Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
print of “your” artist that will be hanging on the wall). Because some rooms share
a WC (all have private showers) the prices are reasonable, especially for the toilet-
less rooms where a double will range from just
95 with pri-
vate bathroom facilities). There are also nice triples and quads, good for families,
that cost between
€
72 to
€
82 (
€
85-
€
125 for a triple (varying by seasons and bathroom
facilities) and
€
135 to
€
155 for a quad. All rooms have air-conditioning, TV, and
a nice bit of ambience thanks to the high wood ceilings and stone floors of this
15th-century
palazzo.
€
95 and
€
€€
-
€€€
In a prime location overlooking the Arno River, this 1880s palace,
now the
Hotel Bretagna
(Lungarno Corsini, 6;
%
055-289618; www.hotel
bretagna.net),
has swallowed up several surrounding offices to create a warren of
widely varied rooms. Some are quite nice, with a classic Victorian look; others,
unfortunately, resemble converted closets. But even the small rooms, with interior-
facing windows, are a good option, given the location of the hotel and the fine
breakfast and common rooms. The prices are also quite fair for what you get, and
vary widely from room to room. For example, a single with shared bathroom can
cost as little as
55
60 in high season); a double with shared bath-
room ranges from
€
45 to
€
85, while doubles with private bathroom facilities are
€
€
35 (going up to
€
115. Renovations in 2006 will create some triples (with or without pri-
vate bathroom) and family rooms with frescoed ceilings and chandeliers, with bal-
conies overlooking the river—making these rooms truly a choice pick of Florence
(especially at a reasonable
€
110-
€
160). Be sure to check the website for last-
minute specials, which can often shave
55 to
€
€
10 off the price of a room.
€€€
Though it looks seedy from the outside, and the entrance isn't much bet-
ter, the
Hotel California
(Via Ricasoli, 30, near the Duomo;
%
055-282753; www.
californiaflorence.it)
is actually quite nice once you make it up to the second-floor
lobby. Its recently remodeled rooms are spacious and comfortable, particularly the
triples and quads which are perfect for families. Some rooms have a terrace over-
looking the Duomo; all have air-conditioning, satellite TV, and positively swank
bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi). The rear terrace, bedecked with flowers in spring
and summer, is the perfect place to kick back with a bottle of Chianti and write
postcards. A double room runs about
€
120, but, as everywhere, prices vary
widely by season.
€€€€
Worth a splurge for its unique historical rooms, some with a view of the
Duomo,
The Boscolo Astoria
(Via Giglio, 9;
%
055-2398095; www.boscolo
hotels.com)
will make you feel as if you're staying in a palace because, well, you
are. This 16th-century mansion has museum-quality furnishings, frescoed walls,
and the unmistakable air of nobility. Add to that a rooftop bar with a spectacular
Duomo view and a secret entrance into a cozy alley wine bar, and you have all the
fixings for a romantic getaway. Prices vary widely by season, but average
€
250 for
a night.
555
55
(Piazza della
Repubblica, 7;
%
055-27351; www.roccofortehotels.com),
while not as special as
the Boscolo Astoria, has much to recommend it: It's a full-service property, in a
Our second Florence splurge, the
Hotel Savoy
€€€€
