“AMAZING location, staff and hotel”
This was a highlight of our trip. The hotel is located right AT the Ponte Vecchio. It is old, clean and the staff is wonderful. If you hadn't been walking miles already throughout Italy, this hotel will get you in shape. The reception desk and continental breakfast are on the 5th floor. You could take the elevator but walking/climing is so Italian. The staff is so pleasant and friendly and helpful. Will DEFINITELY be going back.
Area recommendations
You absolutely MUST climb the stairs in the Duomo. The view is amazing (especially in a thunder storm). The people all over this wonderful city are beautiful. They are so helpful. The entire city is worthy of at least a 3 day visit.
Getting there
We took the Eurostar train from Rome. It was faster than ANY train in the U.S. It was clean and the employees are very friendly. Just make sure you know which stop is yours as they don't announce the Stations when you arrive or tell you when to get ready to get up and off. We asked the gentlemen sitting with us and they were very helpful. Book the train online BEFORE you go. You get an assigned seat which was great as you don't have to get on and be stressed about trying to sit together. The scenery is worth the train ride alone.
Getting around
WALK, WALK, WALK. There is nothing better than wandering and "getting lost" on all of the side streets. The people are so helpful. We found some amazing shops and artisans by wandering. We hired a personal tour guide and she (Elisabetta) was fantastic. She has a PhD and is so knowledgeable. We learned so much from her.
What to pack
LIGHT and LAYERS. Jeans, sneakers/flats and sweaters. You can buy a lightweight leather coat when you arrive as they are gorgeous. Pack some of your ready-to-throw away undergarments, socks, etc. and toss them after you wear them so you have extra room for purchases.
Dining
Our best meal in Florence was at Celestino's just over the Ponte Vecchio. They had an appetizer of grilled Italian bread with homemade olive oil (MADE THAT DAY) drizzled over it. The pasta dishes are incredible. The chef is from Sulmona and the food is incredible. The best thing about Italian restaurants is ordering one course at a time. That way, if you are full after a particular course you can stop. We had local wine every where we went and it was always great.
The thing we had the hardest time with was no tipping required. As Americans it is drilled into our heads that we tip as the wait staff don't make much if anything for an hourly wage. In Europe if you are served well, five euros is a terrific tip. If the service is exceptional, ten euros (approx. $13) is HUGE.
Other
Do NOT drive in Florence. Someone gave us this tip and that is why we opted for the train. We DID have to rent a car to drive to our next destination and just trying to pull out of the parking garage onto a narrow, scooter filled side street was an amazing feat. It is so hard to find your way around as every other street is a one-way street and the road signs are all over the place--you know the ones you see in magazines on a pole with 50-60 signs on it. It is a nightmare but also an adventure.
