Which hotel in Florence
 

I am stuck deciding on either Hotel Casci or Tourist House Ghiberti for our trip in November. The latter is slightly more expensive than the other but is there any real difference between the two?

Perhaps there are people who have stayed at both. I've only stayed at Tourist House Ghiberti and I thought it was a terrific bargain. Excellent location, very comfortable space and terrific owners. Lovely, sunny breakfast room (not the usual basement!) I would only hesitate to recommend it to people who have never set foot in Europe before, because the hotel is actually one flight up in a historic building. So for people who expect a hotel with a little awning outside and a doorman and a red carpet, it might be unsettling to have to ring a bell and wait for someone to come get you. Because the building dates back centuries and was used for manufacturing, the elevator is an industrial elevator -- like a Soho loft.

Perhaps Hotel Casci is a more conventional hotel.

Put in both names in the search field above to see reviews. You can also go to www.tripadvisor.com for reviews.

I have looked at trip advisor and everyone loves both.

We have also stayed in European hotels before so we're accustomed to the little differences from major American hotel chains. Just wanted to know if there is a major surprise that no one has thought to mention or the web site doesn't reveal.

Thanks.

Good morning,
I'm staying at the Casci in September. I can tell you that they have been amazingly responsive to requests for dinner reservations for our first night, museuem reservations, and informational requests. If you want to you are welcome to email me directly at the end of September and I'll give you my thoughts.
Best,
Susan
[email protected]

SuzG,

Thank you. I have a reservation there but I will email when you return to see how it all turned out.

THG is more like a B&B. There is no real lobby, no room service or some of the more typical hotel services. You're given a card key that opens the building's door at the sidewalk, the interior gate, the front door of THG and your room. The same key is inserted into a slot inside your room to activate the lights. Other than housekeeping staff, there is usually only one person working at the reception desk. The owners live on the same floor in a separate area. We found whoever was working to be very helpful (either by email before we arrived or in person while we were there). For us, having been to Florence a few times, the arrangement was perfect. We just needed a clean, comfortable, quiet place with a person to turn to if we had a question. The sizes of the room and bathroom (huge) and the free computer with internet was a big plus. We haven't used the jacuzzi but probably would after a cool fall day. We enjoyed the small outdoor terrace. The location is good, and there is a bus stop in front of the building.

We haven't stayed at the Casci, but many people comment on the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. In fact, I've never heard any complaints about any aspect of the Casci.

I stayed at the Casci in October , 2006 for 8 nights & it was perfect as to location, price, breakfast & CLEANLINESS-my first memory of staying in a hotel was in St.Anne de Beaupre north of Quebec City-the first place we went to, my mother turned down the bedclothes & the sheets and blankets were filthy-we were out the door in 2 seconds & found a great place that we returned to many times-the Casci's staff keeps the entire hotel spotless to the extent that even I was impressed with the job they did.Please see other reviews to get additional opinions.Good Luck.

I stayed at Hotel Casci in May 2007. It was basic but clean and very well located. We walked there from the train station. The staff were helpful and the breakfasts good. I'd stay there again.

carolsc

And....sorry, but one more thought. Another website I use a lot for "backup" in my decision is Trip Advisor. Have you googled trip advisor to check out these two? The Ghib. gets a great review with regard to B&Bs.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...e_Tuscany.html

Sounds like they are great options, and they are also right next to each other. Do you think the Ghib looks a little glum? I say reserve and continue to ask for feedback and see what comes up!
Best,
Susan

I decided on Hotel Casci. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks everyone.

I second zeppole's recommendation of Tourist House Ghiberti. We stayed there in 2005, and have sent three sets of friends there since, and all have come back saying it is still terrific. The windows are double-paned, so even though it is across from a hospital, we didn't hear anything.

Good location and a great price for being so close to the action in Florence. Free, high speed internet in the room, and I bet by now, the owner has installed those flat screens he was telling us about when we visited. He does give you a complete run down of how all the gadgets work when you get there, which has put some posters on this board off, but not us.

((H))

Yep, Maitaitom, the flat screen TVs are in! I know what you mean about the techno demonstration. I'm lucky my husband's a good listener. ;-)

Eznmomma, I'm sure the Casci will be great. Enjoy my favorite place!