Fall of 2003 we stayed at the Hotel Plaza Lucchesi- it was included in a package deal and I thought it would not be very top notch...I was wrong, it was good, pretty inexpensive and had a great location on the Arno. The staff was great, nice modern bathrooms and even free internet. It was not the greatest in Florence per tripadvisor but I still think for under $200 it was well worth it. I would return.

Just got back Easter Sunday and stayed 2 nights at Helvetia & Bristol (199E)+ tax, no breakfast and 2 nights at Plaza Luchessi (165 E includ. t & b).Got upgraded to second night to a large room with a balcony on the 4th floor with a fabulous view of the churches. A little out of the way but a good value.
I emailed Helvetia and asked for a low season "special".

We will be spending a few days in Florence.. kind of in a budget..any suggestions for hotels or B&B's?

San Giovanni
email: [email protected]
www.hotelsangiovanni.com

This was a great location and great price. Ask for a room with a view of the Duomo. The staff is very friendly.
Enjoy.

Last Sept we stayed at the Gallery Art Hotel. It is very close to the Pointe Vecchia and the Uffizi Gallery. It is on a quiet little street and is an oasis in a busy city.
It is a more modern hotel in decor and not an overly attractive exterior. The rooms are very very comfortable. They have wonderful beds, high quality linens, new and luxurious bathrooms (not huge) and the rooms are very quiet.
We went across the steet to the rooftop bar of the Continentale and it also looked nice. Both are part of the Ferragamo chain

Janelle6
I've stayed at Beacci Tornabuoni 3 times and I can't rave enough about it!
The rooms are sized very well, spacious in fact and immaculate. Breakfast is served out on the rooftop terrace with a fabulous view and beautiful garden to enjoy. As far as location, well it really is perfect. 1 block in from Ponte Trinita and maybe a 10 minute walk to Ponte Vecchio. It's on a street that is famous for it's designer boutiques(fun to window shop even if you're not a shopper)and very close to Santa Maria Novello. I highly recommend it, in fact I'm returning there this fall.

Spent several days in Florence last May and stayed at Hotel Casci (http://www.hotelcasci.com/).ur spacious, clean, and comfortable room ran 135 Euros per night. It was a great location ... easy walking distance to Duomo, Accademia, Uffizi, train station, etc. It is a family run hotel and the staff is as friendly and accommodating as you could ever wish for! All spoke English and whatever we needed was taken care of immediately! The price of the room includes breakfast which was nothing fancy, but good and hearty!

Here's another vote for the Helvetia and Bristol Hotel. Great yet quiet location, one of the prettiest breakfast rooms I've seen. Look at www.the charminghotels.com and search for "Hotel Helvetia and Bristol".