OReilly

NYCFS: you have stayed there, or just somewhere close?

BTW, I am not a family, I am a party of ONE, but love big rooms. Not interested in the pool, as I swim like a rock.

Good advice on the length of the drive, as I want to plan some day trips, so will have to be at the station on time - many thanks for that.

Cost of the taxi is not much of a concern, as I saved about £1000 by moving to the 'country'.

I would appreciate if you could share your experiences in being in a similar or same establishment, outside of Florence.

Best regards Ger

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"for a long decadent weekend with the family"</font></i>

Perhaps I misunderstood this.

The last time I was in Florence, I did my typical tour of Villa Olmi. There's much to enjoy. April isn't as pretty as May (depends on the weather), and I doubt I would stay there if I was a solo traveler (not close enough).

Traveling solo or with a lover, I prefer Torre di Bellosguardo. It's closer, quiet, older-charming, and more intimate, and offers the most spectacular views in all of Florence. I adore the owners, so I'm partial.

I don't think all the rooms for Easter week are booked in the city center, especially if you're traveling solo. Fodor's isn't the best place to find good recs. The same people (limited) tend to recommend the same places over and over again.

OReilly

Trust me NYFS, I used every source available to find hotels (I am a very seasoned traveller). I just left it too late to book, and didn't like the 'left-overs' IN Florence. The only property I fell in love with was the Olmi.

I understand your confusion - the 'decadent weekend with the family' referred to in the post was LAST weekend in Dublin, with my sisters, brother, nieces and nephews, and it was decadent indeed .

Best regards Ger

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"didn't like the 'left-overs' IN Florence"</font></i>

I forgot you were trying to control cost. There is "grand" availability, but as you said, the prices are inflated.

I doubt you could find city center luxury at the price of Villa Olmi. IMO, you were lucky to get that on Hotwire. There are price advantages to staying further from the center and booking last minute.

You'll be in a beautiful place, a fabulous city. It's hard to imagine you not having a wonderful time.

OReilly

Thanks NYFS. Yes, given that it was Easter, and how late I booked, I think I have done very well.

Update:

http://www.montebellosplendid.com/

I just got the Montebello Splendid (5 Star in Santa Maria Novella) for £277 for 2 nights (my extended visit from Tues to Thurs).

I stayed there before, its a lovely hotel.

Ger