February in Florence
Sep 27th, 2016, 06:55 AM
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February in Florence
Many years ago I spent several months in Florence year after year. I always stayed in the Pensione Bartolini on Lunarno Guicciardini. They have long since closed, sadly. A friend and I will be visiting Florence late February for a week, and I'm struggling with choosing where to stay. At that time of year we won't need a pool, terrace, or ac, and we will need decent heat. A charming place with private baths, centrally located under $200/ night is ideal. A B&B, hotel, or apartment is fine as long as the décor is not sterile or too modern and we can get 2 separate beds. I've done lots of internet searches, but every place looks wonderful, and I suspect it's not always the case.
Many of the postings on this forum are several years old, and I'm not up to date, myself. Any tips?
Many of the postings on this forum are several years old, and I'm not up to date, myself. Any tips?
Sep 27th, 2016, 07:49 AM
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Judi,
I was just in Florence this past February. Like you, the place I had stayed in (10 years ago) on my last visit to Florence was not an option so I was also in the market for a new, centrally located hotel/apartment/b&b.
I only had a few days and my priority this time was to be near the cathedral/San Marco so that dictated my decision to stay at the Hotel Duomo Firenze. Naturally Florence is so walkable so really any number of locations could have worked but I love that cathedral and wanted to soak in as much of it as possible.
http://www.hotelduomofirenze.it/
The single room with a view of the Duomo and a terrace was under 100 euro per night. I can't tell you how awesome it was to sit on that terrace and gaze at that beloved building with a glass of wine (yes, even in February - just wear more layers outside at night)! I don't know what the inner courtyard rooms are like so if you're not as concerned about a terrace or the duomo view,
The staff were exceptionally friendly and the breakfast buffet was impressive in its offerings (breads, yogurt, fruit, "bacon", ham, quiche dishes, fresh honey from a comb, sweet dessert-like dishes, milk, orange juice, coffee, etc.). I had been expecting far less so I was pleasantly surprised.
It isn't a luxury hotel but it's not too sterile or too modern and was perfect for my purposes. I also checked on their site just now and you can request two separate beds.
I was just in Florence this past February. Like you, the place I had stayed in (10 years ago) on my last visit to Florence was not an option so I was also in the market for a new, centrally located hotel/apartment/b&b.
I only had a few days and my priority this time was to be near the cathedral/San Marco so that dictated my decision to stay at the Hotel Duomo Firenze. Naturally Florence is so walkable so really any number of locations could have worked but I love that cathedral and wanted to soak in as much of it as possible.
http://www.hotelduomofirenze.it/
The single room with a view of the Duomo and a terrace was under 100 euro per night. I can't tell you how awesome it was to sit on that terrace and gaze at that beloved building with a glass of wine (yes, even in February - just wear more layers outside at night)! I don't know what the inner courtyard rooms are like so if you're not as concerned about a terrace or the duomo view,
The staff were exceptionally friendly and the breakfast buffet was impressive in its offerings (breads, yogurt, fruit, "bacon", ham, quiche dishes, fresh honey from a comb, sweet dessert-like dishes, milk, orange juice, coffee, etc.). I had been expecting far less so I was pleasantly surprised.
It isn't a luxury hotel but it's not too sterile or too modern and was perfect for my purposes. I also checked on their site just now and you can request two separate beds.
Sep 27th, 2016, 11:17 AM
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Thank you! That is helpful info. I took a quick look at the hotel's website, and will read it more carefully later. It seems to be the kind of place I am looking for.
Is there anything I should know about Florence in February? I was there as late as December one year, but never between January, February, or March.
Is there anything I should know about Florence in February? I was there as late as December one year, but never between January, February, or March.
Sep 27th, 2016, 11:56 AM
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You're welcome! I found Florence to be as I expected based on general commentary for the weather during that season - 50s/60s Fahrenheit with a little rain here and there (bring your umbrella or be prepared to find one quickly if rain persists).
I was there on the first Sunday of the month when the Uffizi is free. I've been before, but not since they rearranged things so I wanted to go back to see some of my favorites - even early in the morning there was quite a line (no advanced tickets sold on the free Sunday). So that was interesting to note, even in a relative low period, that was still a sizable wait - but worthwhile for me. Unfortunately I didn't time it because I was otherwise occupying myself, but I'd guess it was around an hour if not more. In the mid-afternoon, we were wrapped around with the line starting just east of the Ponte Vecchio.
