lodgings in Florence

We stayed at Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti. This is in Rick's guidebook and is east of the Duomo a couple of blocks. The hotel overlooks a piazza and is clean and well appointed.

Katti House is about 5 minutes from the train station it is a very nice family run hotel. It is in Rick's book. It is an amazing deal at 65 euros per night.

We also stayed at Hotel Loggiato dei Servit, in October. It was within walking distance of all the sights we wanted to see. The room we stayed in was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. We even had a live concert on the plaza one night outside our room! It was fun.

check out santasuassana.org--the american catholic church in Rome. We found a convent literall.y blocks form the bridge and muesums and about a 10 minute walk from the train staion.
The only "challlanges" were the room we were in was next to a couple passionaitally in lust, and you had to run the shower about 10 minutes before the hot water came on--but the price was right!
(by the way, the nuns will watch you closely!)

Forgot there was a super little resturant(menu in pencil and Itialian) at the corner of the square

I have stayed in 2 places near the train station in Firenza and can recommend both. The nicer place is Mario's Hotel on Via Faenza two streets from the station. I found it listed in frommer's and the Michelin Guide. We stayed there 2 years ago and we very pleased. The other place is Hotel Desiree on Via Fiume. The the ancient elevator is truly an antique. Both locations have websites and all of the amenities. A 10 minute walk gets you to the Mercato San Lorenzo and 5 miutes more takes you to the Piazza del Duomo.

Buon viaggio,

RB

we enjoyed the bellevue house.
good luck :):)