Florence: Hotels & Neighborhoods Recommendations
 

I am current planning my October 2016 trip to Florence. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. I spent a lot of time in the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio areas. This time I would like to find a hotel in a nice neighborhood that has local families, markets and restaurants, but somewhat walkable to the city center. While in Rome, I stayed in the Parioli district and really liked the fact it was locals in the area and a bit away from the Historic Center of Rome. Also, would appreciate it if you could recommend a hotel that’s updated/renovated or fairly new and somewhat budget. Thank you for your review of this and especially the consideration of a reply. Peace ~

I don't know hotels in the area, and suspect family neighborhoods aren't full of hotel choices, but anything in the Carmine or Piazza Torquato Tasso area is close to the main sights but oriented to locals, and there are very good restaurants.

Would an apartment or B&B suit?

Helvetia/Bristol or maybe something from Lungarno? Westin Excelsior is also pretty cheap and close to Repubblica/Duomo/Ponte Vecchio

How much is "somewhat budget"?

last time I stayed in Florence I found a nice pension near Santa Croce:

http://www.residenzacasanuova.it

it has most if not all you want - lots of shops and businesses oriented towards locals, a great locals' market at San Ambroglio which has a terrific restaurant serving local specialities, [sharing tables obligatory] it's within walking distance of the centre, and there are good restaurants in the neighbourhood.

I liked this one so much I ate there 2 nights running:

http://www.ilgiova.com/menu.html

the pension is lovely, with great views over Florence from the terrace and the people who run it are very friendly; Beatrice was running tours of the market including lunch which was a lot of fun.

The oltrarno is also a great place with locals but it's pretty far from Repubblica / Duomo

Thank you to all for your comments, suggestions and recommendations. I forgot to mention that we are two males/co-workers traveling together. I've spent a lot of time perusing hotels and checking out hotels via tripadvisor. One thing I noticed were the twin bed or "double rooms" the beds are right next to each other. Any suggestion of an american style hotel room that actually have two beds separated by a night stand or something of that nature? Also, we plan to take 2 or 3 day trips. I looked outside the center and found some hotels, but they appear like you need a car to get around. thank you ~

What day trips were you planning?

It would still be helpful to know your budget.

Styron, if you contact hotels directly that will often be willing to set up the room as two separate singles

There are a few business hotels just to the west of the historic center. However, you will lose the ambiance of local shops and the good restaurants.

Groups often stay in that area, so I'm pretty sure that double rooms with separate beds might be available.

Thank you Tuscaslifeedit....would you happen to know the "business hotels" or the name of the area? We are walkers...and love to walk all day. So being out of the City center wouldn't be a bother. I also like your idea of apartment rentals. I've been checking both AirB&B and Tripadvisor. Yet, its a bit complicated and most only have 1 bed. I wouldn't mind a sofa bed.

Thank you Jubilada...excellent suggestion. I didn't know that and that is very helpful.

Do some searches on booking.com. Enter "Florence Historic Center," your dates, and then narrow the parameters for budget, bed preference and any amenities you can't live without. When results appear, note review scores and read the reviews.

You don't have to stay outside of the historical center unless your budget is extremely low.