Although this hotel is a 15 minute walk from the centre - you can walk along the beautiful river bank and it really doesnt seem that far. The staff were very helpful and had good english. The room was excellent, spacious, clean and with everything we wanted. the bathroom was modern, clean and had a good shower. There are terraces to the hotel but we didnt use them as we were only there one night. The breakfast was good - although get there early to make sure there's still some of everything left (i think it's served until 9.30). If you're planning on flying into or out of florence airport (for info) the taxis will cost you 20 euros plus 1 euro per bag. We ate out at Golden View bar and restaurant - the food was really good - for 50euros you can get a three course meal while listening to their live jazz singer and if you're lucky enough you can get a seat overlooking the ponte vecchio and the river. There are loads of leather merchants in florence so make sure you haggle if you're thinking of parting with money. The queues for the duomo were huge when we were there so think about getting up early to get in before the hordes. If you're staying in Florence for a few days, a trip to siena is worthwhile - the train is direct and takes an hour and a half (12 euros 20 return).
- Lido Hotel Florence
