We're 4 American, mid-aged women, on our first trip to Florence and Italy. We plan to stay there perhaps 4 days, in the autumn. We like small. We like charm. We don't need/want ultra luxurious, but we like to walk out our door and be in the general area we want to see. Decent beds are important, as is a decent breakfast spread. We we want to stay near the Duomo? Where would YOU recommend staying? What HOTEL do you recommend?

http://www.expedia.com/Florence-Hote...el-Information

my fav but other central options based on budget with reviews

www.booking.com

Happy Hunting,

Hi NNY:

Our favorite from a couple stays:

http://www.tornabuonihotels.com/index_eng.html

Great views from the rooftop garden patio and nice location!

Cheers,

maytraveller

We stayed at a lovely B&B, Alloro. Rooms were gorgeous!
10 minute walk to Duomo.
Lovely breakfast is brought to your room daily. Reasonable rates, great location, helpful staff. Would definately stay there again.

Another vote for Antica Torre Tornabuoni, a lovely boutique hotel right in the center yet very private and quiet. It is small and lovely with a lovely breakfast and rooftop terrace.

Of the dozen or more hotels I have stayed in Florence, it is at the top of my list.

Tourist House Ghiberti !

Have a look at this - http://www.palazzoguadagni.com/

Very close to Palazzo Pitti in a quiet square. A friend has repeatedly recommended this to me and I am going there next Saturday!

Why don't you consider a centrally located apartment instead? You'll find a number of owner holiday rentals that are quite nice, less expensive than most hotels and give you the ambience of staying together, having wine in your own living room in the evening. I can recommend Ownersdirect.com but if you'll take a look at many previous postings, you'll see recommendations from Fodorites for many other very good websites for apartment rentals. Have fun.

Thanks, CyesQ, but we MUCH PREFER a hotel, where we get to meet other people.....

I agree about preferring hotels. I personally am not interested in doing any housekeeping on vacation and we do enjoy socializing when in the mood to do so as well as having a front desk staff in case we have questions.

Our favourite is Hotel David, depending on your budget and other requirements.Beautiful rooms (we had one with a four-poster bed), great breakfast, amazingingly helpful owner and staff, in a quiet yet handy spot-and LOTS of inclusions in the rate.