WHERE TO STAY - Florence and Tuscany - page 241

Choosing a Hotel
Many hotels in Florence and Tuscany, even budget ones,
offer very charming decor and environs. The best among
them are reviewed on the following pages. For more
information on other types of accommodation, see pages
244-9. Map references are either to the Street Finder on
pages 140-47, or the road map on the inside back cover.

PRICE CATEGORIES
For a double room per night, including
breakfast, tax and service:

¡ under €100

¡¡ €100-€150

¡¡¡

€150-€200
¡¡¡¡ €200-€250

¡¡¡¡¡

over €250

FLORENCE

CITY CENTRE EAST Hotel Locanda Orchidea

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Borgo degli Albizi 11, 50122 Tel/Fax [phone] Rooms 10 Map 6 F3
Value-for-money accommodation at its best, the Locanda is a ten-minute walk from the heart of the city. Situated
inside a 12th-century building, the hotel prides itself on its old-fashioned simplicity. Fans instead of air conditioning,
and no en suite bathrooms. All rooms are refreshingly unique. www.hotelorchideaflorence.it
CITY CENTRE EAST Soggiorno Battistero

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Piazza San Giovanni 1, 50129 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 6 Map 6 D2
On the third floor of a 14th-century palazzo, this modest pensione is reasonably priced and excellently located. Most
of the rooms have a splendid view of the Duomo and the Baptistery. The Museo del Bigallo is located on the ground
floor. The decor is unremarkable but pleasant. Wi-fi in rooms. www.soggiornobattistero.it
CITY CENTRE EAST Dei Mori B&B

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Via Dante Alighieri 12, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 5 Map 6 3E
This clean and cosy establishment is a very popular haunt, so book early. Don't be fooled by the dimly-lit stairway
since it leads into a spacious lounge, and tastefully decorated rooms. The hosts are charming and helpful. All rooms
in this gay-friendly inn overlook the tranquil courtyard. www.deimori.com
CITY CENTRE EAST Martin Dago B&B

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Via de Macci 84, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 6 Map 4 E1
This charming little place near Santa Croce is close to the lively Sant'Ambrogio market and Cibreo restaurant (see
p271) . There are frescoes, canopied beds and en-suite bathrooms in the six bedrooms, and a terrace at the top of the
house. The gay-friendly owner gives tips on local artisans and shopping. www.bbmartindago.com
CITY CENTRE EAST Hotel Balestri

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Piazza Mentana 7, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 46 Map 6 E4
Open for business since 1888, this hotel is located in a little piazza on the riverfront halfway between the Ponte
Vecchio and Santa Croce. Extensively renovated, the rooms are clean, pretty and have all amenities. Thirty rooms
face the Arno, while the rest overlook a quiet courtyard. www.hotel-balestri.it
CITY CENTRE EAST Bernini Palace

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Piazza San Firenze 29, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 74 Map 6 E3
An ideal choice if easy access to the main sights is a priority. This hotel is on the road leading from Piazza del Duomo
to the river, and is equidistant from Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce. The double-glazed windows mute the
street noise. The decor veers towards a shabby chic. Rooms are spacious. www.baglionihotels.com
CITY CENTRE EAST Four Seasons Florence

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Borgo Pinti 99, 50121 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 116 Map 2 F4
A lengthy renovation turned two Renaissance palaces into this sumptuous hotel. Frescoes, bas-reliefs and original
decorations give it a museum-like gravitas, yet the attentive service makes it feel like home. There's also a large and
delightful walled garden, an exclusive spa and excellent restaurant, Il Palagio. www.fourseasons.com/florence
CITY CENTRE EAST Gallery Hotel Art

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Vicolo dell'Oro 5, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 74 Map 6 D4
The lobby and library of this eight-storey boutique hotel also double as a contemporary art gallery. Fax and modem
lines along with cutting-edge sound and video systems in every room. The penthouse suites feature linen sheets and
cashmere blankets. The sushi bar offers a fusion of Italian, French and Japanese cuisine. www.lungarnohotels.com
CITY CENTRE EAST Hotel Calzaiuoli

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Via Calzaiuoli 6, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 45 Map 6 D3
Halfway down the pedestrianised street that links the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, this small hotel is located
close to all the action. All the rooms are on the upper floors, and are large and comfortable. Some have views of
Brunelleschi's dome. The buffet breakfast is excellent. Advance booking is essential. www.calzaiuoli.it