I am going to be travelling alone in Italy during June. I am seriously looking at three Hotels in Florence, Hotel Aurora, Hotel Pagnini and Hotel Boccacio. Cost is a main factor, but I want to be sure of safety and cleanliness...particularly of the bathroom. They have all had great reviews, any other observations or considerations for me, please.

Also, I am a pretty healthy and in shape middle - aged (brave) woman (Canadian)fond of (easy) walking therefore do you think that a hotel in the S. Maria Novella is easy walking distance to all the main attractions?
Thanks for any input and all advice!

oops; Here is one more request for comments and suggestions. What about the Johlea and Johanna residences at : www.anticadimorafirenze.it. Thanks again.

Hi Ellgie,

I can highly recommend the B&B Peterson.
www.bedinflorence.it

See my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Hi Ellgie,

About three (or more?) years ago I stayed at the Johanna with a couple of friends. We really enjoyed it, but keep in mind it's not a full-service hotel. Also, I think their prices have risen considerably since then--that was back in the days of the lira--so I'm not sure it's the value it once was.

We had a very spacious room, I believe #10 or #11, with a tiny balcony. The neighborhood was quiet, lots of university students in the mornings. We walked everywhere.

If you feel it's in your budget, I thought it was very clean and safe. We frequently ate around via San Zanobi or San Gallo or Guelfa in the evenings. Hope I have the names right.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Ira, I have just spent the past 2 hours reading your journal having taken several cyber-side trips! I will spend a few more, I suspect, cutting and pasting and saving your great tips and suggestions. Thank you so much.

Ellgie, I am actually staying at the Antica Dimora in Florence for three nights next week. If you're still interested, I'll be happy to let you know how it is. I haven't found many reviews on this board, and none on Tripadvisor the last time I checked, but at least the Website looks good. I'm taking a chance because I normally stay in places that are highly recommended by more than one person on Fodors. So, we'll see.

Ellgie, one important factor for me to consider is 24-hour desk, and in June in Florence, probably air conditioning. Hotel Boccacio has 24-hour desk service; if that matters to you, check if the other hotels do.

A hotel in the S. Maria Novella area will be very convenient. I can't comment on what it's like as an area to stay in - it seems to me some places in that area do report a lot of street noise.

Thank you All, I am checking my site every few minutes to see what new material is provided.

Thank you Annalise, I most definitely would love for you to provide me with a "report card".... remember that I am travelling solo, so if you would keep that in mind re: security, cost etc. I look forward to your response.

Hi Ellgie, I 100% agree with WillTravel. DO get a hotel that has 24 hour desk service and also airconditioning. That and of course a clean hotel and in a safe area is most important.

Glad to have helped, Ell