We are only going to be there for one night and want to have the best view possible. Any reccomendations?

Well to be honest, I suppose the best views would be from one of the hillside villas way out from the center, but I'd prefer the convenience of staying right in town. I can't say that facing the river is necessarily particularly scenic. We stayed at the Hermitage which is very close to the Ponte Vecchio and had a nice view of it, but the best part was the wonderful rooftop terrace for breakfast with great views (although you had to keep a hand free for shooing pigeons).

Just think of the ad possibilities: Fabulous views and abundant poop!

Best views in town-Lungarno. Best views out of town--Villa San Michele and Torre Bellosaguardo.

Fifth floor suite with terrace overlooking the river, at the Excelsior.

We loved the view fron the Grand Hotel Villa Cora. We stayed there twice and we were welcomed back the second time as honored guests. They were wonderful with our nine year old. It is a beautiful hotel.

The Lungarno is wonderful but you have to make sure you book a room with a terrace overlooking the Arno.

I would agree with Patrick. We loved our stay at Hotel Hermitage. Every afternoon after a day of sightseeing we would get a bottle of wine to share on the rooftop and look out at The Arno and Ponte Vecchio. The people who work there are very friendly. I think it runs about 220 or 230 Euro now, a little pricier than in 2001.

I have to agree with tulips. The view from the Westin Excelsior looking over the river is outstanding.

Room 404 at the Antica Torre di Tornabouoni No. 1. www.tornabuoni1.com. Great location, large room (even by American standards).

You can see the Campanile and Duomo from the room. You can see most of Florence from the hotel's commanding rooftop terrace.

A view of the Duomo is better than a view of the Arno, which IMHO isn't much to look at.

Last October, the room was 250 euros/night. The downside about this hotel is that is not full service (meaning, it is not staffed after 8 p.m. and there is no bar or restaurant on site). Still, we had a great stay there. Service was very helpful.