My wife has decided that the Italian part of our Spring 2010 trip will start with 5 nights in Florence, arriving by train from Milan. She has identified four hotels she is interested in--based on tour book recommendations/information. If you have advice about any of them, please let me know what you think and, if possible, what your experience has been. Or if you would recommend a different hotel (in similar location) please do so.

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco
Relais Uffizi
Hotel Albergotto
Antica Torre Tornabuoni

Thanks much.

We stayed at Relais Uffizi a few years ago. It was okay, not wonderful, breakfast okay. While the rooms were large and looked like shown on the website the baths were very dated. Would I stay there again, probably not. The best thing going for it is the location. We are returning to Florence and meeting some friends and are staying at www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com in Sept. as this is where they picked. I still have to choose a hotel for our return in Oct and Antica Torre Tornabuoni is one of my choices. I'll be interested to read what recommendations you get.

Mrs. Laidback

I've not stayed in any of the OPs choices, but I did like the B&B recommended above very much and would stay there again....

I've stayed on Tornabuoni, in a different hotel; good location, especially for upscale shopping.

Hi Bear,

www.bedinflorence.it is basic, clean, has AC and is very, very nice. We were there for 11 nights.

We stayed at the Hotel Montreal, which is close to the train station -10 minute walk. See:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...e_Tuscany.html

If you go to this website, there is a way to book on the right side. I checked and you can get rooms for less than $50.00 per night, booking on Orbitz. At the hotel site, the rate can be $130.00. Ask for a room on floors 1-3 and in the back. Floors 1-3 have lift. Also, rooms in the back are quieter. The locals party til 4-5 in the morning. Floors 4+, lift to 3 then carry luggage up stairs. Breakfast was simple bread and jam, ceral, but coffee was good.

There was a restaurant 4 or 5 doors down that has a price fix menu. E10 per person and you will be full when you leave. You can eat at tables on the sidewalk or inside. Menu has English translations.

Have you looked up these hotels at www.tripadvisor.com? You should find lots of reviews there.

I do not care much for the area close to the main train station.

If you are looking for someplace in the Tornabuoni area for a moderate price, you might check out this place--I spent a week there on a visit in the fall of 2001--just after 9/11-- and will not soon forget the kindness of the hotel staff in light of recent events in my hometown.


http://www.laresidenzahotel.com/en/index.htm

Note that there is a variety in room size and decor..

Several years ago we stayed at Hotel David in Florence. It was great. It is about a 10 minute walk along the river to the historic center. In my opinion it's a great location. outside the center,so quiet.

We will be in Florence in about one week and decided on the Alloro B&B. Excellent reviews, reasonable price and great location. Communication via email from the owner has been responsive and helpful. We're looking forward to staying there and trust it will meet our expectations.