We're planning our second trip to Italy. Last time we didn't see Florence or much of Tuscany. We'd like to stay somewhere very near Florence and take day-trips from there. Don't think we want to stay IN Florence, pretty big place!! Can anyone recommend a "suburb" of Florence we might want to check out? We're not millionairs so the $600/night places won't happen, more like $150 top limit!

Hi Osnay
this B&B gets great reviews and we are staying there in April. Elena has been delightful to talk to!
It's called Fiorenza B&B

http://www.fiorenzabb.it/
Hope this helps, have a great trip
Rosie

Try http://www.cantodelmaggio.com/ jsut south of Florence. We've been there 3 times.

Hi O,

>Don't think we want to stay IN Florence, pretty big place!! <

The historic center of Florence is less than 1 mile square.

Try Greve. A short distance,but a beautiful area close to Florence. Our favorite is http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/review.asp?n=1695
Podere Torre.
This isn't my review,but it does point to my trip report of our first stay there.

Thanks all, those suggestions are helpful. I'll check them out, plus if anyone else has an opinion...

Here are few suggestions:

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4405

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4154

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4260

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4147

Hope it helps.

Hi osnay,

You might consider I Parigi B&B just south of Florence on the road to Siena in the town of Galluzzo. It's a lovely restored 14th century complex with very nice owners, very good breakfasts, and is on a bus route. We stayed there with our 2 teenagers and loved it! The only slight negative is the walk from the main road-it's about 15 minutes, almost all uphill-but the view is beautiful. Have a great trip!

Buongiorno, how about more info about Canto del Maggio? The (unfinished) web page looks great. The property appears to be on a steep hill, so are there lots of stairs to climb? Also tell us about the restaurant, accessibility into Florence, the rates, and anything else that's pertinent. Thanks!

Have you checked out Untours.com. They are a nonprofit organization that offers rentals of apartments for 2 weeks. Your apartment rental includes airfare, transportation, and a local contact who speaks English. The apartments are in local neighborhoods so you really get a feel for the city or region you are visiting. I have gone to Venice twice via Untours and will be going to Alsace France in September. Our contact in Venice plans an event every Friday night for her Untourists to attend..free of charge. We went to a palace on the Grand Canal to hear a live opera performance. It was magical.

Justine

I seem to always agree and appreciate everything Ira says....
Stay in Florence, it's wonderful, small and easy to get around.

Last January, we rented a great apartment right off (literly around the corner) from the Ponte Vechio.
I booked the 3 bedroom (6 bed) apartment through Roberto Redi ([email protected]) of Bed and Breakfast Florence Chain. For 6 nights we spent 500 euro.
I highly recommend him and this service!
Enjoy Italy!

Just curious, where did you hear that Florence was really big?

If you decide to stay in Florence, Hotel Davanzati is centrally located and very lovely. It may fit into your budget depending on the time of year and the size room you need. It is within walking distance to everything, including bus and train stations (assuming you are healthy people who can walk around with out problems).

www.hoteldavanzati.it

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Room size Min/Max
Single (max 1) €80/€150
Double(max 2) €120/€188
Double Superior (max 2+2) €150/€312
Suite (max 2+2) €190/€352