We will be visiting Florence for three days at the end of August. When we were there last, 10 years ago, we stayed on the Arno in Hotel Brevagna but enjoyed crossing the river to the southern side for the very good and less expensive restaurants as well as walking around the interesting but more quiet neighborhoods.

We will be with another couple and are considering staying on that side of the river. We have seen a few places online that appear very nice, more like country villas than an urban hotel.

Has anyone stayed in the otrarno section? Are there any places you would recommend? I don't believe we would mind walking the extra 10 or 15 minutes to get to the main historical center, but would like to know what others think. Our friends would be visiting Florence for the first time but would prefer a more quiet place to stay than something in the midst of things.

Take a look at Residenza il Carmine. We've stayed there twice. Oltrarno. First floor apartments with a garden in the center.

Take a look online at the Villa Carlotta, right behind Boboli Gardens. Nice little hotel; friendly, helpful service; in the location you're talking about.

Both places look nice and I will look into them further. I am wondering about the distance from the Villa Carlotta to the center of town (Duomo area). How long a walk would it be?

I have stayed at the Hotel David which was fantastic. It was a 20 minute walk to the centre but there were buses right outside the front door also.

raincitygirl,

The Hotel David is still a possibility, but their nicer rooms are all booked for the time we will be in Florence. We liked Monte Oliveto but they only have one room and we need two.