A friend and I will be staying in Florence for 3 nights in July. Can anyone recommend some clean, budget hotels/hostels which are relatively close to the major sights?

topping for meagan <BR>

I really liked the Hotel Casci it's right by the Duomo and lots of shopping. If it's booked try the Europa directly across the street. Have a great time.

Second the Casci, it's a terrific hotel.. would stay there again in a heartbeat, but it does tend to fill up. If you don't have reservations I suggest you get them ASAP, regardless of where you stay, if budget is important to you. Bon Voyage!

read this article about florence from last sunday's NY Times: www.nytimes.com/2001/05/20/travel/20FRUG.html (you may have to register first, it's free). It mentions casci and europa. I stayed at the Casci and also recommend it. <BR>

Has anyone ever heard of Hotel Fiorino, near the Palazzo Vecchio? We are to stay there in July but I can't find out much about it.

Nancy - <BR> <BR>Read about the Hotel Fiorino somewhere and it sounded nice, but I've been unsuccessful in finding any further info, either. Please post your impressions after you return!

Minotel has a deal you stay for 3 nights you only pay for 2. www.minotel.com. If someone has stay there is it o.k?

The Hotel Accademia (2 star I think) is in a good location and about 4 blks from the train station. Don't get a room overlooking the street because it can be load. It cost the 3 of us about $145.00 inclu a nice breakfast and a full bath. The address is Via Faenza 7.

There's a 3-star hotel called the Hermitage Hotel which sounds wonderful (www.hermitagehotel.com). Not sure about rates, but it has a rooftop garden overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and Arno and located around the corner from Uffizi, Pitti Palace & Duomo. Unfortunately they were booked for our timeframe in June so we're now staying at the Hotel Villa Betania a little further away (1500 meters from Ponte Vecchio & 5 minutes from city centre)- $115/nt. for 2 of us, parking, taxes, breakfast inclusive. Has anyone stayed there????

About five years ago we stayed at the Fenice Palace, a stones throw--literally--from the Duomo and right in the heart of everything. Small, narrow, but well-laid out rooms appointed nicely (marble bathroom, raised tub, etc.) Best part was the staff, who were all always smiling and friendly and the (included) breakfast, which was extensive and very good. Can't remember the price, but we were on a pretty tight budget, so I know it couldn't have been high. Now staffs change and five years is a long time in hotel life, so I make no promises, but you might try to find it on the Web.