thanks very much for responses re: travel to amalfi from florence. much appreciated.

i need to be very close to uffizi and duomo due to funky ankle - between the brunelleschi (which looks a little strange) the calzaouli or orto de medici, any thoughts?

any other hotels that are charming, not too much $$$ and centrally located? putting together a package through expedia.

Tourist House Ghiberti !
Relais Uffizi
Orto de Medici

Hotel Casci

http://www.hotelalessandra.com/

Another one here who loves the Alessandra for many, many reasons, one of which is the location.

We stayed at Calzaiuoli last summer and found it very comfortable. Decent size room, bigger than typical bathroom, delicious breakfast, courteous staff. And the location couldn't be more central. Walk out front door one or two blocks to the right and your at the Duomo. Two blocks to your left across Piazza d. Signoria to the Uffizi. Near the shopping and restaurants. I'd gladly return.

Tourist House Ghiberti
http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4175

Hotel Calzaiouli, I suppose that you hardly could find a more central hotel. I stayed well. Notice: I'm not sure, but I suspect they haven't a lift. If you have trouble with your ankle perhaps you could consider asking this first to them.

Calzaiuoli does have an elevator.

Another vote for Tourist House Ghiberti!

For the Fodorites that stayed at Hotel Alessandra, how was the noise factor?

We stayed at the Relais Uffizi last July on our honeymoon. It's right next to the Uffizi--fantastic location, quiet and lovely. The price was reasonable, too.

Another vote for the Tourist House Ghiberti.

Torre Guelfa is nice. It is near the Ponte Vecchio. Also, close to Uffizi.