Staying in Florence

That's a fairly broad question. If you have a check through Rick Steves' Florence or Italy guidebooks, or a good alternative, you will find dozens of well researched and graded places in various places, in various price brackets, with various levels of amenities. If you have checked there and have questions about particular places or areas please ask specifics. You might find more closely researched information than asking a few volunteers for their personal opinions. Happy planning.

This past March, we stayed at the Hotel dei Macchiaiolli (www.hoteldeimacchiaioli.com). It was in a great location (near the Accademia), was very reasonably priced, clean, quiet, comfortable, served an excellent breakfast, and had a very friendly and very helpful staff. I highly recommend this beautiful hotel, which 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.

Last March, we stayed at the Hotel Axial (www.hotelaxial.it). It was located near the duomo and was within easy walking distance of all the major sites. Very quiet and good breakfast, too!