Florence, Italy

So I have decided to give myself a well deserved holliday in Florence starting next week. I have already posted on vylas thread concerning Italy. There really was no information concerning Florence though mostly Rome. Codemonkey sent me a good link already but I was wondering if anyone else had experiences good/bad they could pass on. What resturaunts, cafes etc etc..

Try to check out some restaurants over near the university. They're not so designed for tourists but for students, so they tend to be much cheaper and much better. I went to a *great* pizza restaurant over there and also a great gelato shop - much better than the touristy ones.

Doesn't Petal work/live there now? Perhaps it's worth sending her a PM and see how things are?

Oh, a pity I have only just seen this! I could have given you tons of advice. Yes I have been living in Florence for 6 months now, and I LOVE it. The nightlife is incredible...I have 23 bars within stumbling distance of my apartment that I frequent on a regular basis. And there are all the other bars within walking distance that I haven't even tried yet!

Anyway, sorry I was too late to offer any suggestions. Hope you had a great time.

What? You mean you've only checked out 23 bars so far?!

How's it going for you?

Can anyone recommend a cheapish hotel or nice hostel in Florence. There are so many when you seach internet browers. Was hoping for a personal recommendation.
Thanks

same question as eurobabs, plus does anyone know any more info on florence?

This is one of the better hostels in Florence: Archi Rossi

Here are some reviews.

Herr Brain

Well if you need info about Florence center SOB PM and I can help you on what I liked. Remind you that it is not cheap there but wonderful. I cannot help on hostel because I splurged on a hotel a block from the Dome and it was not cheap. Also PM TTer streetme( I think thats his name) he is from there.

thanks boys

Might you be refering to Streeme?

Yes I am and I know he is not from Florence but from around that region. For he gave me info on the area before I left to visit the area.

Last Easter we were able to get reservations fairly late at

Hotel Casci
Via Cavour, 13 - Firenze - Italy
Ph + 39 055 211686 Fx + 39 055 2396461
Web site: www.hotelcasci.com
E-mail: info@hotelcasci.com

We paid 150 euro per night, but that included a decent breakfast and is their top rate. The hotel is very close to the Duomo, and the service is very friendly. Most of their guests seemed to be American.

If I had leisure to shop around, I might not choose them, but as a last-minute option it worked, and it wasn't out in the sticks.

I've also stayed at a hotel near the University (and the Accademia with Michelangelo's David) called Hotel de la Pace . They're cheaper and quite charming. Much more character than Hotel Casci. That was 10 years ago, though.

Any more hotel recommendations? I've got a huge stack of canned goods which I am totally willing to share with you in case of a war, or the scientologists taking over the world or whatever.

two words sum up Florence for me:
1-Over
2-Rated

Thanks, but if I can't stay there then no canned goods.

Recommendations on good restaurants and pubs please. I will be there October 10-11. Staying near the main train station, but I will travel for good food and a good place to top off the night.

Well I stayed about three blocks from the Dom in fact had a scenic veiw of it and it was wonderful. It is hard to find a bad resturaunt in this sector but easy to find the overpriced ones. There is also an Aussie expat bar right in the plaza of the dome, but it closes around 2 AM so dont expect an Arc night. When I was there it was mostly filled with Amis. I will see if I can dig up the places of rest. that I liked. Also are you driving or taking the DB from Munich? If so you are more than likely taking the overnight which then make sure to catch the sunrise or sunset while going through the Alps. One word...Wundershon.

My friend & I found Florence to be incredible last spring. My question now, is there another town in Italy that has so much to offer for shopping in outdoor markets (esp. the leather goods)? I have the last week in October to travel & I am looking for bargin shopping with new scenery & cheap hotel rooms.

Starlite: cheap hotels in Italy? - what are you smokin?

