Hotels in Florence

I have little experience of hotels in Florence since I'm from there and stayed at home. Based on location alone I would consider only Europa, Morandi and Orto de MedicI. They seem nice and they are in quiet streets. Europa is closer to the sights, but not by much, maybe 10 min walk. A little busier too. I wouldn't consider the others. They are either in streets heavily trafficked by buses or on via Guelfa, which is quiet, but farthest from the sights.

Not familiar with those you mentioned, but I highly recommend Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti. Excellent room, service and breakfast, but what makes it perfect is the location. My lady and I walked to all of the major sites from this hotel. We are both in our late sixties and do not exercise as a matter of routine.

Agree that Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti is in a great location and a very nice hotel. It is listed in Rick's guidebook as 160-170 euros for a double. For a little less money, the Hotel Accademia is a good choice. It is near everything and a double is listed as 145 euros. You can also check Booking.com for prices and availability.

In March 2011, we stayed at the Hotel dei Macchiaiolli (www.hoteldeimacchiaioli.com). It was in a great location (near the Accademia; easy walk to the Duomo, Uffizi, etc.), was very reasonably priced, clean, quiet, comfortable, served an excellent breakfast, and had a very friendly and very helpful staff. The hotel is located on the second floor of a 'palace' and has several public rooms (including the breakfast room) with frescoed ceilings; it is listed in Rick's Florence and Tuscany book.

Thanks to you all... Had checked all the hotel sites from Rick's book,,, Just could not decide.. So now I have narrowed it down to the Hotel Loggiata Dei Serviti , the Accademia or the Hotel dei Macchiaiolli.. Can't wait!

We stayed at Il Bargellino two years ago. It was a decent price, an easy walk from the train station, but also easy to walk into the city center. They do not serve breakfast. I requested a room in the back, off the patio available to all the guests. I think it would have been noisier on the street side. One perk we didn't find anywhere else besides apartments in Italy, there was a small in-room refrigerator. It was nice for chilling my wine.

I find the Rick Steves' guide book for Florence and Tuscany really useful; but I don't always stick to it. In one place we arrived down at breakfast only to find everyone (and I mean everyone) reading from the same guide! We found a lovely little place in Florence right in the center of things www.relais-tiffany-firenze.com The owner, Julia, had such a wealth of knowledge about the city and was heaps of help throughout our stay. Another one to add to your list worth considering!