Florence in January

Lucy - most hotels do offer breakfast as part of your room rate. Some will discount your room rate if do not have breakfast there.

Check out the Hotel Pendini in Florence. They include breakfast, are central, and have clean rooms. It is an old hotel and that is obvious. But the staff is great - and the do have a lift. small but functional.

In Italy, breakfast is sometimes available but not included in the rent. Expect to get breakfast on your own or pay the hotel about 5 Eu to eat in the hotel. I stayed at Hotel Enza in Florence in April; it was inexpensive, friendly and clean, and I paid about 5 EU for breakfast. It was about a 7-10 min walk to the major sights. Go to www.venere.com to check for hotels. Then see reviews in www.tripadvisor.com for comments from travelers. There are lots of hotels and B&Bs to choose from. Rick Steves' books have good suggestions.

We just got back from Italy. In Florence, we stayed at the Tourist House Ghiberti, which is a B&B about 2 blocks from the Duomo. I had never stayed at a B&B before and didn't know what to expect, but this place was great! Great location, great room and bathroom, nice people. Plus internet in your room!
They have about 5 rooms, plus a dining room and outside terrace. Breakfast was HUGE by Italian standards - meats, cheeses, croissants, sweet rolls, yougurt, cereals, cakes, fresh fruit, juices, capuccino, etc etc. You'd pay at least $7 euro each for a similar meal (if you could even find it).
The price was about $150 Euro for a double during high season if paying by credit card, 8% discount for paying with cash. Rates are probably less in January. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, go check it out. I want to go back!!

Check out Hotel Globus: v. good breakfast, perfect location.

Check this one:
http://www.tuscanweb.com/accommodation/firenze/old_florence_inn/

Thank-you for all your replies-Mission accomplished-got our rooms for Florence!
Lucy