Andrea Gemarini won't do for you. You aren't visiting a hotel- you are adopted family and they will care for you as if you were a blood relation. You are very close to most attractions and can walk or take a short hop on public transport to get to them. We've lived in Florence and the Gemarinis are know for their characters and hospitality. You'll be near all the shops, groceries, and restaurants you could want. They can also get tickets and reservations for you and help you find anything you need.

We stayed at La Scaletta and it was wonderful. They have a live chat room and the staff there were delightful. They also have a Facebook page. We chatted for several months with Sylvia, Sarah, and Monica and they were so helpful. The ladies gave us a room with a view of Boboli Gardens. The hotel is just a block from Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti, and right across the river is the Uffizi and the heart of Florence. We easily walked to all of the famous sights. The staff ladies told us where they go to eat and get gelatto close to the hotel. As a solo traveler the staff will be a great help to you. Be sure and read "Inferno" by Dan Brown, centered in Florence and the Boboli Gardens before you go. In fact, we bought and gave to Sarah "Inferno" in Italian, from the bookstore two doors down from the hotel. You can see the marvelous roof top restaurant and bar on their website. they still send us emails from time to time. Tell them George and Elaine sent you if you book with them.

Thanks for the good input. They all sound good so I probably can't go wrong. I'm glad to know that there are such friendly owners at some of the properties. When you have never been to a city before, sometimes that makes all the difference in the world (especially when travelling solo).