I found several apartments in this area that look OK. They are "100 meters from the station." Usually areas around the train stations are sketchy, does anybody have opinions about this Florence neighborhood?

I stayed at Hotel Villa Azalee which is 200 meters from train station. Everyday we walked around train station area and did not feel uncomfortable. It is a busy area, and as in any city, stay on guard and beware of the people around you. By the way this hotel used to be a private residence and is charming, elegant, small hotel.

I have stayed fairly close to the station...the San Lorenzo area. It's actually not seedy as some cities are surrounding their train stations. Lots of restaurants, markets and very close walking distance to the Duomo. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there.

Hi V,

Some of the streets around the train station are nicer than others.

Do you have addresses?

Hi,
I've stayed a couple of times near the train station in Florence and thought it was fine. Since I was travelling by train it was handy not to have to take a bus or taxi to the hotel. Last time, which was June 2006, I stayed at the Old Florence Inn which was almost across the street from the station. We walked everywhere and loved every minute.

Had a great noise insulated room near the trains tation- don't worry!

I stayed at the HOtel Desiree which is only about 2 blocks from the train station and loved it. Very convenient when first arriving (and departing) and could still walk to everything. I returned to my hotel as late as midnight, and I was traveling alone and didn't feel at all uncomfortable. In fact it was the first stop on my first solo trip and I still didn't feel at all uncomfortable. I agree that in some cities I wouldn't want to stay near the train stations, but Florence was fine.

So, what happened to the OP?

Ira...you frightened her off...maybe she didn't realize that one has to have the address for lodgings in Florence.

Maybe it was your eternal light bulb that spooked her.

Stu T.

Do you want an apartment or hotel? How long are you going to stay in Florence?

If you want an apartment, you need not be next to the train station.

Try www.venere.com to give you an idea of hotels available, and when. This site is good because it has user opinons on the hotels. I normally use this site to get an idea and then book directly with the hote.

Stu T- What's up with your comment? Of course I realize I have to have an address for lodging. The Florence apartments I have bookmarked do not give an exact address, just that they are in the immediate vicinity of the train station (two of them are 100 meters away, another says it is several blocks.)

During my previous four trips to Europe
I did not like the areas around the train stations as they were generally seedy. I have not been to Florence, hence my question about the neighborhood adjacent to the station as these apartments look to be very nice.

Thanks to the other posters for their helpful info, it is very much appreciated. I am just back from a trip to sunny san Diego and must get cracking on the Florence portion of my May trip!

Although we've never met or corresponded, Stu T. usually gives great advice.

If you don't like to stay by the train station, it's not a long walk into 'downtown' Florence. Maybe the Pension (now Hotel) Pendini is more to your liking. Very spacious rooms and a great location, about a 15-20 minute walk from the train station.

I just like the idea of not only looking at forum replies; but to also validate them with tripadvaisor and venere, to name a few sources.

I've stayed in a few "seedy" areas, as defined by readers of Fodor and found the opposite to be true, not seedy at all. The reviews weren't up to date, as folks here sometimes post responses of trips many years ago.

Let the hot dog beware "Caveat Weinor".

Florence is so neat and compact that unless you have health issues that prevent you from walking, any area from the mid of the city to the Santa Maria Novella is an easy stroll.
My companion and I had carry-on roller-board type suitcases and negotiated the streets and crowds without difficulty.