I am a 30 year old woman who is taking my 20 year old brother to Florence for 12 days so that he can visit his girlfriend (who is studying abroad). Any suggestions as to a well-located, nice hotel that is $300 or less? Also, any dining suggestions or day trip suggestions? I have a feeling that I will be on my own most of the time!

This $300 ... for the whole 12 days or per night? Are you and he going to share the room or is he probably going to be with his Lady? Or two rooms then maybe something like "our Ira's" suggestion of the B&B Patterson for two rooms. (http://www.bedinflorence.it/)
How about the ease of an apartment in Florence while you're there...? I travel single and enjoy it...but I do like my privacy a bit.

If your brother is "tied up" and you do have quite an extended time to yourself, which I personally think would be loverly...what about you jaunt yourself to Venice? Are you willing to drive? And consider the threads to Siena, San Giam...somethingorother... Assisi? Etc.
Golly-gee-whiz... how I envy you!

Hi S,

You might find my trip report helpful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

We did 11 days in Florence - 5 of them as daytrips.

PS,

You are a very nice sister.

I am looking at hotels that are $300 per night or less. I doubt that we are going to share a room as he will probably be with his girlfriend in the evenings. However, I think that he will explore with me during the days while she is in class. Do you have any apartment suggestions? I would like to be well located in case I want to walk around by myself. THanks for telling me that I am a good sister - you made my day!

S4842, I was thinkig the apartment route might be good for you, too.

We rented at the San Lorenzo apartments owned by Gianna Galeota and were very pleased. She has numerous units to choose from, the prices are reasonable, and the area is great. We paid 95 Euro per night for a one bedroom loft and loved the extra space and privacy, as well as the homey conveniences.

San Lorenzo Apartments are located in the heart of Florence between the Duomo and San Lorenzo. I don't have the website handy, but a quick online search of "San Lorenzo Apartments, Florence Italy, Gianna Galeota" will come up with the info.

Good luck.

Hi s48,

Do you demand the luxuries that $300/night bring or will you settle for less.

I believe in "Fly cheap, sleep cheap, eat well".

The fly cheap sleep cheap but live well... is why I suggested the possibility of an Apartment. Windowsontuscany.com (I think) had quite a list and as you're not so much on the budget er...um...lets say I am...
you'd be VERY comfortable and safe. They show you pictures, layouts, the terms, etc. (And just because its fun to plan, for more on Italy, Slotravel.com) also is a terrific site)
By they way, when are you wanting to go?

I don't want to stay in a dump, but I don't need to stay in a palace either. I was hoping to find a great boutique hotel (or apartment) with charm and air conditioning. I am looking to go around the first week of September - haven't bought the tickets yet!

If you are planning to go around the first week in September, your best idea might be to go to

www.venere.com

and plug in some possible dates to see what is available.

The beginning of September is very much high season in Florence and Tuscany.

I would consider an apt. Go to slowtrav.com for good input.

I would suggest you look at the Pitti Palace, if you decide not to rent an apartment. It is just on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio. Check it out on tripadvisor.com

I know this sounds strange, but if you go to www.parisperfect.com They have a Florence connection (A Sister) through which they rent an apartment. We have rented an apartment several times from them in Paris and they have been great. Take a look. Hope this might help. Ira is right, You are a great sister!!!!

Hi s48,

We stayed 11 nights at the B&B Peterson and were quite pleased.

It is plain, clean, comfortable, has AC and ensuite bath for about 65E/night.

It is less than 10 min from the train station in a safe residential neighborhood.

See www.bedinflorence.it

and now because of the dates I'll suggest LateRooms.com, you'll see the area, the number of stars, what dates are available, and the prices.