Trip Report - Part 2, Florence
 

In Florence, we stayed at Hotel Pendini. I wanted a hotel with a good location and the Pendini does fit that bill. However, I did have some complaints with the hotel. First, our room was quite a distance from the front desk, and from getting outside. You have to take the lift to the front desk and then go down a flight of stairs and down two long halls. The size of the room was fine but the bathroom was small with the shower and drain on one end. It was crowded and you had to worry about getting water all over the floor. It was also quite loud. I have read complaints from others about the maid closets across the hall. I did notice some noise in the mornings from that. There was also quite a bit of noise coming from other places in the building, it was especially loud in the bathroom. I could hear conversations quite well. I think that if you requested a room on the 4th floor you would get a better room. I also noticed that even in the common areas, the rugs were quite worn, the walls were dirty, and there was a hole in the floor in the hall, too. The breakfast room is nice because it sits in an arch over the top of the street. It was nice to watch the people on the street as you ate breakfast and we enjoyed the cappuccinos each morning. Last time I was in Florence (2 years ago) we stayed at Hotel Splendid and I liked that hotel quite a bit more. It was very well maintained and charming and our rooms were large. The owners were very friendly. However, the location is not as good. <BR> <BR>We walked to the Uffizi Museum and made reservations for two days later. We enjoyed the street performers outside of the Museum. They are quite creative. One day we took the bus to Sienna. That was a good excursion and Sienna was quite interesting with its high walls and narrow walks. Because we had visited Florence before, we have seen a number of sites already, so we used the rest of the time shopping and just enjoying Florence’s beauty. Next we were on to Sorrento. Please check my post about the robbery that took place in the Naples Train Station. <BR>

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Thanks Sonia. It's great to get accurate descriptions of hotels for future visits. <BR> <BR>I was in Florence in June for a few days and also took the trip to Sienna. I stayed at the Hotel Splendid Montecollo (same one you stayed in 2 years ago?). Not right in the centre of everything, but I liked the fact it was in a very quite area. Also had a great room overlooking the garden and I would be happy to return there (having been assured by anther Fodorite that the price I paid was by no means expensive for this type of hotel in Florence). <BR> <BR>The day I was in Plaza Vecchio, there was a school band from the US planning "Yankee Doodle", "Star Bangled Banner" and other US "oldies" - the tourists were entralled! <BR> <BR>Nice shopping, I found: Lots of tempting goodies, friendly and helpful staff. How did you find the prices compared to your place of origin? <BR> <BR>Look forward to reading the rest of the trip report you have posted. <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger

Sonia: We are going to Florence next month, and also wish to take the bus to Siena. I understand it takes about 1 hour & 15 minutes. What time of day was it, and was it hot & crowded, or was it a reasonably pleasurable bus ride? How far is the walk from Siena bus station to Piazza del Campo? On your prior Florence visits have you ever taken the 20-30 minute bus to Fiesole which can be an alternative to Siena?

Sonia, <BR>Thank You for the information!! I, along with 3 friends, have reservations next month for Hotel Pendini and when we check in, I will ask for the 4th floor. Any other advice about the hotel would be appreciated. If you don't mind me asking, what rate (Lira) were you charged? <BR> <BR>

I just realized that the hotel I stayed at on my last visit was Hotel Splendor, not "Splendid." Sorry for the mistake. <BR> <BR>If you make sure you take the rapid bus, it is about 1 hour 15 minutes, some other busses take up to 2 hours. It wasn't terribly hot in the bus but I did get a little car sickness. It may be just because I couldn't see out the window that well. <BR> <BR>It took about 15 minutes to walk to the square from the bus, it isn't too bad. It is a worthwhile trip. Have fun!