First time in Italy, looking for a clean, comortable hotel close to the sights with private bath. Looking to pay $80 - $110 per night.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>AA

Holiday Inn.

Thanks, but something a little more exciting than a US chain would be nice. Open to a small family run place.<BR><BR>Cheers,

Check out Hotel Casci and Hotel Europa. Both 2*, family run, very clean, convenient location, and get great write-ups. I've stayed at the Casci and was very pleased.

check out www.venere.com for listings in all price ranges and locations. You should also search on this board from dozens of previously suggested hotels.

When are you going? That will make a difference in price.

My favorite hotel in Florence is the Aldini. It is a small, family run place with an exceptional location (across from the Duomo on Calzaioli Street. The rooms are a nice size and very clean. The owners are so helpful and very friendly. I recommend it highly- I stayed there last October for 140,000Lire- about $70 per night. I'm going back there this May and can't wait!