Just spent 8 wonderful days in Florence and first look at board..amused at the "rude" string with 60 responses (although most were pro-Italian). we found most people very helpful and friendly. travelled with my sister who is also VERY friendly and helpful. (asking a stranger where to get off a bus, she will know the persons name before the next stop!) i really think a smile and an attitude of not "knowing it all" gets you the same in return. <BR>any questions re: hotel, restaurants etc. be happy to answer <BR>ciao

Hi Deb, <BR>glad you had such a good trip. I'd love to hear more about what you loved, what you thought wasn't so great, where you stayed, ate, etc...

<BR>Deb: <BR> <BR>I'm going to Rome(five sleeps) and Florence(four sleeps)next August with my family....two adults and three kids(13,13 & 15). We're looking for a "special" hotel or pensione to make our visit memorable....although we're on a relatively modest budget.(Up to $200US max per night) What hotel/pensione did you stay at? How was it? What was the cost? Any other leads? <BR> <BR>Thanks.... <BR> <BR>Scott

Me again. <BR>We stayed at Hotel Marios, Via Faenza 89. e-mail [email protected]. our double with bath and breakfast was 260,000 lira a nite (about $127). it was well located, spotless and staff was helpful and friendly. it is near San Lorenzo and not far from Duomo. <BR>for a restaurant, our favorite was Trattoria Antellesi, via Faenza 9r, family run, english spoken, great kitchen. for lunch Trattoria Garibardi in the Piazza Mercato Centrale, which is also near hotel. <BR>we walked everywhere, even to San Miniato on top of the hill overlooking the city, where we had a chance to listen to the friars offer gregorian chants while we caught our breath. <BR>another day and another walk took us back over the Arno to the Boboli gardens and a lovely tea break at their cafe that has a spectacular view of Florence (reminded me of sitting at Nepenthes in Big Sur). <BR>David in the Accadamia still takes my breath away..even tho this is the third time I have rounded that corner and seen him in his glory. <BR>reservations helped with the Uffizi (and don't forget to stop for a spot of tea or cappacino at it's rooftop terrace with the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio for a view)! oh, and you may have to look for Vivoli's gelateria, but don't miss it..we had gelato several places and nothing compared to theirs. if you are buying any stationery or souvenirs (like calendars, aprons, towels, scarves)go to the outdoor market at San Lorenzo..price is good and you can bargain if you want to. <BR>thats probably more information than anyone wanted..so that's it for now! <BR>Deb <BR>

I am planning a trip to Florence and am looking for the least expensive accomodations. Any suggestions? <BR>