Massimo Al Ponte Vecchio, New York

Advantages: nice city
Disadvantages: icecream can be expensive

...I've thought many times about telling this story. It's not in so much terrible, as a general complaint. I hate generalisations like "Australians are uncouth", "Frenchmen are arrogant", "Americans are obnoxious loudmouths", blah, blah, blah... people are people, there's dickheads from every country. So here I'm not having a go at Italy, just one particular shop. Hopefully they have gone - but I doubt it... retired rich maybe? The Pont351 Vecchio on dusk We were wandering around Florence (Firenze), up the major street that crosses the Ponté Vecchio (literally 'old bridge'). Everyone except me seemed to be eating the most delicious looking gelati (Italian icecreams). So we stopped off at a nearby store, just off the Duomo end of the bridge. We ordered some rather plain versions, handing over 2x 5000 Lira notes - expecting change... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Stunning medieval/renaissance structure
Disadvantages: None

...Florence is awash with art treasures, teeming with stunning architecture and flooded with pretentious shops, but it isn't always that way. Oh no. Sometimes it's awash with teeming floods. The River Arno, which dissects the city, has been known to flush away everything in its path. Not the PONTE VECCHIO though. Although it's thought that there's been a crossing here since Etruscan times, the bridge that spans the river today is far more recent...relatively speaking. Today's Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi (not single-handedly, I assume) and replaced an earlier one which, you've guessed it, was destroyed by a flood. Many enterprising souls quickly set up business on the bridge to cash in on the passing trade. These businesses consisted, for the most part of blacksmiths, butchers and tanners - to say it wasn't the most... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great location. Fabulous roof terrace views. Helpful staff.
Disadvantages: None

...Enjoy a fabulous location in Florence AND help to save work of art. The Pitti Palace Hotel is located at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio, a few minutes stroll from many of the top attractions in this most attractive city. Our twin room was not large but was clean, comfortable and had a tiny sundrenched balcony - the view was of streets and rooftops but in Florence even these are interesting. The best feature of this hotel is the roof terrace where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast looking across the city. The Arthotel group sponsors the restoration of works of art and guests can contribute to this too. When you visit the Uffizi Gallery you can bring your admission ticket to the hotel reception. The value of your ticket will be donated by the hotel to the restoration fund. The staff were very helpful, going beyond the call... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful