Expensive four- and five-star hotels abound in Florence, Italy. But think about it: Are you really traveling to Florence to appreciate luxury bedding and bathrooms, or to go on walking tours of the city that boasts the most Renaissance art and architecture in the world? My guess would be the latter. I suggest saving money on your hotel bill, and putting those savings into your daily tour budget. Let's face it: It's a lot easier to relax and enjoy viewing Michelangelo's David and Botticeli's Birth of Venus, when you aren't worried about getting enough bang for your buck at your pricey Florentine luxury hotel suite.
Some affordable hotels in Florence, Italy:
- La Paggeria Bed and Breakfast, at 130 Via di Basciano. This B&B is recently refurbished, and has a common living room and light Italian breakfasts. Each bedroom has a private bathroom, television, and air conditioning.
- Donatello Bed and Breakfast, at 52 Via Dei della Robbia. This B&B is also ideal for family travel and those on a frugal budget. Ten minutes from the famous Il Duomo, and in the heart of the high-end shopping district, the Donatello's location simply cannot be beat for access to walking tours and the world-class art and architecture of Florence.
- Hotel Pensione Ferretti, at 17 Via della Belle Donne. The location, in the center of downtown Florence and steps from the railway station, makes the Pensione Ferretti ideal for tourists and rail riders alike. The buffet breakfast helps with travelers' meal budget, and some of the rooms have a private bathroom.
- Residenza Casanuova, at 21 Via della Mattonaia. An apartment-style B&B, the Casanuova has only 5 rooms and three suites, all of which have their own private bathroom. You can stretch your dollar (or, euro) by stocking the in-room refrigerator with your own food. The owners speak fluent English.
- La Vista, at 5 Costa dei Magnoli. These are apartments for 4 or 6 people, ideal for families or tour groups. A quick walk to the Ponte Vecchio allows for easy access to both the museums on one side of the Arno River, and the Boboli Gardens on the other. Each apartment has a furnished kitchen, making long-term stays also feasible and affordable.
Whether you're traveling alone, with a companion, family or group, you don't have to spend all your hard-earned money to have a great time in Florence. Travel memories rarely involve the thread count of sheets in hotels. Budget a vacation in Florence, Italy, and you'll be giving yourself memories to last a lifetime.
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Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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