We are with a teenager in Florence for a couple of days- not our first trip. Given the likely heat, we are hoping for a hotel with a pool and shady garden, but not one that requires a car or a long bus ride into either Florence or Siena. We'd stay in town if what we wanted was available. Plan is to see art, admire architecture, and shop, all without rushing, with late afternoons by the pool. Perhaps a day trip or even an overnight by bus to Siena as well. Any recommendations where to base ourselves? We are the kind of family that loathes modern architecture and favors old buildings with character, history, and charm, which is one reason we go to Italy. Alas, neither are we the kind of family that can afford $1000 a night.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I haven't stayed here but this place is close to the Train Station in Siena. http://www.villascacciapensieri.it/ And close to the city center. Shouldn't be that much of a cab ride into town. Might even be walk able. Best to contact them directly.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3301 posts
If it is swimming pools you want, it is hard to beat this agriturismo just outside Siena (about 5 kilometers).
http://www.mulinodiquercegrossa.it
The pools (6 of them) are wonderful and the buildings are old. We stayed there with our two daughters for 140€ a night. You would need a car or get to and from there but it would be well worth it.
Or for a garden, Hotel Castri in Florence has one but it is not shady. Nor did the air-con work when we were there.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
There are very few hotels with a pool in Florence city center. Those few are very expensive ($500 and up). There are others outside the city center, but not sure if they'd work for you, since you can't easily walk to the historical centers from those. You need a taxi or a bus.
Check the hotel Villa la vedetta, which has a nice pool with garden and is at walkable distance from the historical center. Not inexpensive either.
Otherwise do a search on tripadvisor specifying you need a pool.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
There are several agriturismos on the outskirts of Siena. My wife and daughter stayed at Agriturismo Marciano late last year. Very easy taxi rides from the train station to the Agriturismo. Not too expensive either. Very easy taxi rides to and from Siena from the Agriturismo. About 12-14Euro each way. Great restaurant onsite.