I'm looking for somewhere to stay in Florence in October. Anyone every heard of or stayed at "La Residenza il Villino"? Also, a friend told me she stayed at a relatively cheap hotel with a balcony with a very nice view that is right next to the train station. She can't remember the name of the place though - anyone know of it? If not, any other suggestions? It's just going to be my husband and I. We're in our late 20s and hope to pay around 100 euros per night if possible. Thanks!

I just returned from Florence, personally I would not stay right next to the train station - but it might be okay for you based on what you described. I do not know the name of the place - but you will lvoe Florence...

Il Villino is the hotel I have choosen to stay at in Florence on my upcoming trip based on great reviews on trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...e_Tuscany.html and on Fodors. Here's their website http://www.ilvillino.it/home.cfm

In Sept. 2005 we stayed at the Hotel Il Bargellino, www.ilbargellino.com. I looked at their website and the price is 85 euros for a double room. They reduced the price for cash when we paid the bill. As I recall we sent the deposit to Boston. We enjoyed it very much - a very friendly place. Our room had direct access to the large terrace. The Trattoria Guelfa is a good, inexpensive restaurant just down the street. Enjoy Florence!

www.touristhouseghiberti.com is where we have chosen to stay this October

We stayed at Il Villino last November. I'd highly recommend it. The owner, Sergio and staff were wonderful and offered great restaurant recommendations. A good location. Free intenet access in the dining area. Very accomadating and friendly.

Just outside of the Florence train station the area seemed a little "seedy" - I have to say that it was the only place that we visited in Italy where I felt a bit unsafe.

adding to the reply about being unsafe - in our Fodors guide book it recommended staying out of that area after dark. Just an FYI - I also read some place that it was high drug traffic in that area...

http://en.venere.com/hotels_florence..._colomba.html?
is where we are staying in early October.
All the reviews agree on: "a clean, welcoming small family-run hotel, more like a trad. B&B" fairly close to the train station and only 2 blks from the Duomo. Perfect for us. (and many of the reviews said that they were recommending it to friends and relatives--a vote of confidence!

Il Villino is a very charming and peaceful place. We have stayed there and enjoyed it. The rooms are on the spacious side, immaculate. And the breakfast is nice with cappucino if wanted. Sregio and Elizabetta are exceptional in their graciousness and welcoming attitude. Can't go wrong.

We stayed at the colomoba hotel last year, and it was very nice, very clean rooms, great breakfast, wonderful staff the owner Roxanna is a sweetheart and the location is the best

How about Hotel Enza? What have people heard or experienced, also looking into Casa Rabatti, unfortunately Il Villino was booked despite wonderful reviews.

Another "bravo" for Sergio and Elizabetta at Residenza Il Villino! First, our room and bath were terrific. Then we discovered email access in the dining room. THEN Sergio made us fresh capuccinos in the morning. I could go on and on.

But the best was on the last night when we were heading out to dinner at the same time Sergio was heading home. It was verrrrry cold, so he insisted on dropping us at our restaurant. Funny thing was, he had computers and stuff all over the seat of the (little) car and had to stack all that stuff up to make room for us. What a doll he is.

I would not hesitate to send my best friends to Il Villino. It's a little longer walk to the center, but only about 3 blocks. Only in deepest winter would I think that extra distance would matter.

Another reco for Il Villino. I stayed there three years ago and found it to be everything the others have said: charming, welcoming, immaculate and conveniently located.
Sergio and staff treat guests like friends. I wouldn't hesitate to return.

I meant to add that we had the Duomo-view room. It was perfect. But all the others looked nice, too, especially the balcony rooms.

one more, any thoughts on il Porcellino?

Thank you so much to everyone! You have all been very helpful.

d-phil - we stayed at the Enza for 4 nights winter of 2004 and enjoyed the stay. Do a search for Enza on this forum and the second listing has my full description. There are also some good descriptions on trip advisor including mine which goes into more detail.