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Hotel / Area to Stay in Florence

Any suggestions for hotels in Florence? 25th Anniversary trip, first time in Italy. Staying in Florence several days in addition to other stops. Nice places for such a trip?

Posted by
15043 posts

Hundreds of choices and I bet most people here have their favorite hotel.
However you should be more specific. City Center area? Hills? and above all, what price range? I could suggest the Excelsior or the Villa Cora, but you may not like the bill when you check out. In the Euro 100-110 range I like the hotel "La Scaletta" on via Guicciardini in the Oltrarno, between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Their roof bar/restaurant has a 360 degree view that will cause your jaws to drop to the floor. They also have B&B type apartments. I like to go there even just for drinks. I'm sure others will have their favorites. I don't have a lot of experience of hotels in Florence since I generally stay with family, but I gave you the name of one I know.

Posted by
46 posts

As for area of Florence, I really don't know...suggestions??? As for cost, since it is our 25th, I want it to be nice (but not crazy nice). I am fine with 200 euro, plus or minus a few. I saw some places going for 300 and more...very nice, old world, but I think I'd get in trouble for that one. Also, any advice on good day trips from Florence. I am thinking a day (maybe an overnight) to the Cinque Terre? Maybe into the Tuscan towns? I really appreciate any guidance.

Posted by
1499 posts

In 2009 we stayed at the Hotel Bretagna in an historic building on the Arno near Ponta Trinita and about 5 min to Ponte Vecchio. You don't say when you're planning to go so it's hard to know what the price would be as it varies by season. We enjoyed our stay there and it is in walking distance to all major sights. You can check them out at booking.com and tripadvisor.com.

Posted by
15043 posts

Anyplace in the Centro Storico is close to the sites.
The hotel I gave you is in the Oltrarno (South of river). That area is a little cheaper. Prices in Florence for a 3 star hotel are in the 100-180 euro range for two people. If you want to stay under 100 euro, try with fewer stars. Your 200 euro budget is probably not sufficient for most 4 star hotels, however 3 star hotels are very nice.

Posted by
784 posts

Last year, while in Florence celebrating our 25th anniversary, we stayed at the 4*Hotel Monna Lisa. It should be in your price range. It was centrally located, our room was Florentine in decor but very comfortable, and the public areas were gorgeous, including the gardens (breakfast was served there, weather permitting). The only downside was the multitude of other loud English-speaking guests, especially during the breakfast hour. In the past, we stayed at a lovely B&B, Casa dei Tintori - we would have stayed there this last time, if they'd had a room available during our travel time. Less expensive, but the rooms were beautiful, and our hosts were helpful and gracious, and served a lovely breakfast.

Posted by
46 posts

Thanks for the replies. Marie, we looked into the Antica Torre. No availability during or trip. Looks like a cool place though. We decided on a place on the outskirts of town. I'll report back in late June!

Posted by
9462 posts

For day trips, I'd recommend one or two of the hill towns, not the Cinque Terre. I think that's a little far for a day trip.