want to train from venice to florence. can anyone recomend a good, moderately priced hotel, convenient to the train station. would like to take a day trip to pisa by train as well (or an organized tour if recomended). thanks.

We loved the Hotel Bellettini annex, which is around the corner from the main bldg. The room and large bath were lovely; it's only a 2 star hotel, I believe, but the annex (a little more expensive, but still reasonable)has all the qualities of a 3 star. Run a search on here, and you will find lots of positive feedback about it. It's centrally located yet quiet, has A/C.<BR><BR>Also, I think there is a website; try Google to get it.<BR><BR>

torre guelfa

thanks for the advice about hotel bellettini. I'll look it up.

thanks for the response about torre guelfa

I only have second hand knowledge of this hotel, but will pass it along. Friends of mine, also traveling by train, loved Hotel Mario in Florence.<BR>It is also a Karen Brown recommended<BR>hotel and you can read the review<BR>online.

I have a list of favourite hotels in Florence on www.elegantetruria.com I like Orto de'Medici -its reasonable, near the station Accademia, restaurants , bookshops and center, beautiful decor .

.<BR>HOTEL RIVOLI, Via Della Scala 33 <BR>It's affiliated with Best Western chain and is a short walk from the train station in Florence. A friend recently stayed there on a trip to Italy thru GoToday.com.<BR>

We stayed at the Hotel Accademia (Via Faenza 7) just about 4 blocks from the train station. The hotel itself was very clean and the rooms were extremely plain and sparse. The staff was friendly and the location pretty good for getting around by foot. It was about $145.00 for 3 people in one room, 2 years ago.

I stayed @ the il bargellino, 3-4 blocks from the train station.Owned and run by an American and her husband. Ask for a room opening to the roof top terrace. web: ilbargellino.com

I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Consigli in October '01 - rates for a double were 150 Euros high season this time last year. (http://www.hotelconsigli.com/) While my room faced onto a (quiet) courtyard, and was simpler than the one pictured on the website, it was spacious and attractive, and I was just across the hall from the roof terrace. From there, there were lovely views of the Arno, including the Ponte Veccio, San Frediano, and the hills beyond. I often had it to myself!<BR><BR>This hotel is an easy walk from the train station - a straight shot towards the Arno, just by the American Embassy and Teatro Communale. Which means it is not right in the center of things; it is quieter, but you must walk 10-15 minutes or so to the Duomo, etc.<BR><BR>You may check availabilty (and book if you like) via www.venere.com<BR>

Hi Thomas,<BR> I don't know if the hotel is near the train station and it might be a little higher in price then what you wanted to spend BUT you have to check out Hotel Torre Guelfa www.hoteltorreguelfa.com. I stayed there 2 years ago and loved it. I stayed in room (15) Awesome !!!<BR><BR>Good Luck, Carolyn

We liked the Casci. It's a 2*, very clean, comfortable and pleasant hotel. The family that run it is delightful. It's frequently mentioned favorably on this board. Do a search on Casci for more info.

I'll second the vote for the Hotel Casci. We stayed there in 2000. It is not particularly fancy, but it is clean, well-located and the price is right. If I recall, we walked from the train station, but next time I'd take a cab.

We stayed last month at the westin excelsior. It was more expensive than moderate but it was fabulous. not far from the train station. for tours, american express has an office and has great tours and guides. They have a day tour to pisa