It has been many years since our last trip to Florence.
I have been researching hotels, but can't really remember which location is most centrally located.
We like to be in the centre of activity.
You helped us find some great hotels in the past.
The four Seasons in Bangkk, and the Hyatt in Saigon.
Loved both hotels, and locations.
So where do we stay in Florence?
Like comfort, but not snobbery.
Doesn't need to be 5*.
In Milan we always stay at the Rosa, as it is steps from the Duomo, inexpensive for Milan, and the staff are always first rate.
Also, does anyone know if there is a direct train from Malpensa to Florence?
tried checking it out on the web, and it seemed like we would need to get transportation to Linate.
Hope not.
Alternative would be flight from Malpensa if available.
Thanks in advance
Bev

Hi Bev

What is your budget (in euros)? How many nights? When are you going?

With a no limit budget, I would stay at the Savoy Hotel. The Westin Excelsior is also first rate.

For smaller but still very nice and well located, try the Sofitel on via Tournabuoni. For boutique and not full service, I love the Antica Torre Tournabuoni.

We stayed at the westin excelsior on the arno...amazing hotel. great location, not snobby. it'll be in my report later

I loved Villa La Vedetta. It sat high atop a hill overlooking the city of Florence, and was a tranquil oasis at the end of the day (not to mention a beautiful hotel), and was only about a 20 minute or so walk to the city (which we needed, considering all of that amazing food we snarfed).

Thanks for posting about the Antica Torre Tournabouni. We stayed here a few years ago and thought it was fabulous. Centrally located with a real "honor bar" on the top floor with two gorgeous decks overlooking the river and all the rooftops of Florence. Plus, breakfast in the mornings as well. The staff was friendly and charming, but don't expect to get a phone call in your room after they've gone home for the night.

Florence isn't that large, so everything's in walking distance... But judging from the kind of hotels you've enjoyed staying at in the past, I would recommend checking out the Virtuoso properties in Florence and the complimentary amenities they would offer: Grand Hotel, Helvetia & Bristol, Lungarno, Palazzo Magnani Feroni, Hotel Savoy, or the Excelsior.

What is your budget? We really loved Hotel Lungarno, on the banks of the Arno, but it is pricey.

Hotel Savoy is right in the center of town which made it so easy to site see for a while or shop for a while and return to your room. It's a beautiful hotel too. Many of the others seemed far more Euro-style to me. Savoy is very tasteful and very pleasant. And things are not that close together in Florence. You'll find yourself on very long walks often to get somewhere as taxis are not worth tryind. Due to the traffic it's often faster to walk. Absolutely stay somewhere more central!!!

z

Hi Bev,

I was in Florence in November. Here is info on a couple hotels I stayed at http://www.bombasticlife.com/pe_ital...ce_hotels.html

If you plan on doing a tour (which I highly recommend) check out the People section of the site and see the review about Luigi. He took our trip to Italy from great to Bombastic!

Good luck and have fun!

Lots of hotels to look at.
Thanks all.
I would rather stay under 500E and cheaper is better if the hotel is nice.
One question for Andrew.
You said that you loved the Savoy, but not the location.
I don't mind noise, and I couldn't determine when I went to your site if it was too close to the action or not close enough.

The Savoy is right on one of the nicer squares in Florence. Perfect location within walking distance to many of the sights and in a nice part of the City. The hotel rooms have double glazed windows. If you are at all concerned about noise ask for a room on a higher floor. Great views of the street life and square from these higher floors. They do also have rooms facing the back alley but why give up the view.