Florence
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Florence has a wide range of hotels- the most attractive locations are along the north bank of the Arno and the city centre. Parking is a problem in the city centre, so if you have a car it is best to choose a hotel which has parking facilities. |
During the low season (November to March) prices are cheaper and often negotiable. Florence is less busy than other parts of Tuscany in July and August, but this is the peak holiday season on the coast. Avoid the city during certain weeks of January and July when fashion shows fill the top hotels, raising low-season prices.
Single room rates are higher than individual rates for two people sharing a double room.
Before making a reservation, establish whether breakfast is included in the price. Garage parking, laundry and snacks in the hotel or from the minibar may be pricey and telephone charges from your hotel room can be phenomenal. Check the rates first if you are concerned.
Hotel Gradings & Facilities |
Hotels in Italy are classified by a star-rating system, from one to five stars. However, each province sets its own levels for grading; consequently, standards for each category may vary from one area to another. Some hotels may not have a restaurant but those that do will usually welcome non-residents to stop by and eat.
Some of the converted castles and ancient villas are not air-conditioned, but as the stone walls are thick the midsummer heat barely penetrates the buildings.
Children are welcome but the smaller hotels generally have limited facilities. Often, the more up-market hotels will arrange a baby-sitting service. Sometimes the proprietor of a smaller hotel, or a member of the family, will mind your children, if they are not busy.
In Florence, street numbers can be confusing. Hotel proprietors are obliged by law to register you with the police, so they will ask for your passport when you arrive. Make sure you take it back, as you will need some form of identification to change money or travellers' cheques.
Even a humble pensione should have a reasonably smart bathroom. Rooms without a bathroom will usually have wash basins and towels.
As far as hotel decoration goes, you may sometimes have to sacrifice smart décor for the charm of an old establishment.
The Italian breakfast is light- a cappuccino and a pastry (brioche). Most hotels serve a continental breakfast of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, bread rolls and jam. However, it may be cheaper to go to a local bar or a pasticceria. |
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Florence can be very noisy, Top-class hotels usually have some form of soundproofing, but ask for a room facing away from the street if you are easily disturbed by noise.
Check-out time is usually noon in four and five star hotels and between 10am and noon in other establishments. If you stay longer you will be asked to pay for an extra day. However, many hotels will store your baggage if you plan on leaving the city several hours after check-out time.
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Book at least two months in advance if you want to stay in a particular hotel in high season or at Easter. Most hotels take credit cards, but check which ones do when you are booking. You can usually pay the deposit by credit card, or send an international money order. Confirm your reservation by fax or email including the dates of your stay and your credit card details.
Under Italian law, a booking is valid as soon as the deposit is paid and confirmation is received. As in restaurants, you are required by law to keep your hotel receipt until you leave Italy. |
Facilities for the disabled are usually limited.
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