My wife and I are staying in Florence for 3-days in mid-May and I need to make reservations quickly. Can anyone recommend a 3, 4, or 5 star hotel that is clean and convenient. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Run a search on Hotel Bellettini; you'll get lots of info; it's a fave of just about everybody who's ever been there. I think it's a 3 star. The annex is quite lovely.

Me again; just searched, and there are 42 entries relating to Bellettini!

I once stayed at the Romantik Hotel J & J (Romantik is the name of the hotel group.) I believe it's a four star, might be a three. Located in the Santa Croce area, about a 10 minute walk to the Duomo. Our room was HUGE, one of the largest rooms short of a suite that I've had anywhere. Good bathroom.<BR>Good breakfast. Nice staff.<BR>The only disadvantage is that because its a historic building (former monastery) there was no elevator, so ask for a room on the ground, or on the first (one flight up)floor.

We stayed at the Residenzia a few years back and loved it. It is only a block from the Ponte Vechio,walked to train/bus stations,Duoma,2 blocks from Uffizi,etc.It is a 3 star that is well kept and has a lovely breakfast included each day.It is located in a quieter part of Florence(1 short block off the main drag but close to everthing so you can walk.)It had elevators,fabulously big bathrooms,TV,etc.I found them online at www.venere.com and they are also listed in eith Fodors or Frommers book. We did reservations online and they were delightful!

We stayed at the Hotel Bellettini two years ago in April and HATED IT!!!! This hotel is recommended by so many people; however, it's not very nice. Our room was extremely small! We made reservations a year in advance and requested a double room with private bath. The eat-in area was also small and the breakfast (which was included) was not very good. In addition, air condition wasn't available in April (even though it was hot) so we opened the window. Well, the street noise (cars, mopeds, people talking, etc.) kept us awake all night and we never got any decent sleep. Also, security wasn't very secure. The front desk person never asked for ID when we requested our room key. <BR>The one positive factor was that the location was convenient to many popular sites.

We stayed at the Hermitage Hotel in October 1999. Loved it. Hotel faces the Arno in front and the Duomo in back; it's located just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Our room was very comfortable; bathroom was small but nicely done and included a 2-person jacuzzi tub/shower. Great after all that walking. Breakfast was very good, and staff was helpful.

JM, maybe the annex in Bellettini is much different from the main bldg.; our annex room was large,with frescoed ceiling, large marble bath, nicely furnished. Breakfast room was small but never a problem getting a table.

Just returned from Florence this week and stayed at the Hotel Fenice Palace on Via Martelli. It is a 4 star and reasonable. The room was clean and nice and bathroom was a decent size with tub and shower and very clean.Towels are big and fluffy!Hot was is plenty.<BR><BR>As for convenient- out the front door turn left and the end of the block the church of Santa Croce is right there as is the Duoma and Baptistry. Across the street and 1 block is San Lorenzo marketplace. Around the corner and 3 blocks is the Academia- where the original David is. I hated the leave andcan't wait to return. Would I stay at the same hotel? Absolutely!

You really do not care if you pay $100 or $350 per nite--I find that hard to believe. Try to narrow the choice.

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco on the Via Cavour, between the Duomo and the Accademia. Spacious rooms, great decor, friendly, helpful staff. I highly recommend it -- we stayed there in March 2001.