laurieco

I have it narrowed down to two so far:

http://www.pontevecchiosuites.com/

http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/index_eng.html

Preference as to neighborhood? We will be arriving by train from Milan and spending 4 nights, then leaving by train to Venice.

Any different suggestions? We would like to spend no more than $300 per night. WiFi in room is preferred, as is LCD TV and inclusive of breakfast. Preferably walking distance to major sites. I haven't been to Florence in 35 years but I remember there was not a very good mass transit system back then. From what I have read, that hasn't changed much.

We actually spend time in our hotel rooms (happy hour prior to going to dinner) so nice room is a must (I realize that is very subjective!)

Thanks for any input, suggestions.

Leely2

Both locations are good, IMO, easy walk to most sites (I am a walker). I'd give the edge to the Ponte Vecchio.

Leely2

(Though the other one is much closer to the train station.)

ellenem

It depends on what you are seeking.

The Baglioni is just opposite the train station and convenient for coming and going, and very close to many sites, including the Duomo, Academia Gallery, and central market. It is in a noisy, crowded section of town with a major traffic intersection and virtually every bus route passing by, and would keep you in the center of the action at every moment.

The Ponte Vecchio Suites is across the river, and while some would walk, when arriving by train many would take a bus or taxi to the hotel. It is not far to many sites via a quick walk across the Ponte Vecchio and close to the Palazzo Pitti. It is a quieter section of town and might offer a restful location after a busy day of touring.

raincitygirl

I would choose the Ponte Vecchio Suites. I like that location better and a cab from the train station won't cost much.
Florence is pretty compact, you can walk to all the sights from that hotel, and that side of the river is a little less congested.
Plus I like the look of that hotel.

tower

Hotel La Residenza:
Located on upscale Tornabuono Street among all of the classy shops, it is very convenient to the main market, the RR Station, the Duomo and all of close-in Florence...even walking distance to Ponte Vecchio and Pitti across the river. It has a classic wire-caged elevator, rooms are especially big as are the bathrooms, large terrace on top floor. Good breakast in its dining room.

tower

http://www.laresidenzahotel.com/

Web site for La Residenza.

DebitNM

We stayed in this lovely apartment. It was a great location, a super price and the owner was so nice to work with - most helpful.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/662667

tuscanlifeedit

Laurieco: I don't know La Residenza, and I honestly have never stayed in a nice hotel in Florence (apartments, cheaper hotels), but I would prefer that location to either of the others. I wouldn't want to hoof it back across the river before and after dinner, but might pick some place closer to the very center.

laurieco

The apartment doesn't have internet so that is immediately out. La Residenza is a maybe, but in all honesty, the pictures of the hotel aren't doing it for me. As I said above, a hotel is more than just a place to sleep for us.

Right now, the Baglioni has the edge as it is very close to the train station so the convenience can't be beat. I do like the look of the Ponte Vecchio somewhat better (we like modern/contemporary) but it is across the river, and I don't think breakfast is included, which could add a hefty cost.

I will look at any suggestions anyone has!

DebitNM

It sure does. If you open the full amenities list, it shows as having it. Like I'd ever stay anywhere without it!

DebitNM

AND it has a nespresso machine with pods provided!

DebitNM

[It is listed as Wireless Internet]

DebitNM

If we hadn't found the apartment, we were going to stay here:
http://www.hotelcasci.com/

Gets great reviews everywhere.

laurieco

I'll look at the apartment again. Internet had a line through it so I figured there wasn't any. I don't like the look of Hotel Casci. I can usually tell pretty quickly if a hotel is not to my liking.

laurieco

The apartment isn't available for 2 of the four nights we will be in Florence. I guess now it really is out.

Smeagol

We stayed here a couple of years ago... Easy walk from SMN station, actually on SMN square and great value, lovely little hotel... We walked everywhere from here..
http://www.hotelorologioflorence.com

laurieco

Smeagol, that hotel looks lovely but it is more than I want to pay.

I ended up booking the Baglioni. I booked through Expedia since it was cheaper and I had a $400 coupon. Actually, it was a $200 coupon but since I'm a "VIP" member and the hotel is a VIP hotel, they doubled the amount of the coupon. I'm a little annoyed with Expedia though, they said the total was $265 per night (before the coupon) total, except for the tax that is due at the hotel (about $36.00). But when I booked, it added another $106.00 for taxes and fees. It should tell you that straight out and not say a total that really isn't a total. But I can't complain, the hotel is costing $200/night including the tax due at the hotel, and it includes a full breakfast. And if a better room is available when we get there, we get an automatic upgrade (so says Expedia).