Best Hotel for a Staging Overnight in Florence, IT?

[knick1959]

This is for an October trip so I'm trusting this Covid stuff is toast by then. I cancelled last October's trip (Africa) but keep planning (and changing) "the next trip". I have a domestic in June that may be a little more iffy, but still hopeful.

I have a flight home from Florence and for the end of the trip, want to get there (likely flying in) just for an overnight and then home. I see many hotels are around ... anyone have a "go to" hotel, preferably with an airport shuttle? Shuttles don't seem to be a thing in Florence?? Plenty of choices, but perhaps someone has one they like. I can find rides if need be.

Anyone every been to Sardinia and have any insight to offer?

TIA

 

[Josh F]

I'm guessing you don't find a lot of hotel shuttles - since public transportation is solid. There's now a tramway that connects the airport to the SMN Railway Station, so I'd pick a hotel near there. If you don't want to deal with that - you can always take a taxi (helpful if you have a lot of luggage too). We stayed at a nice B&B there a few years ago that we liked - Il Guelfo Bianco that was a short walk (about 3/4 a mile) from the rail station. There were closer options - right by the station - but we were staying a few nights so wanted something a little more central. The St. Regis was all the rage when we stayed there last - but it was a lot of SPG points and cash rates were quite reasonable at local options.

 

[knick1959]

I'm guessing you don't find a lot of hotel shuttles - since public transportation is solid. There's now a tramway that connects the airport to the SMN Railway Station, so I'd pick a hotel near there. If you don't want to deal with that - you can always take a taxi (helpful if you have a lot of luggage too). We stayed at a nice B&B there a few years ago that we liked - Il Guelfo Bianco that was a short walk (about 3/4 a mile) from the rail station. There were closer options - right by the station - but we were staying a few nights so wanted something a little more central. The St. Regis was all the rage when we stayed there last - but it was a lot of SPG points and cash rates were quite reasonable at local options.

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the area near the train station but I always prefer to limit my wife's need to roll her luggage around. A train sounds ... well, did you have amble space for bags? We each typically have one large-ish back plus a smaller carry-on type thing.

Really looking at the most convenient for the airport. If we do re-visit Florence it would be before our side-trip and then I'll look for a convenient-for-site-seeing hotel. So much to do ... not sure if that is in the cards. Thanks again.

 

[knick1959]

Side note: It seems odd talking about travel right now, doesn't it? I'll note that we had a very tentative plan to visit Orlando/Naples FL in Jan for a hobby event. That event was just canceled and now I only have to talk my wife out of the trip. It would make no sense to risk it seeing current events.

 

[Josh F]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the area near the train station but I always prefer to limit my wife's need to roll her luggage around. A train sounds ... well, did you have amble space for bags? We each typically have one large-ish back plus a smaller carry-on type thing.

Really looking at the most convenient for the airport. If we do re-visit Florence it would be before our side-trip and then I'll look for a convenient-for-site-seeing hotel. So much to do ... not sure if that is in the cards. Thanks again.

We were on a larger train since we traveled between Rome -> Florence -> Venice. We had plenty of space. It's a short tram ride from the airport to the city center and we've been crammed on far tighter trains in the past. We had one large roller bag, a smaller roller bag, and a backpack. In hindsight, I wish we had spent more than a few days in Florence - it's a great jumping off point for visiting lots of different areas in Tuscany. If you want to pay more - a taxi is a fine alternative.

And yes - not a good year for travel. We're up to 4 flights/vacations canceled so far.

 

[Eithety]

I don't know about shuttles in Florence, but Hotel David is wonderful and they offer great service. For Sardinia, the beaches are stunning—Costa Smeralda is a must-visit!

 

[Refirybo]

I always aim to check reviews thoroughly as part of my travel preparation. I put a lot of effort into planning all the details of my next trip, and finding the right hotel is important. Recently, I came across Sky Valley Resort, and I was curious about their customer service standards. After researching any reviews of Sky Valley Resort customer service, I was impressed by the positive feedback. It’s important to find a place that improves your visit, and this hotel seems to promise just that.

 

[JustinWilkins]

I'm guessing you don't find a lot of hotel shuttles—since public transportation is solid. There's now a tramway that connects the airport to the SMN Railway Station, so I'd pick a hotel near there. If you're into trying your luck,portugal at https://bacanaplaycasino.net/ might be something fun to explore during your downtime. If you don't want to deal with that, you can always take a taxi (helpful if you have a lot of luggage too). We stayed at a nice B&B there a few years ago that we liked—Il Guelfo Bianco, which was a short walk (about 3/4 a mile) from the rail station. There were closer options—right by the station—but we were staying a few nights, so we wanted something a little more central. The St. Regis was all the rage when we stayed there last—but it was a lot of SPG points, and cash rates were quite reasonable at local options.

You're right about hotel shuttles not being as common in Florence, largely because the public transport options are so good. The tramway that connects Florence Airport (Peretola) to the SMN Railway Station is a great choice—quick, convenient, and affordable. Staying near the station is super handy if you're planning to move around a lot or want to be close to transportation hubs. If you'd rather skip the tram with lots of luggage, a taxi is always a solid alternative.

Il Guelfo Bianco sounds like a great B&B choice! Being about 3/4 of a mile from the station, it puts you close to everything without the busy station right outside your window. Plus, being central in Florence means you're in walking distance to a lot of sights. If you're staying longer, it can be more comfortable to be slightly away from the station's hustle.