Golden Tulip Vivahotel Alexander, Florence

Advantages: It doesn't get any prettier
Disadvantages: may be too perfect (I'm a bit too fussy, I think!).

...will have seen enough of him after a couple of days in Florence! My first glimpse of the Duomo was, literally, breathtaking. Brunelleschi's Dome is one of the sights that will serve as a useful guide as you use make your way through the city, and it is a must-see, in a city full of must-sees. The Piazza in front of the Duomo houses the Baptistry with her famous golden doors,I never went inside, because one has to pay and I have only ever been in Florence on a budget, but it did look very pretty on the outside! One of the best ways, I found, to do Florence, was to ditch the map and wander. It isn't a large city, and however lost you get, you won't be far from a group of American/Japanese tourists. You will chance upon so many renaissance churches that guidebooks don't even bother to mention because there are so many.. Apart from the Duomo... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Clean, reasonably priced
Disadvantages: Bus ride to central Florence

...Right off the motorway this hotel is easy to find and convient if you are travelling around. It is not in the centre of Florence but they do provide a free shuttle bus for the journey which takes between 10 and 15 mins depending on trafic. The hotel is clean and tidy. There is a small gift shop and resturant, where the food was nice but over priced and expensive for Italy. The rooms were clean and a resonably good size, although they look straight on to the motorway or car park. Reception staff were polite and helpful. This hotel seems to cater more towards the business traveller than for tourists. While we were staying there was a large conference going on. Overall good value for a quick stop off but not ideal for a sightseeing trip to Florence.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Wonderful
Disadvantages:

...Florence is a city rich in countless artistic beauties. Just considering the historical centre alone, churches, museums, galleries and palaces, each one a fine example of a definite architectural style, can be admired. The following are some of the monuments to be seen in the historical heart of the city: the Cathedral, Santa Maria Novella, the Medici's Chapels, the Academy, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Town Hall), the Uffizi Museum, the Old Bridge, 'Pitti' Palace and the imposing Boboli Gardens, a classical example of 'Italian-style garden'. On the outskirts of Florence there are further examples of Tuscany's beauty, with Fiesole's stylish hills or the countryside covered in vineyards and olive trees, where farmers grow local produce sold in various markets in Florence and the outskirts. Only 5 kilometres from Florence... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful