Princess

I thought I read something about there being construction going on around the Statue. Has anyone just returned from Florence who can tell me about the construction in the city?

For those who have stayed at this hotel recently, could you tell me about it and where it is located? Was it a nice hotel to stay at? Also, was the Breakfast Buffet good, and what did they serve? Thanks.

Cicerone

The original statue, located in the Accademia museum, is being cleaned, and there is some scaffolding, but it does not interfer much with viewing. The cleaning is scheduled to be completed at the end of May.

There are two copies of the David located in open outside areas in Florence, the more visited one being in the Piazza della Signoria, I am not sure if there is construction in that area.

subcon

the other is in the piazzale michaelangelo overlooking florence. the view alone is worth the trip.

artstuff

Princess -

We stayed at the Hotel Casci in 1997, and would definately stay there again when (someday) we return to Florence. It is located on Via Cavour, #13, within walking distance of the train station and around the block from the Duomo and Campanile.

We loved our room, #3, which was in the front of the hotel. It was down this little hallway - we thought the pensioner was leading us to the dungeon - where he opened up a really old door into a room with the neatest shutters (several hundred years old) on the window that we had ever seen. The windows were brand new and soundproof - very quiet and comfortable room - nicely decorated. There were two steps that led up to the bathroom, which was small, but it did have a heated floor and heated towel rack, as well as shower, sink, toilet and bidet.

The breakfast room, right off the lobby, was furnished with antiques. They offered rolls, pastry, fruit and cereal (it was the best breakfast we had eaten so far - 8 days into our trip!)

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Casci and in Florence. Enjoy your travels, also. Peace.

Robyn

amyb

Last week the statue had scaffolding up his right side and obstructing a lot of his back (if you're looking there, which I was! )

I wish it wasn't there at all, it wasn't horrible, but not the best to see the statue. It is still the most beautiful thing I've ever seen though...

lexluther

I stayed at hotel casci last december. We really enjoyed our stay there - we were with 2 kids and they went out of their way to accomodate us. We almost felt like we were staying at someones house as guests. The location can't be beat and the breakfast is great soft boiled eggs, cheeses, meats croissants, breads, juices. Don't let first appearances deceive you because when we first arrived we thought "oh no" but once we were in our room we thought it was cute. Bear in mind it is simple, with simple furnishings but there is something charming about it and the location is awesome

MFNYC

We stayed there for only 1 night in March '01 with our 2 kids. I have to agree with everything Lex says. The family that runs it is delightful. I felt more 'at home' here than any of the other places we stayed and this was the shortest stay. The front desk was also very helpful in making restaurant recommendations.

Giovanna

We loved our stay at the Casci in 2002. The Lombardis, who own and run the hotel, couldn't have been nicer. I booked our room on the internet and received prompt responses. It was almost like we were going to stay with an aunt and uncle. It turned out to have that same feeling when we arrived.

The breakfast was very good (the coffee machine alone is amazing). Our room was small, simply furnished and very comfortable.

We had a car and arrangements for parking were arranged by the hotel. Shortly after we arrived a gentleman came to pick up the car and returned it the morning we left.

Take a look at their web site:
http://www.hotelcasci.com/

Grasshopper

Casci is certainly a Fodors favorite. I think it's funny that everyone talks about how wonderful and accommodating the Lombardis are. Yes, Signora Lombardi was very motherly and helpful to me the both times I was there. But come on, didn't you all think her husband was a bit of a grouch? He was downright mean to his staff! And he guards that espresso machine like a pit bull.

Please understand, I am saying all of this in a friendly, loving way. I would go back to the Casci anytime (if I can get a room.. it's pretty well booked up!). The location is fantastic and the rooms are comfortable. Additionally, they have free internet access in the lobby.

ladylawyer42

We just came back from Florence, and while the scaffolding around David was a little annoying, you can still get a very good view of the statue. Not sure what you mean by construction in the city -- there is always restoration work going on in Florence because it is filled with old buildings, but there was nothing that kept us from getting around the city.