Last year, I lead 22 travelers to Italy and found Florence great. We stayed at the Kraft hotel (4*) which is 2 blks from the Arno and behind the American Embassy - it was convenient and had a rooftop pool and restaurant that was awesome to watch the sun set, moon rise. http://www.krafthotel.it/english/

We also went to Sorrento (Almafi Coast near Naples) where we found the same stuff that Florence had but much cheaper (reasonably priced). But the hotels in Sorrento aren't any cheaper than in Florence. It's Italy mind you. We didn't do hostels because the travel ages were from 5 to 80, so hostels weren't for us. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g187782-...nia-Hotels.html

I like to use Trip Advisor because they have real reviews from real travelers like me. Wish I could go with you! I love Italy!

My standards in hotels are not as high as most I never spend my time in the room so whats the point of having it be so fancy? Thanks for the tip on Sorrento. Never been there, but very interested. Off to trip advisor.

I have to second Sorrento - went there about three years ago, and it was absolutely beautiful. If you go, you should also take a trip to Pompeii. We went on a rather tight budget, and we found a lot of decently priced hotels on www.venere.com - and they also do user reviews like tripadvisor. We stayed in a Bed & Breakfast in the center of town, called Palazzo Starace, for less than we were expecting to pay. It was very nice and clean, and the woman running it was great. Hope this helps, and have a great trip

Actually the 4 * rating may be because of the pool and restaurant on the rooftop. Split the fee, so it was easier on the budget. The room was typical european 'smallish' but as usual, very clean. I think those star ratings can be a scam. And agreed, I don't spend much time in my room when I travel because I'm out and about most of the day. I just want a clean bed, clean tub/shower and food for breakfast that comes with the room rate. I've stayed at a 1 star in central Italy for 45 E a night and it was just as nice and nothing fancy. Sorrento is beautiful. If you go there, be sure to give yourself a tour of Pompeii. That was the most interesting thing I've ever seen - open museum wise.

Oh for those wanting Florence info experience: If you decide to go to the Uffizzi Gallery or Accademia, get tickets on-line first. Saved me 2 hrs waiting in line. http://www.weekendafirenze.com/bigphp/mus...&mus=uffizi
Added Tip: Uffizi took me 3 long hours to get through and worth every backache if you like seeing famous art, but Accademia - muhhhh...maybe only 90 minutes because I spent more time on the Di Vinci floor looking at all of the recreated inventions from his drawings. Very cool.
And, walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge over to the Boboli Gardens. Small fee, but definately worth an afternoon. Take a picnic lunch, find a park bench and enjoy the view from anywhere in that area. http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/boboli/
I still kick myself for not buying that pant length leather coat (110 E) at the Florence Flea Market.
I didn't do the nightlight there - too tired from walking all day.

As opposed to?

meaning, real reviews from people that stayed there...oh you know what I mean...not the colorful hotel raves that are on those hotel home web sites...

For a place just outside Florence towards the Chianti region, check out Il Frantoio delle Grazie. It's a small renovated Villa with a couple apartments in the hills/countryside, but yet very close to Florence. We found the location perfect, and the owner was very polite and spoke great english.

www.frantoiodellegrazie.it

I went to Florence with Ryan air about 2 years ago. My SA boyfriend joined me. He was(and im sure still is) the most laid back guy in the world. He did however have an extremely weak stomach!! On arriving at the main train station in Florence, we decided to go and see where the Open top bus tour left from. We managed to locate the time table. As he studied the times of departure i had alook around. I noticed a homeless man wandering around. Then i saw him walk over to the wall nearby. He then proceeded to take off his pants! I (being naive) thought he was changing his trousers or something. I nudged my boyfriend and pointed out the poor homeless Italian man who had to hget changed on the side of the street. Just as he looked over i realised the man was not changing his pants but doing a number 2! My boyfriend had a very weak stomach and proceeded to vomit on the sidewalk. Anyway that was my first impression of Florence. Luckily it improved after that and we actually had a good time. Maybe the lesson is... First impressions arent everything!!

I loved the Hotel Mona Lisa in Florence. It is a beautiful palazzo in a great location near the Duomo and away from the crowds. The hotel furnishings are beautiful antiques, the courtyard is beautiful and inviting, and the service and staff are first rate.

I highly recommend this hotel.