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renovated palace, located right on Piazza della Repubblica, with luxurious rooms
and original art lining the hallways. Unlike the Boscolo, however, there's much
less of the traditional Florentine decor here: Appearance is of that same Art Deco
style that you'll see at plush hotels around the world, which is a disappointment.
However, many rooms, including the well-equipped fitness room, are graced by
views of the Duomo. Plus the massive suites are fit for a Medici, and usually
booked by the most affluent Italian business families. In winter, double-room
rates can drop to 270 on the hotel's website; in summer they're listed at an unaf-
fordable
375, but deals can be had through travel agencies both online and off
(and the hotel is recommended only if you can snare such a discounted deal).
HOTELS IN OLTRARNO
More of a residential area than the one immediately surrounding the Duomo,
Oltrarno has a lively mix of restaurants and bars, as well as some of the most
charming shops in the city: the workplaces of jewelers, leather craftsmen, and
woodcarvers who have toiled on the side streets of this district for decades. This
is also Florence's most bohemian area, somewhat similar to Paris's Left Bank,
though escalating rents have been driving some of the artists out. In short, it's a
fun area within walking distance of all the major sights.
(Via S. Monaca, 6; % 055-268338; www.ostello.it)
is my first pick, though it has little charm and too many rules. But the youthful
clientele here know a value when they see it and are delighted with the top loca-
tion and the prices. It's a good place to connect with other backpackers, and the
bulletin boards are usually packed with budget tour options, bars, restaurants, and
other hookups around town. For
5
Ostello Santa Monica
17 a night, and a good Oltrarno location, it's
probably the top shoestring-budget choice in town. Lockout times are 10am to
2pm and 2 to 6am.
- €€ For those who'd like the convenience of having a kitchen, but can't com-
mit to a full-week rental, the Palazzo Mannaioni (Via Maffia, 9, near Piazza Santo
Spirito; % 055-271741; www.florenceresidence.it) offers an affordable solution.
It's a 15th-century building that's been subdivided into a number of small apart-
ments, each with its own efficiency kitchen. While these digs are nothing special
decor-wise, the location is terrific and the prices can't be beat for studios that can
comfortably house two for as little as 70 a day. In all, there are 19 little apart-
ments, some with balcony terrace and some that can house up to eight in four
double beds ( 157 per night for these, while rooms with two beds go for 120
per night). To reduce costs even further, you can rent for a week. Do that and a
double-bedded apartment costs just 800, with an extra bed an additional 150.
55 9
€€ - €€€
The views are why you want to stay at the Hotel La Scaletta
(Via Guicciardini, 13; % 055-283028; www.lascaletta.com). Located right next to
the Pitti Palace, it has spectacular patios overlooking both the Boboli Gardens and
the city (you're going to want to spend your entire vacation just gazing at the
sight). New management has also extensively renovated the rooms and the com-
mon areas, creating a cheery, colorful atmosphere throughout the 13 rooms and
winding hallways. One quadruple room is a good family choice at
110 to
180
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