WHERE TO STAY - Florence and Tuscany - page 243

CITY CENTRE NORTH Hotel Unicorno

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Via dei Fossi 27, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 27 Map 1 B5
This centrally located hotel, in the heart of the antique shop district and within walking distance of all the sights, is
situated in a renovated 15th-century building with cosy Tuscan furnishings. Staff are friendly and helpful, rooms are
spacious and there is a good breakfast buffet. www.hotelunicorno.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Monna Lisa

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Borgo Pinti 27, 50121 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 45 Map 2 E5
Close to Santa Croce, the hotel is in a 14th-century palazzo with terracotta floors, white stucco walls and pietra
serena (a type of Italian sandstone) detailing. Some rooms are enormous, with old furniture and high ceilings. There
are two more recent buildings in the courtyard but these, though quieter, have less character. www.monnalisa.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Residenza Johlea

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Via San Gallo 80, 50129 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 6 Map 2 D3
A cosy town house with marble bathrooms and bedrooms furnished with antiques. Breakfast is available in the
breakfast room, and guests may also take trays back to their room. Room 4 (Johlea Classic) is opposite the bar/break-
fast room and can be noisy. There is a sitting room on the top floor and a nice roof terrace. www.johanna.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Il Guelfo Bianco

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Via Cavour 29, 50129 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 40 Map 6 E1
A short walk from the Duomo, this impressive hotel comprises two adjacent 17th-century buildings. The rooms are
very spacious, many resplendent with frescoed ceilings and period furniture. The view is always pleasant, regardless
of whether you overlook the garden, rooftops or street. Free Internet access. www.ilguelfobianco.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Loggiato dei Serviti

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Piazza SS. Annunziata 3, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 39 Map 2 D4
Built in the 16th-century by the Serviti order to house travelling priests, this hotel is the mirror-image of the Spedale
degli Innocenti across the square. The opulent decor belies its monastic origins. Rooms either overlook the piazza or
the Accademia di Belle Arti garden. Book well in advance. www.loggiatodeiservitihotel.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Morandi alla Crocetta

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Via Laura 50, 50121 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 10 Map 2 E4
Once a convent, this small hotel has many admirers. Rooms are furnished in different styles, but all are equally
delightful. Two have terraces and room 29 has a frescoed wall. Most of the rooms overlook the street, but the
quaint interiors are the real attraction. It is essential to book in advance. www.hotelmorandi.it
CITY CENTRE NORTH Lorenzo il Magnifico

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Via Lorenzo il Magnifico 25, 50129 Tel/Fax [phone] Rooms 31 Map 2 E2
Lying between the station and Piazza Libertà, this recently converted villa offers exquisite bed and bath linens, as
well as a Jacuzzi bath or shower in every room. One suite faces the luxuriant garden. Most major sights are walking
distance but parking is available as is a convenient bus service. www.lorenzoilmagnifico.net
CITY CENTRE NORTH Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo

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Via dei Servi 2, 50122 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 10 Map 2 D5
In a prime location facing the Duomo, this 16th-century palazzo is run by descendants of the original owners. Public
rooms feature period paintings, antiques and chandeliers. Some rooms have frescoed walls or ceilings. Bathrooms
are marbled. The suite upstairs offers a unique view of Brunelleschi's dome. www.niccolinidomepalace.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Cestelli

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Borgo Santi Apostoli 25, 50123 Tel/Fax [phone] Rooms 8 Map 5 C3
Proprieter Alessio Lotti and his Japanese wife Asumi add to the charm of this affordable eight-room hotel housed in
a 12th-century palazzo. Only three rooms have private baths. Despite much refurbishing, the hotel retains its
original 16th-century floors. All rooms non-smoking. No breakfast served. www.hotelcestelli.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Casa Howard

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Via della Scala 18, 50129 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 13 Map 5 B1
The individual, characterful rooms combine original features with modern furnishings. One room has a large, private
terrace for pet owners; another has a playroom for children. Communal sitting room and terrace, with an honesty
bar. Guests in the Garden Room have exclusive use of the Turkish bath. Breakfast is extra. www.casahoward.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Floroom 2

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Via del Sole, 50123 Tel/Fax [phone] Rooms 4 Map 5 C2
With just four rooms, all with their own bathroom, this hotel is defiantly modern. Decorated in wood, glass and steel
- a masterful combination of old and new - and complete with Wi-Fi and high-tech facilities, it's like having a design
hotel all to yourself. Floroom 1 offers more of the same on the other side of the river. www.floroom.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Alessandra

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Borgo Santi Apostoli 17, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 27 Map 5 C3
Located on the second and third floors of a 16th-century building, this central hotel, with its vaulted ceilings, retains
an aura of grandeur. Rooms overlooking the Arno are larger and more expensive. The Piazzetta del Limbo and the
church of Santi Apostoli can be glimpsed from other rooms. www.hotelalessandra.com