Oltrarno in Florence
Apr 1st, 2010, 03:58 PM
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Oltrarno in Florence
We know that the centre of Florence is very compact & it is an easy place to tour on foot. On our last visit, we stayed in a charming B&B near the Duomo.
I am wondering if we chose to stay in a hotel/B&B on the Oltrarano this time, would we get a different "feel" for Florence? Or should we return to the B&B that we liked and just spend more time exploring the area across the Arno?
What do you think?
I am wondering if we chose to stay in a hotel/B&B on the Oltrarano this time, would we get a different "feel" for Florence? Or should we return to the B&B that we liked and just spend more time exploring the area across the Arno?
What do you think?
Apr 1st, 2010, 05:32 PM
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Well, your choice of accommodations will be smaller. And if the weather is damp and cold, you'll be doing more walking to get anywhere.
I've spent a lot of time in Florence, on both sides of the Arno, but never really felt a desire to stay in the Oltrarno. Which doesn't mean that if you showed me a great place that I wouldn't stay there. I would.
And Jean has a point. If it's hot and crowded, you might want to be where there are fewer tourists. And you can eat at Vecchia Bettola, and visit the Brancacci Chapel.
I guess you would get a different "feel" if that's what you are looking for. But what do you think the feel would be?
I've spent a lot of time in Florence, on both sides of the Arno, but never really felt a desire to stay in the Oltrarno. Which doesn't mean that if you showed me a great place that I wouldn't stay there. I would.
And Jean has a point. If it's hot and crowded, you might want to be where there are fewer tourists. And you can eat at Vecchia Bettola, and visit the Brancacci Chapel.
I guess you would get a different "feel" if that's what you are looking for. But what do you think the feel would be?
Apr 1st, 2010, 08:36 PM
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Thanks, Jean & tuscanlifeedit!
We are planning to be in Florence in May (2011). Hopefully, both the weather & crowds will be manageable!
I am thinking about our various trips to Paris where we've stayed in the 5th, 6th & 7th arrondisements and the neighbourhoods are distinct in the way they feel & in what they have to offer. I suppose I am wondering whether staying in another neighbourhood such as in Oltrarno would give us a different experience? Maybe not so much in compact Florence?
I have found Palazzo Guadagni on Piazza Santo Spirito. It's well-rated on Trip Advisor.
www.palazzoguadagni.com
We are planning to be in Florence in May (2011). Hopefully, both the weather & crowds will be manageable!
I am thinking about our various trips to Paris where we've stayed in the 5th, 6th & 7th arrondisements and the neighbourhoods are distinct in the way they feel & in what they have to offer. I suppose I am wondering whether staying in another neighbourhood such as in Oltrarno would give us a different experience? Maybe not so much in compact Florence?
I have found Palazzo Guadagni on Piazza Santo Spirito. It's well-rated on Trip Advisor.
www.palazzoguadagni.com
Apr 2nd, 2010, 04:16 AM
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I have spent a lot of time in Florence and personally prefer to stay a bit out of the center except in the true off season. The crowds have gotten overwhelming and I prefer a neighborhood experience wherever I travel.
I am often in the Oltrarno and would very much like to stay there one day. We generally staff near Piazza della Liberta to avoid the masses and because we like the San Gallo and the Aethenauem hotels for comfort and value as well as location.
When I go in February I will stay in the center.
I am often in the Oltrarno and would very much like to stay there one day. We generally staff near Piazza della Liberta to avoid the masses and because we like the San Gallo and the Aethenauem hotels for comfort and value as well as location.
When I go in February I will stay in the center.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 01:22 PM
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kfusto: Thanks for sharing your insight/experience about your choices in Florence! I understand your desire to be away from the crowds.
Last October when we were in Florence, we didn't spend a lot of time in the Oltrarno. Hence, my curiousity about it as a neighbourhood to stay in & to explore more thoroughly on our next trip.
Last October when we were in Florence, we didn't spend a lot of time in the Oltrarno. Hence, my curiousity about it as a neighbourhood to stay in & to explore more thoroughly on our next trip.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 01:55 PM
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25 years ago on my first visit to Florence we stayed in the Oltrarno. For us it was a great choice. It was mid-September and very warm during the day. Florence was packed with tourists. It was nice to escape to a quieter neighborhood in late afternoon. It didn't hurt that we were staying at Pensione Annalena (now Hotel Annalena) an had a room with a terrace overlooking a private garden. Sometimes the walk past the Pitti Palace seemed long, but usually we felt rewarding by the quiet peace of our hotel room. I can't vouch for the hotel now, but back then it was reasonably priced and we liked it a lot.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 02:36 PM
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I was in Florence a few weeks ago and stayed once again on the Oltrarno, about 5 minutes walk from the Pal. Guadagni (at the superlative Residenza Il Carmine).
I love the Oltrarno, for its great shops and restaurants, its low-key atmosphere and its proximity to places such as Bellosguardo.
My only comment on the location is that the Piazza S. Spirito can be lively at times. There is a food market and on weekends a fleamarket. At night, there may be a few carousing students.
It is quite easy to walk to the main sights across the bridge and the Oltrarno itself, as others have noted, is home to many fine works of art and architecture. Do NOT MISS the Saturday a.m. opening of the Fondazione Romano sculpture collection, next door to the beautiful S. Spirito church.
Click on my name and you will find my recent Florence trip report
I love the Oltrarno, for its great shops and restaurants, its low-key atmosphere and its proximity to places such as Bellosguardo.
My only comment on the location is that the Piazza S. Spirito can be lively at times. There is a food market and on weekends a fleamarket. At night, there may be a few carousing students.
It is quite easy to walk to the main sights across the bridge and the Oltrarno itself, as others have noted, is home to many fine works of art and architecture. Do NOT MISS the Saturday a.m. opening of the Fondazione Romano sculpture collection, next door to the beautiful S. Spirito church.
Click on my name and you will find my recent Florence trip report
Apr 2nd, 2010, 10:20 PM
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ellenem: I know exactly what you mean about retreating to a calm neighbourhood after a hectic day of touring/wandering! We certainly felt that way when we stayed in the 7th arr in Paris. I will check out the Hotel Annalena. Thanks!
Apr 2nd, 2010, 10:46 PM
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tedgale: I have been following your recent trip reports on Florence & Rome! I've enjoyed your stories & all the information you've shared about the places you visited! I paid particular attention to your list of favourite places in Florence!
I did take another, more thorough read of the Florence portion of your trip! I certainly have a better sense of what there is to see & do in the Oltrarno. The idea of staying there has its appeal!
I was also wondering about the activity/noise around the Piazza S. Spirito, especially at night. Your comment about the location of the Palazzo Guagagni gives us something to think about!
You've been most helpful! Thanks!
I did take another, more thorough read of the Florence portion of your trip! I certainly have a better sense of what there is to see & do in the Oltrarno. The idea of staying there has its appeal!
I was also wondering about the activity/noise around the Piazza S. Spirito, especially at night. Your comment about the location of the Palazzo Guagagni gives us something to think about!
You've been most helpful! Thanks!
