Florence.

Welcome to Florence.

Claudio and I met here Seven years ago. That hardly seems possible, and yet here we are!

Most important on your to-do list will probably be accommodations. I'm going to post a list of our favorite hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and serviced apartments so that you have a choice of where to stay depending on budget and length of stay. Part of the reason we chose to get married in May aside from the weather in Tuscany and the longer days, is because summer in Manila means no school for the kids and vacation season!

If you have the two weeks to spare, I recommend you stay at least that! There's so much to see. Shopping or no shopping.

When choosing where you want to stay, keep your map handy. Anywhere in the historical center is convenient and lovely, you may just want to avoid the area near the train station. Florence is a safe town, but I think it can be a general rule to avoid hotels near train stations anywhere in the world.

Let's start with a short list. I'll update as I remember.

Residence Hilda:

I remember it being cheaper when our friends came to stay here about 3 to 4 years ago, but if this is within your budget and you're only planning to stay the weekend, you're right by the Duomo smack in the middle of town, and it's a good option.

Il Salotto di Firenze:

This is a champion bb in terms of location. You're on via Roma, right in front of Luisa Via Roma, and so if shopping is on your agenda, you're going to like this place. It's simple and sparse, but in a city like Florence in the springtime, I doubt you're going to want to spend too much time lounging in your room.

Academy Hostel, via Ricasoli 9. www.academyhostel.eu

 

Update:

As hostels go, this place is very unhostelly. It's new, clean, and I know first hand that the service is EXCELLLLLENT. So if you're on a budget and don't mind hostel bathroom situations, you might want to stay here. You're a two-minute walk from the Duomo and a few steps away from the Accademia.

San Frediano Mansion:

I've never actually stayed here but it's a nice area, a lot of cute stores and quaint restaurants and bars. Could be a promising discovery!

These are our suggestions to start with. Coming up next, apartments for longer stays and things to do in Flo!