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Another vote for Hotel Desiree on Via Fiume. Huge rooms, the tiniest bathrooms, but great breakfasts, and the family who runs it are just wonderfully charming. Very close to the train station as well, yet very safe.

Isabel, Can you tell me if the Hotel Desiree is quiet? It sounds like a great location and a bargain price.

I had the same question about the Hotel Desiree being quiet.

Any other recommendations?

Try the Residenza Il Villino. It's perfect: lovely rooms, clean, quiet, charming, friendly, well located near the Duomo and Accademmia. Price may be a bit higher than your range, but it's worth a look. Florenceby.com/villino

Soggiorno Bavaria (degli Albizi, 26, tel: 055/23 40 313; fax 055/23 40 313). found it on http://www.eurohotels.com/hotelitaly...telfirenze.htm

Stayed here in '03 (for $66 incl. breakfast! but it was November) off a Rick Steves recommendation. It's 2 blocks from the Duomo, high on charm (it's in a 16th c. palazzo) & kind of romantic. Also very quiet. Ask Leonardo, the manager, for the room on the 2nd floor w/ the private terrace (gives a view of mountains and the top of the duomo). Shared bathroom (with maybe 1 other room), but the huge room, big bed and terrace it was so worth it! The site says its a 1* but I think it's better than that (2*+).