Planning on staying 4 or 5 nights in Florence in late-May 2000. We're looking in the inexpensive-to-moderate price range. Anybody have any experience with or info on the following: <BR>(My top four so far) <BR>Hotel Bellettini <BR>Morandi alla Crocetta <BR>Hotel Torre Guelfa <BR>Maria Luisa de'Medici <BR>On my "also-a-possiblity" list are Hotel Marios, Hotel Faenza, Le Vigne, Hotel Nuova Italia Firenze, <BR>Hotel Romagna, Hotel Pendini, and Pensione Bretagna. <BR>I'm also open to any other suggestions in this price range. Many thanks for all the help provided by the participants of this forum!

We stayed at the Morandi alla Crocetta last September. The rooms and bathrooms were lovely and comfortable, location great. Only two drawbacks, which may not bother you. The Hotel is on the second floor without an elevator and the breakfast they offer is very expensive for what is basically toast and coffee. If that doesn't matter to you, I would highly recommend it, especially for the price.

Hi Mark: <BR> <BR>You asked about the Hotel Romagna. We stayed there last May. (see our website for an account of our trip: www.davidandcarol.com) <BR> <BR>The hotel is in an excellent location - between the train station and the Duomo. The price, for two people was one of the best I found for a two-star hotel. Our room was clean and simple, as was the somewhat small, yet spotless bathroom. Breakfast was served buffet-style: coffee, tea, juices, cereals, fruit, yogurt, rolls, etc - more than substantial. <BR> <BR>But the real highlight of the Hotel Romagna is Eleni, (she and her husbands family own the hotel). She is simply charming, grew up with English as a second language and made our stay very memorable. We've since become very friendly with her through emails. <BR> <BR>While I know there are other hotels that probably have bigger rooms, more antiques, etc, we will always stay at the Romagna because of our wonderful, warm welcome from Eleni and family. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip and email me if you want more details on the hotel. <BR> <BR>Carol <BR>

Mark, we have stayed at the Morandi alla crocetta and loved it. However, we also stayed at the Loggiato dei Serviti, and prefer that in roughly the same price range.

Among the hotels you list we've experienced the Pendini twice and the Le Vigne once. <BR>The Pendini, next to Piazza della Repubblica, is on the center of things, equidistant from the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Via Tornabuoni. It offers 3-star ammenities, family atmosphere and old-fashioned environment. Both times we used rooms overlooking a courtyard and noise was not an issue. I was told that all rooms were equipped with noise insulation but apparently some people complained (Piazza della Repubblica is very busy and noisy "events" take place there till late at night, specially in summer). Generous buffet breakfast. Current rates are quite reasonable at US 140 (up from about US 100-115 we payed 5-3 years ago). <BR>Two years ago, in the first half of July, we found a quadruple in the Le Vigne at very competitive rates (US 140). A double in high season should currently run about US 100. Its location, at the corner of Piazza Sta. Maria Novella is quite convenient, though not as central as the Pendini. Rooms (rated 2-stars), though very basic, are old-fashioned, clean, generous in size and confortable (with air conditioning on request). On the minus side, little charm all around, no views whatsoever and you have to use the stairs to go up a floor from street level. Family like atmosphere and generous buffet breakfast. We got a 6-7% discount on the booking rate by paying cash instead of using a cc. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Mark, <BR>I've read great things about the Torre Guelfe and it was a close second choice for our upcoming trip (ended up choosing Hermitage for more money). The Torre Guelfe is supposed to have a gorgeous bedroom with balcony and views of city (such bedroom views may be a rarity in Florence). There is also a tower bar which has "breathtaking" views. Aside from that, the decor gets nice write-ups and the staff is supposed to be great. <BR> <BR>Let us know what you decide!

Mark- We stayed at the Hotel Casci in Florence. It is about 1 block or less from the Duomo, so very centrally located. Paolo and his mother and father run it and all speak tremendously good English. It is on the 4th floor of a old palace and has a elevator, a small bar and a great breakfast, with a machine to can make your own cappacino that we loved. They made our reservations at the Ufizzi and the David also. The rooms are air conditioned, very clean,all face a courtyard, no street exposure so no noise and have new bathrooms and are spotless! Their fax is 055-2396461. They also have a good web site, but I can't locate the address, look for it on any Italy hotel site, or e-mail me and I'll find it. The best thing, it was $95 a night for two with breakfast! Pam

I concur with Pam about Hotel Casci - we stayed there this past September, and it was a great place. Clean, comfortable, great location (walk to everywhere), and very reasonable. The web address is: www.hotelcasci.com.

Mark: We stayed at Hotel Bellettini in May and really enjoyed it. The price was very reasonable. The location is great. One suggestion: ask for a room that is not on the street side as it can be noisy <BR>