Hi,

I was wondering where a good place/area to stay is in Florence? We want to be close to happening areas, nightlife, restaurants, etc. Also, what areas should we avoid if any?

Thanks...

What is your budget? What types of hotel amenities are important to you?

I just booked Tourist House Ghiberti, a small B&B near the Duomo. The price was roughly 150 euro/night for a double.

I guess we would like to stay around that price range. The amenities that are important are at least a queen size bed if possible and not to have to share a bathroom...one preferably with a shower.

You can do that (150 E) fairly easily. It is not at all an outrageously low figure for a room with ensuite bath in Florence.

My preferred area is Santa Croce, but that could just be that I've grown familiar with it, and come to like it's restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.

Piazza Repubblica; via Tornabuoni; Piazza Duomo (too much of a hub for my tastes); Piazza Signoria are all popular areas to stay in.

Some like the area of the train station, but I don't. I dont like the crowds and traffic, and I don't think the area is that attractive.

If I had to stay out of the immediate center, I would prefer the Oltrarno to the area to the west of the center, where there are several large hotels.

The Oltrarno would appear darker and older but to me it is more atmospheric and has better eating options.

Forgot to post the website:

http://www.touristhouseghiberti.com

I haven't stayed there yet, so I can't give a first-hand report, but it gets great reviews both here and on tripadvisor.

Good luck!

ttt

We really enjoyed our stay at the Tourist House Ghiberti -- we were there a year ago March. I would recommend it highly.

Another vote for Tourist House Ghiberti. I stayed there last April and loved it. It was the best of all our Italy accommodations. It is very centrally located right by the Duomo and an easy walk everywhere.

I can highly reccomend the Residenza del Proconsolo. It's right behind the Duome and an easy walk to everything. You can see excellent pics on florenceby.com. I paid E100 in November (low season) but I understand that's the cost year round! I couldn't believe the value and would absolutely stay here again