we will be visiting florence and venice for the first time september 6-13. we have 7 days an are considering 4 nights in florence and 3 nights in venice. maybe 5 in florence and 2 in venice.<BR><BR>can you offer suggestions on hotels in florence that have the following:<BR><BR>private bath<BR>air conditioning<BR>nice views of the arno <BR>non smoking<BR>cost about 200 euros per night for a double<BR><BR>we are considering the balestri (which is about 185 euros)<BR><BR>suggestions please.<BR><BR>jim & camille

Just responded to your Venice thread... For great value, Hotel Casci (less than your budget, put the savings towards the hotel in Venice). It's not overally charming in appearance but very clean and quiet and run by the nicest people. The atmosphere, dispite the appearance is wonderful.

Jim and Camille - Please note that Hotel Casci is NOT near the Arno - your third requirement. It's a few blocks from the Duomo. It does offer private baths and air conditioning. <BR><BR>I stayed at the Casci last month and liked it, too.

The Casci is a great place to stay. Good value and location can't be beat. Walk to the Arno and enjoy it as long as you like. Walk over the Ponte Vecchio and get a different perspective. The Lombardis (hotel owners) and wonderful people. We stayed there earlier this month and it was like visiting family.

Try the Hotel Pitti Palace. All the modern amenities you're seeking, and right near the Arno. My family members always stayed there when I was attending school in Florence & they were visiting, and every one of them loved the place.<BR><BR>Buon Viaggio,<BR>BC

I am going to Italy in October. Going to Rome, Florence and Venice. I have booked my hotel room in Florence at Hotel Casci. Thank you so much for the reassurance. We sometimes doubt if we've made the right choice in hotels but now I feel I have.

jim and camille,<BR><BR>the balestri is great...check out ehi.com for best rates<BR><BR>geno

jim, would you consider staying outside of florence in a small town?<BR><BR>gina