Florence Accommodation

[katec]

I am taking my mum OS in November 2011 and am planning on spending 2 nights in Florence. After much research I have decided on the Santa Maria Novella Hotel - we did not want a 'generic I could be anywhere in the world' hotel. I am looking at the 'Superior Room with a View' which is just within my budget at 165 euros. I could upgrade to the Suite but am wondering whether it is worth the extra $$$ and going over my budget. I am also concerned about the noise factor as I am a light sleeper.

I would love to hear from anyone who has stayed at this hotel recently.

Other accommodation suggestions are also welcome.

Thanks,

 

[sinophile888]

I am booked into the same hotel, Santa Maria Novella, for the last week of this month. I will be happy to reply to this thread when I return at the end of January. I booked a double superior room through fastbooking at the following prices starting on Christmas day. The last two nights are over New Year, hence the change in price. I did a lot of searching for prices and was finally happy with the result.
Pricing per night
1 Night: 135 EUR
2 Night: 135 EUR
3 Night: 135 EUR
4 Night: 135 EUR
5 Night: 135 EUR
6 Night: 175.5 EUR
7 Night: 175.5 EUR

 

[katec]

Florence for Christmas and New Year - I am envious....

I look forward to hearing about your experience when you return.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[sergeyvzn]

I can recommend a lovely B&B I stayed in last year, it's called Residenza Vespucci (if you type it into Google it will come up with the hotel website) - it;s right on the Arno River, 10 min on foot from the railway station and 5 min from Ponte Vechhio. Super clean, huge rooms and huge bathrooms, antique furniture, fantastic breakfast - in fact, it was one of the best stays in my life, not only in Italy but anywhere else. And all we paid was 60 euros for a double room (though it was low season)

 

[somebol]

Guys how did your stays in Florence go?

I am looking to stay in Santa Maria Novella as well.

 

[katec]

I have yet to go - November this year.

 

[sinophile888]

My daughter and I stayed at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella during the last week of 2010. We were very happy with the breakfasts, service, price and location. My choice of that hotel was partly based upon the availability of gluten-free options for breakfast.

We travelled to Florence by train from Rome. It was a little hard to find the hotel (on Christmas Day) when we first arrived. From the train station, turn right and walk towards the Santa Maria Novella church. As you pass the church, turn right again and the hotel is directly in front of you on a point. There is no large signage. Look at the photos on trip advisor and it should be easy.

From Florence, we did day trips by train to Pisa and Perugia (to visit the Baci factory) and a one-day bus trip to Siena and San Gimignano. All these trip were excellent. I was sorry we couldn't also fit in Assisi as it looked very pretty in the distance from the train.
Hope you anjoy the trip!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Hey Katec,

We just stayed at the Rivolli garden hotel and it was a real highlight, walking distance from the station and close to the main piazza and duomo.

Please do a tour that includes 'David'. On a tour you dont need to queue for as long.

If on trains keep an eye on your luggage and if on regional trains keep an eye out for Gypsies and the like requesting money.

PM me if you want some further ideas,