we are heading to florence the end of june beginning of july - just started looking for where to stay - any suggestions - we are planning on getting a car so we can go to pisa and cinque de terra - I heard its best to stay out of the historic area - opinions?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Best not have a car in florence. U can rent a car or use train/ bus for your daytrips. Driving in florence is a nightmare with lots of traffic cameras. Knowing your budget would help for hotel options. Florence is quite expensive and usually very booked in summer.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
It's a bit late for finding accommodations in Florence at the end of June / beginning of July. I'd suggest checking the Italy guidebook to start with. You may have to take whatever you can find, regardless of price.
Having a rental car in Florence is not usually a good idea, as the city is just about locked-down tight with automated ZTL (limited traffic) cameras. Each time you pass one, a hefty fine will result. Many other towns including Pisa also have numerous ZTL areas, so you'll need to be extremely vigilant. Also note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. so you'll have to pack that as well.
You may find it interesting to read this recent Thread, which describes a somewhat typical experience for those that violate ZTL areas.....
There's really no point in having a car in the Cinque Terre, as you won't be able to drive in the towns. Also, parking is very limited in some cases (probably more so at that time of year) and the roads are narrow in some parts. If you plan on travelling there by car, your best bet is to park in the large car park near the station in La Spezia, and then take the local trains to the five towns.
There are also some potentially expensive "caveats" when using trains, buses and other public transit, so you'll need to be aware of those as well.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16243 posts
You don't need or even want a car while in Florence. Pisa and nearby Lucca, or the Cinque Terre are easily reached by train. A car is not usable at any of those locations as traffic is restricted to residents in those city centers and at the Cinque Terre villages. A car is useful to visit the smaller Tuscan villages and the countryside. If you are staying in Tuscany an extended period of time, after visiting the above locations where car is not needed, you could rent a car and find accommodations away from Florence. You can't have a car and stay in Florence, certainly not in the city center.
Although June and July is a busy period, however you should be able to find hotels in Florence in any price range. It may not be the particular one you have in mind, but you can definitely find something even the day before. Obviously the longer you wait, the fewer the options. Do a search on any search engine like Booking.com, or Venere.com. Try to stay in the historical center. From Piazza Della Repubblica draw a 1km radius circle. Any place inside the circle is good. You can use the www.maptools.com to draw circles on maps.
Try the Hotel La Scaletta if they have availability still. It's a good one. But there are many more.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
We have lived in Florence and never had a car! It is unpleasant having a car in Florence. The trains will get you anywhere you want to go without stress. The whole city is an historic area. No, I wouldn't avoid that at all. You need to reserve your room right away. Here are two possibilities:
(1) Villa Olmi Firenze MGallery Collection www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9025-villa-olmi-florence-mcgallery-collection/kndex.shtml
(2) Relais Hotel Centrale www.hotelcentralefirenze.it/en/
Posted by
United States
18 posts
My wife and I stayed at the "Florence Dream Domus" when we were in Florence in October, 2013. We were very pleased with it and the location was convenient to everything we wanted to see. We did not have a car. We took the train to Pisa for a day trip - very convenient.
Posted by
824 posts
Ditto on the comments WRT a car in Florence. You'll NEVER find parking and the historic center is a restricted zone (you'll be charged a fee just to drive).
I would stay in the historic center if you can still find a place. I stayed at the Hotel Monica - it's basic but clean and in a really good location for sightseeing. Try looking for apartments on Tripadvisor or one of the other holiday rental sites. A lot cheaper and more room to boot... Being within walking distance to everything is what you are looking for.
Pisa and Lucca are a short train ride away. Ride the train for a couple Euro and you don't need to worry about parking...
If you want to go to the Cinque Terra, ride the train to a close big station and then get a car. Or, take the train all the way...
Good luck.
Todd