Florence, first time-hotels?
 

Folks,
We're going to Florence, Italy for the first time next June/July staying 6 nights.
Aside from reviewing Tripadvisor, can anyone recommend a gem of a hotel in the moderate range (175-250 euros)in what they consider a central location? If so, can you explain what makes it so special? We're a family of three (one teenage daughter) Thanks. Mark

Check out:
http://www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com/index.php

We stayed in the Boticelli room that has a daybed in it. My 16 yr old son slept there. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria. Beautiful rooms, excellent location, wonderful hospitality and yummy breakfast served with fresh blood orange juice.

On our last visit to Rome, we stayed in an apartment which was great as it gave us more room and flexibility around food, relaxation, etc. There are some neat options in the central area within your price range and you can usually get something for a min stay of 3 nights. Just make sure that you pick somewhere within walking distance of the main sites e.g. near the Doumo, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo, Piazza Signoria, or just the other side of the river in Santa Spirito. If you look on Tripadvisor or a search engine you can find some agencies such as romesweethome.

A gem of a hotel that is a great value and 4 stars is San Gallo Palace. It is not what most would consider central but it is very nice IMO to be out of the tourist fray and I find the 15-20 minute walk very enjoyable. I have stayed there 4x and love it.

Hotel David also gets high marks.

You might want to check out Palazzo del
Borgo-Hotel Aprile (Trip Advisor has many reviews) It was easy walk from rail station, a couple of doors down from the famous SMN Pharmacia and all sights. We stayed four nights and had been upgraded upon arrival to a two bedroom suite with nice marble bath that overlooked the
bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria
Novella,wonderful to hear the bells. The extra bedroom would be great for your teenager. The staff was most amicable and helpul.

The Residenza Castiglioni is wonderful, the most charming and centrally located - check it our on Tripadvisor - we were so pleased, you shouold look at it - and they treat you like family - and you could walk everywhere, great, grat location
Buon Voyage