The Pitti Palace was no wait at all (likewise free on the first Sunday), though filled with a sizable crowd through the grounds/palace. Even if you don't go on a first Sunday I would imagine the Uffizi would still have some kind of line, even in low season.
San Marco had a few dozen people on a Saturday afternoon, nothing overwhelming by any means and easy enough to see each of the cells and the frescoes in each without feeling like you had to rush out to keep the crowd moving.
If you want to walk up the campanile, morning is still a good time when there's no line or a negligible one at best. When I walked past in the afternoons quite a crowd had gathered, even for February. All in all I found it a lovely time to visit, now having been there both in June and February!
I was there on the first Sunday of the month when the Uffizi is free. I've been before, but not since they rearranged things so I wanted to go back to see some of my favorites - even early in the morning there was quite a line (no advanced tickets sold on the free Sunday). So that was interesting to note, even in a relative low period, that was still a sizable wait - but worthwhile for me. Unfortunately I didn't time it because I was otherwise occupying myself, but I'd guess it was around an hour if not more. In the mid-afternoon, we were wrapped around with the line starting just east of the Ponte Vecchio.
The Pitti Palace was no wait at all (likewise free on the first Sunday), though filled with a sizable crowd through the grounds/palace. Even if you don't go on a first Sunday I would imagine the Uffizi would still have some kind of line, even in low season.
San Marco had a few dozen people on a Saturday afternoon, nothing overwhelming by any means and easy enough to see each of the cells and the frescoes in each without feeling like you had to rush out to keep the crowd moving.
If you want to walk up the campanile, morning is still a good time when there's no line or a negligible one at best. When I walked past in the afternoons quite a crowd had gathered, even for February. All in all I found it a lovely time to visit, now having been there both in June and February!
Sep 27th, 2016, 12:15 PM
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We've made several trips to Florence in February and March. We've had all sorts of weather, but never extremely cold. I have been there for snow and rain and nice sunny days, too, at that time of year.
I could be wrong about this, but my experience is that Florence is a good city for lower cost lodging.
We used to stay in a two bedroom apt. on via Torta, but I couldn't find a link for it.
Most recently we stayed at Tourist House Ghiberti
http://en.touristhouseghiberti.com/rooms.html
but their website makes no mention of rooms with two beds. This B&B was very well located and the price was fairly low. I'm sorry that I don't recall what we payed but it was low.
We especially liked the reading lights and laptop in the room. It was quiet and private. Breakfast was nothing special.
I could be wrong about this, but my experience is that Florence is a good city for lower cost lodging.
We used to stay in a two bedroom apt. on via Torta, but I couldn't find a link for it.
Most recently we stayed at Tourist House Ghiberti
http://en.touristhouseghiberti.com/rooms.html
but their website makes no mention of rooms with two beds. This B&B was very well located and the price was fairly low. I'm sorry that I don't recall what we payed but it was low.
We especially liked the reading lights and laptop in the room. It was quiet and private. Breakfast was nothing special.
Sep 27th, 2016, 01:27 PM
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OP: I just looked up prices for a random night in February at Tourist House Ghiberti and they were amazing: 49 euro of a single, 64 for a double. The room we had was large and very comfortable. Nice bathroom too.
Sep 27th, 2016, 06:30 PM
#8
We've stayed at the Tourist House Ghiberti a couple of times. At 49/64 euros, unless you decide you'd rather have an apartment, I'd book two rooms at the THG if necessary. It's a nice property, with one caveat... It's not a hotel in the traditional sense, so there is no lobby, although there is a small terrace. In February, however, you might be more interested in the Jacuzzi or the sauna!
Sep 27th, 2016, 08:34 PM
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Yes, the jacuzzi or sauna. I didn't use them and forgot they were there. Another caveat is that the host isn't chatty or warm, but quite efficient. It doesn't sound at all like you need any hand holding or directing and I think it would be very good for you.
Sep 27th, 2016, 09:13 PM
#10
I stayed here this past July and liked it: good location, good restaurants nearby, traditional decor, good breakfast, friendly staff. Should be in your price range in February for a room with twin beds (is that what you're looking for?).
http://www.palazzoguicciardini.com/it/
http://www.palazzoguicciardini.com/it/
