A friend has asked for a recommendation for a hotel in Florence for a stay in July. Willing to spend from 150 to 350 euro per night. AC a must, one that stays on during the night. Central location, but not too noisy at night. I've spent a lot of time on all the usual sites like slow trav and venere etc, but in many instances I can't get to the web site of each. Thought I'd pick your brains. 40-ish couple. Anyone know the web page for Bernini Palace Hotel? Looks promising. Thanks for any first hand info!

Hi P,

>...Willing to spend from 150 to 350 euro per night.<

That's quite a range. Do they want it closer to 150 or 350?

Here's the website for Bernini- http://www.baglionihotels.com/iframeset.htm

And the reservation page http://reservations.ihotelier.com/cr...p;languageid=1
Random dates in July range from 190 E for a basic double at Bernini to 310 E for a deluxe room.

Ira: I know I know! Big spread. But if it's all the same to him, I'm hoping to suggest something nice on the higher end of the spectrum. The Lungarno I know about. Great location, and I'm sure AC will be no problemo, but I understand that one must be pretty insistant with the room selection in order to get one with view/balcony. I'm going to include this one for sure.
At the other end, I'll give him the web page for Residenza il Villino which is enjoying great success. I'm booked there for next April myself.

Any other ideas Ira, anywhere in this big spread I'd appreciate. I don't like to recommend hotels to others if I've had no direct experience myself or no one I trust has. I trust you Ira. Il Ritrovo. 2 meals. Loved it.

Kybourbon: Thanks for the web page for Bernini Palace. I guess you have to work through the reservations on line. Am I doing something wrong, I can't get any info on this hotel except for a few pix. Thanks.

ttt Thanks

Hi, Peggyann-
I wouldn't want to be in your spot,trying to find a fabulous hotel room in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world during their busiest month! Fortunately, they're flexible in the cost.

If I were in your position,I'd check the major sites like expedia,travelocity,etc. to see what's available.Then I'd go to Tripadvisor.com to read reviews for these places.It may be a very tedious process this late in the game to go the other way. Buona fortuna!

Thanks to all for your comments. After spending hours yesterday and bothering all the Fodors folks, at 9:45 today I emailed my list of five or six greatly reviewed places to the person who had asked for the suggestions. He emailed me immediately back. "We booked a room at the Westin Excelsior" (I think the rooms are in the 500 euro range) Can you beat that!!!!!!! I'm trying to cool down.