Hi all, My husband and I will be in Florence for 2 nights in June, in between time in the CT and Rome. This is our first trip to Europe and hoping to have some insight from someone familiar with Florence. I am deciding between two options for our time there. Both seem to be good options for us, nice on the budget, and have availability for our dates. Hotel Dali and this vrbo... http://www.vrbo.com/371984 Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on these options. Looking on a map of Florence it seems like they are both in walking distance of major sights. Would you recommend one option over the other?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16230 posts
In terms of location, the studio is a little further from the sights whereas the hotel is right in the middle of everything.
However the studio is not that far either. In less than 15 min walk you can be in Piazza Signoria. Both are quiet areas, the studio even more so. Two high school friends of mine used to live right there next to the studio. It's a nice area and walking distance from a very popular outdoor bar and river beach. In the end it's a decision that you have to base on whether you want to stay at a regular hotel, or at an independent apartment on your own. I suppose the studio has no maid service and you have to make your own bed and clean your own bathroom.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I think two nights is not long enough to bother with an apartment. It takes longer to "check in" and "check out" usually electricity is extra, the meter has to be read, cleaning fees, etc. I rent apts all the time in Europe and my guideline is if it's 5 or more days an apartment is less expensive and worth the time; but for two days a hotel just makes more sense. Quick in/out.
Posted by
London, UK
68 posts
hi, i prefer self catering as i enjoy the space of a flat compared to a one room hotel. have a look at Nextaway as they do self catering flats in florence and i know that electricity is included in the price and there isnt a final cleaning fee with any of the apartments.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I'll check out Nextaway, but I stand by my advice that 2 nights is not enough to bother with an apartment. I, too, enjoy the space and breathing room of an apartment, and the freedom to cook or have meals in, but with two days, I don't want to waste it on the lengthy check-ins. And I'm not going to mess around with groceries, etc. I've found that takes a lot of time, with keys, showing how to use the power, and all of the things related to an apartment are just not worth it for a short stay.
Posted by
Houston, TX
87 posts
We loved Hotel Dali, simple and friendly. Would suggest getting a room on the courtyard side with bath in room. Reasonably priced.