Venice (Locanda Orseolo) and Florence (Hotel Pendini) hotel choices
May 13th, 2014, 08:22 AM
#21
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Sorry, Paula, I just noticed your posting about the J K. Thank you! It does sound (and look) lovely, but I think since we are just two teachers (one retired...me, and one still working...M) we will not spend the $$$$ for J K Place.
We will be arriving and departing by train.
We will be arriving and departing by train.
May 13th, 2014, 08:59 AM
#22
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simpsonc510
I have recently returned from a trip to Europe in March 2014. We stayed in the Hotel Pendini in Florence and recommend it highly. We also stayed at the Pendini in March 2011. It is a family run hotel located on levels 3 and 4, but not ground level. There are 2 elevators (and a lovely staircase) located at the end of a 30 m long corridor that provides street access. This has an added benefit to get you away from street noise.
The rooms (I think) are each unique. This is not a cookie-cutter hotel. You might want to request a room that overlooks Piazza della Repubblica. These rooms also provide a nice view of the Duomo. If your room fronts on the Piazza, you might experience some late evening noise due to the Piazza restaurants found nearby. There is a Hard Rock café just around the corner at the intersection of Via del Campidoglio and Via de Brunelleschi. The hotel's breakfast service is excellent, offering a wide range of food that I am sure will meet all your needs. Linen tablecloths, silver service, comfortable, upholstered chairs etc. are found in the breakfast room.
From your map you will see that the Duomo Cattedrale is 2 short blocks (about 3 minutes walk) from the hotel entrance. The train station is about 1 km away (we walked).
I'm not good at giving advice on shoe purchases - but I know you will have lots of choice. On the other hand if you are interested in Ferrari spin-offs, there is a Ferrari store (not a dealership) directly underneath the hotel at street level.
Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. We all look forward to a trip report when you come back. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask - I will try to help you.
tC
I have recently returned from a trip to Europe in March 2014. We stayed in the Hotel Pendini in Florence and recommend it highly. We also stayed at the Pendini in March 2011. It is a family run hotel located on levels 3 and 4, but not ground level. There are 2 elevators (and a lovely staircase) located at the end of a 30 m long corridor that provides street access. This has an added benefit to get you away from street noise.
The rooms (I think) are each unique. This is not a cookie-cutter hotel. You might want to request a room that overlooks Piazza della Repubblica. These rooms also provide a nice view of the Duomo. If your room fronts on the Piazza, you might experience some late evening noise due to the Piazza restaurants found nearby. There is a Hard Rock café just around the corner at the intersection of Via del Campidoglio and Via de Brunelleschi. The hotel's breakfast service is excellent, offering a wide range of food that I am sure will meet all your needs. Linen tablecloths, silver service, comfortable, upholstered chairs etc. are found in the breakfast room.
From your map you will see that the Duomo Cattedrale is 2 short blocks (about 3 minutes walk) from the hotel entrance. The train station is about 1 km away (we walked).
I'm not good at giving advice on shoe purchases - but I know you will have lots of choice. On the other hand if you are interested in Ferrari spin-offs, there is a Ferrari store (not a dealership) directly underneath the hotel at street level.
Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. We all look forward to a trip report when you come back. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask - I will try to help you.
tC
May 13th, 2014, 09:39 AM
#23
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Carol, I know, it is very expensive and isn't always where I stay in Florence, I like the Hotel David also (much easier on the wallet!) but it is across the river and you want to be central.
I think the Pendini looks good and the location is perfect, and now having a recent comment from teacherCanada,it sounds very good value! (I will bookmark this one also) If you don't want to walk from the station you can get a taxi.
For your shopping friend I also recommend checking out the department store La Rinascente which is on Piazza della Repubblica, so very close to your hotel! If you go to their website before your trip you can print off a coupon giving you 10% off as an international visitor, plus you get the tax back when you spend a certain amount. www.rinascente.it
Enjoy your trip!
I think the Pendini looks good and the location is perfect, and now having a recent comment from teacherCanada,it sounds very good value! (I will bookmark this one also) If you don't want to walk from the station you can get a taxi.
For your shopping friend I also recommend checking out the department store La Rinascente which is on Piazza della Repubblica, so very close to your hotel! If you go to their website before your trip you can print off a coupon giving you 10% off as an international visitor, plus you get the tax back when you spend a certain amount. www.rinascente.it
Enjoy your trip!
May 13th, 2014, 10:17 AM
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I've stayed at the Pendini and also have booked clients there. The location is wonderful. Staff and owners get top reviews. In fact, my clients loved them. Very nice, very helpful.
I thought our room was a little tired and a little dark, but as stated above, no two rooms are alike at the Pendini. It does have a lot of character.
If you want a helpful and friendly staff, I think it is a great choice in that price category.
We recently stayed at Tourist House Ghiberti, which we both loved. Rooms are big, bright and have every sort of amenity, including a computer, that one could imagine in a budget hotel. The owner/manager is very quiet; very very quiet. Pretty low affect, I would say. They run a very nice little hotel, but if you're looking for smiles and friendliness, as well as ease of asking for questions and guidance, it might not be the best fit.
For anyone returning to Florence, without much need of interaction with the hotel desk, I highly recommend Tourist House Ghiberti. Far above and beyond anything available at the price that I'm familiar with.
I thought our room was a little tired and a little dark, but as stated above, no two rooms are alike at the Pendini. It does have a lot of character.
If you want a helpful and friendly staff, I think it is a great choice in that price category.
We recently stayed at Tourist House Ghiberti, which we both loved. Rooms are big, bright and have every sort of amenity, including a computer, that one could imagine in a budget hotel. The owner/manager is very quiet; very very quiet. Pretty low affect, I would say. They run a very nice little hotel, but if you're looking for smiles and friendliness, as well as ease of asking for questions and guidance, it might not be the best fit.
For anyone returning to Florence, without much need of interaction with the hotel desk, I highly recommend Tourist House Ghiberti. Far above and beyond anything available at the price that I'm familiar with.
May 13th, 2014, 01:34 PM
#27
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Thank you tuscan. I think I prefer the interaction with the front desk. Pendini has already emailed, offering to give advice/help with museum tickets, etc. Since this is my first time to actually STAY in Florence, I like that interaction. But thank you for the Tourist House suggestion. Maybe it will be fine when I visit Florence the next time.
May 13th, 2014, 02:03 PM
#28
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simpsonc: I think you're making the right choice concerning the Pendini. I'm not sure if it still holds true, but they used to have a computer station for guests to use.
When my clients were staying there, they had a change of plans, and found the Pendini staff very helpful.
I just had two great meals in Florence: Due G and Il Fagiolini. We had bistecca Fiorentina at Due G and it was as good as any I've had.
When my clients were staying there, they had a change of plans, and found the Pendini staff very helpful.
I just had two great meals in Florence: Due G and Il Fagiolini. We had bistecca Fiorentina at Due G and it was as good as any I've had.
