Hi,

I am not able to decide on the hotel/bnb in florence. I would staying in florence for 3 days , would be visiting pisa and lucca for a day trip via car/train and spend rest 2 days in florence.
Would want something near to duomo and train station.
Budget would be somewhere around 60-90 per night.

I have zeroed in on tourist house ghiberti and Relais Grand Tour suites.
Any others recommended or if these are ok.

The rooms at the Relais Grand Tour are more "decorated," but I prefer the location of the Tourist House Ghiberti. We've stayed at the THG a couple of times and would stay there again. There is a bus stop in front of the THG building, and the train station is about 15 minutes away.

I forgot to mention that you can walk from the THG to the train station in about the same amount of time.

We stayed at Hotel Casci in Florence last month. It's about 2 blocks from the duomo and the San Lorenzo market. Rooms were simply furnished but very clean and the staff there was excellent and went above and beyond to help us with a couple of things.
It's on the 4th floor of the building but there is an elevator.

I have never seen THG for 60-90 a night but that would be a bargain IMO. You might also check out Alloro B&B.

Why would you you want/need a car? Take the trains and leave the hassle of a car in Florence behind.

IMO, being near the train station is not desirable. Florence is small and there are far more charming areas. I also find the area around the Duomo too busy - personal preference.

The Relais Cavalcanti is a lovely little hotel, right in the midst of things.

kfusto, this trip is in mid-December, otherwise you're right about the THG rate.

hotel casci is full during those days atleast as of now.
Will have to finalise on THG, Relais Grand Tour or alloro B&B

HaHa:
La Residenza, Florence

We had the good luck to get a reference from EKSCRUNCHY and enjoyed this very well-placed hotel in the heart of everything. Rate should be about €100-110...read web, it is very informative. Buffet breakfast incl.

stu tower

http://www.laresidenzahotel.com/en/

La Residenza is 90eur which includes one museum ticket.
Looks pretty decent , but then THG wins over

hahahoney, if the Casci appeals to you, I'd send them an email or call. I don't think their booking link shows true availability that far into the future.

A few comments on the THG, just so you know... It's not a hotel but a B&B of five rooms housed on the same floor as the owner's residence. There is no real lobby, but the reception staff (often the owners) are very helpful if you have questions, want restaurant recommendations, need reservations, etc. On arrival, you're given a card key that opens the front door of the building, entry door to the B&B, door to your room and the lights in your room. It's very easy to come and go very independently.

http://www.ciaoitalia-bb.com/eng/bed...ast.asp?id=273

This place has their own website, but it's been hacked into, so their website is currently non-functional.

BC

booked on THG finally. Thanks everyone