paula5

I finally bought my ticket to Europe and have a room in Rome, but don't know where to stay in Florence. Any suggestions? I have checked Florence hotels in the forum but can't seem to find one every likes. Im thinking 3 star. Thanks.

ezlivin

If you've checked the forum and didn't find one that everyone likes, isn't this just an additonal way of finding our more hotels that everyone doesn't like?
Anyway, just a suggestion - with 2 weeks to go and with a normally very busy summer season in Florence, you'd better be on the phone, at this point, with those that catch your fancy. You can also try to book one through www.venere.it - it provides info on the number of stars and on the area where the hotel is located.

paula5

I was looking for a updated report and trying to save myself some time. Hopefully, someone will help me since this is what this forum is all about. Thanks for your input.

Underhill

Try the Hotel Berchielli; it's right near the Arno, just down from the bridge with all the goldsmiths' shops. I don't know whether it's 3* or 4*, but it's very nice.

mgmargate

Take EZLIVIN's advice & book now if you still can.

katr

I know someone else already said this, but check out venere.com. It's a lifesaver. We found our Florence and Rome hotels in there, quite easily. And they have comments from people that have stayed there, giving you lots of good tips. Ciao.

travelbunny

..check venere but i find ratestogo even better in terms of last minute deepdiscounts...good luck

ira

ttt

SuzieC

or laterooms.com

suze

My method is to do research on the various internet sites but then contact the hotel front desk directly - either by phone, fax or email to make my reservation. I would worry less about finding one everyone here likes, than something in your price range that is centrally located. Especially with your trip getting so close!

paula5

Well, it seems to be you all are right! All the hotels I have checked so far are fully booked. It doesn't help that we will be there Thursday thru Sunday. One guide book I have has Hotel Classic-but I can't seem to find any pictures. Has anyone heard of this hotel?

mcnyc

I've stayed at Hotel Desiree, which is on Via Fiume, right off the train station. Quiet, close to everything, relatively cheap. Not a 3 star hotel, but charming. Or else, try florenceby.com. Good luck.

travelbunny

..Paula, have you checked rates to go? At this pt. in time, I would suggest that you just look at what is listed and then cross reference with tripadvisor or the feedback from users in the site..i think trying to find a hotel which youve seen listed in the popular guide books on these sights is very unlikely at this late date..good luck and let me know!!

paula5

I have checked so many hotels-one that has responded with availablty is the River Hotel, near the Arno River. Any good? Not that Im being fussy at this point. Im waiting for a few more hotels to respond. Thanks for all the help!

Underhill

fI would really urge you to book the first hotel you hear from--you can always cancel if something that looks better comes along. Otherwise you risk ending up without a room at all.

suze

Do you have a street map of Florence? Since you are basically having to pick a hotel "blind" at this point, I'd at least make sure it is in a desirable and central location, not somewhere on the outskirts of town (unless you really get stuck). I agree that places listed in guidebooks and/or popular hotels on travel websites are most likely to be booked up earliest.

paula5

I guess we will book Hotel river. Yhe only thing I know is it is near the Arno river. Thanks for all the input.

Underhill

Have you looked at the map on the River Hotel's web site? That will give you a very good indication of how far the hotel is from the central part of Florence--and it doesn't seem to be far enough away to be troublesome. The hotel itself seems very nice.

janier

We stayed at the Hotel Alessandara last May-June. It was nice, clean, good breakfast and close to the river.