Diana

My husband, myself, and 12 year old son are traveling to Italy for the first time in June for 3 weeks. Trying not to spend a fortune. We have reservations at Hotel Dali in Florence. It was recommended on the Eurocheapo.com site. Trust opinions on this chat. Does anyone know anything about this hotel? Thanks for your replies.

Jennie

Topping<BR><BR>Hi Diana:<BR><BR>This hotel is on top of my shortlist for Florence when I go to Europe next year. I'm interested in any replies also.<BR><BR>Jennie

Sonia

Hi Diana<BR><BR>My boyfriend and I stayed here in June, as we were trying to have a cheap trip too. The hotel is clean and very near to the Duomo, but you have to get a small lift up to it as it's on the first floor of the building. Marco is very charming and helpful though. The rooms do not have air conditioning so we had to open our window at night. At the front of the hotel there is a bar which stays open late and we found to be a bit noisy.<BR><BR>At the end of the day is was cheap, convenient, friendly and in a great location. Maybe you could try getting a room at the rear of the hotel to try and cut down on noise.<BR><BR>Hope this helps<BR><BR>Sonia

Mia

I thought you were going to say that the desk clerk has both eyes one side of her face, and that the maid has a fish on a plate balanced on her head.

Mia

Oops, wrong artist. How about all of the clocks in the place were melting?

Diana

Thanks, Sonia, for the information. I was wondering, since the hotel has no AC. Were you hot or uncomfortable without it? Also wondering where/what you ate for breakfast since they don't serve breakfast. I understand that this is not a big meal for the Italians.

Diana

Sorry, one more question. Were there many mosquitoes?

Sonia

Hi Diana<BR><BR>Were asked reception for a fan, which they have plenty of. It waqs quite warm (as it was June) but it was tollerable. The hotel provide you with mosquito plugs to go in the electricity sockets which we used just as a precaution. We didn't see any flies though.<BR><BR>For breakfast we usually went to one of the cafe's near the Duomo. Very nice cappacinos and croissants and good for people watching.<BR><BR>If you have anymore questions, do let me know..<BR><BR>Sonia

Ann

Diana, Have no fear for breakfast. To me, it's not big deal for a hotel to offer breakfast in italy. There are many snack bars with fresh pastery and many bakeries around. There's a good bakery just down the street from your hotel. There's also a fantastic snack bar across from the Bargello on Via Proconsolo and next to the Badia (church). It's called the Badia snack bar. Ask for Antonio and tell him the studentessa sorelle sent you.

Diana

Thanks, Sonia and Ann, for your help. I have asked for a room next to the courtyard since we are light sleepers. We will be there 4 nights. Since we will be traveling with our 12 year old son (a little different from the romantic trips that I have been hearing about), do you have any recommendations of must do things for him in Florence? I thought we would go to the science museum and spend an afternoon at Uffizi and of course the Accademia to see David. Any items to buy that would interest him? He is an active sports fan and player. Thanks for any insight. Diana