We're going to Italy for 10 days in late June 2010.

The plan is to stay in Florence the entire time spending a few days in Florence and doing day trips to nearby destination the rest of the time.

Currently I am looking at some hotels in the area of Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Via Della Scala due to their proximity to the train station and the historic center.

I'm a bit concerned about being that close to the train station. Is that an issue?

I would not choose that area. Florence is small enough that you can easily walk to the station on the days when you take day trips. Some day trips are best done by bus.

There are MUCH nicer areas of the center city than that one.

If you post your hotel budget people will make suggestions. I would head a little more towards the center. The historic center is very compact and it doesn't take long to walk to the train station from most areas. Are you sure you don't want to spend a few days outside of Florence in a hill town?

This may help:

BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS IN FLORENCE


All are within :20 of most of the attractions. Prices are for a double:

SMALL B&Bs: Prices range from 90E to 180E—vary by season.

• www.touristhouseghiberti.com Lovely place near Duomo

• www.ilvillino.it Great people and best value in town

• www.florencegrandtour.com Newer B&B with good reviews

• www.bedinflorence.it Your budget option—only 65E

MID-RANGE HOTELS: Prices range from 150E to 300E by season

* www.hoteldavanzati.it Great location and amenities

• www.ortodeimedici.it Perfect location and lovely hotel

• www.hotelcasci.com Good family hotel in good location

• www.hotelsilla.it Nice oasis across the river away from noise

NICER HOTELS: Prices range from 180E to 350E by season

• www.hotel-pierre-florence.com Very central & lovely hotel

• www.hoteldelaville.it A Florence standard for nicer hotels

• www.monnalisa.it An elegant historical palace—Santa Croce

• www.hoteltornabuoni.it Great location—historic old world flair

FYI, I stayed at Bed & Bed Cassia (Bob's link from www.bedinflorence.it, the owner of which runs two nearby different places.) The Cassia was a bit far from the center and the train station - quite a long, boring walk each way. Once I figured out the buses to/from the Cassia it was better. And it was very decent inside, quite a bargain. I think their other property, the B&B Peterson, is closer to the train station and the center.

http://www.hoteluniversoflorence.com/. Close to SMN Metro is such a non-issue. Hotel Universo was about $90/night; nice double w/balcony, A/C, breakfast, and internet. The first and last sight every day was the facade of the cathedral Santa Maria Novella. The old center probably 10 minutes walk. Wonderful square.

Thanks for the responses so far. I'll check out the suggestions.

There is a temptation to spend a few nights in other towns. However, as we get older and develop more aches and pains, I'm trying to reduce/eliminate packing and changing locations.

We might try to take a few overnights but keep our base hotel.

In earlier years our trips involved about 5 destinations in two weeks. But that's a thing of the past.

We've been to Florence twice before. Once we stayed on Piazza SMN and the other time on Via Faenza. Via Faenza was more recent and was a bit off the beaten path. We stayed on Piazza SMN many years ago and it seemed rather quiet outside. I think that was before outdoor eating was in vogue.

I'm trying to keep the room cost under 150Euros.

Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Great suggestions.

The area within several blocks of the train station in any direction is the only part of Florence I do not like. To me, it is seedy, and the character of the area is unlike the rest of the historic center of Florence. But, even if my assessment of the area is too harsh, there is another reason for staying elsewhere in the city. Staying in a different neighborhood — San Marco, Santa Croce, across the Arno, etc. — for each visit provides a new different perspective on the city each time you go there. Plus, central Florence being relatively small, buses and taxies between the station and your hotel will be quick and inexpensive.

Hi Myer,

We spent 11 nights in Florence at the B&B Peterson. Lovely hosts. very clean and comfortable. Has AC and a lift. Very highly recommended.

They don't serve breakfast. You get that at the cafe about 10 feet from the front door.

See my trip report for details: Ira’s Trip Report (Italy 2003)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044

Enjoy your visit.

Ira Thanks.

For some reason I've been avoiding looking at the other side of the railway station.

What's it like there.

Hi My,

It is a residential section, with a few stores and restos. The Peterson is located on a main street. We found the walk from the train station to the B&B (about 10 min) to be very safe and well lit. The no. 13 bus stops in front of the B&B.

We stayed at Hotel Perseo in May. It's a cozy hotel with an excellent location just steps from the Duomo, but also close enough to the train station to walk to and from with luggage.

http://www.hotelperseo.it/

Florence is such a condensed city that staying close to the main station SMN is almost unavoidable! When it comes to Florence, go by hotel, not so much by neighborhood; not a huge factor whatsoever (exactly the opposite with Rome...).