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Florence is equipped with hotels for all budgets; for instance, you can find both budget and luxury hotels in the centro storico (historic center) and along the Arno. Florence has so many famous landmarks that it's not hard to find lodging with a panoramic view. The equivalent of the genteel pensioni of yesteryear can still be found, though they are now officially classified as hotels. Generally small and intimate, they often have a quaint appeal that usually doesn't preclude modern plumbing.
Florence's importance not only as a tourist city but also as a convention center and the site of the Pitti fashion collections guarantees a variety of accommodations. The high demand also means that reservations are a must, except for in winter.
If you find yourself in Florence with no reservations, go to Consorzio ITA (Stazione Centrale, Santa Maria Novella 055/282893). You must go there in person to make a booking.
Bellosguardo (meaning "beautiful view") is perched atop a hill minutes from the viale, and reached via a narrow road dotted with olive trees. The reception area has soaring ceilings with frescoes by Francavilla (1553–1615). Guest rooms are simple and pleasing.There's a small menagerie on the grounds (including donkeys, rabbits, and chickens), and maintains a beautiful, peaceful garden, to which guests have access.
Nuns of the Oblates of the Assumption run this convent holiday house, where some of the simple but spotlessly clean rooms have views of the Duomo's cupola, and others look out onto a garden where you are welcome to relax. Several rooms have three and four beds, making them well-suited for families. You can join Mass every morning at 7:15. A simple continental breakfast is included, and the nuns provide half or full pension for groups of 10 or more. Most nuns don't speak English, but you can book online.
In the foothills between Florence and Fiesole are these lovely apartments, which sleep 4 to 11 people, and rooms, which vary in size, have private bathrooms, and sleep up to two adults and two children. Many accommodations are in a former convent, and some are scattered around the farm; all have wooden floors, simple and sturdy furniture, and apartments have modern kitchens; most also have splendid views onto olive groves (olive oil is produced by the fattoria owners).
The genial Viti family oversees this property with clean and simple rooms near the train station and well within walking distance of the sights. Air-conditioning and triple-glazed windows ensure quiet nights. Some rooms can accommodate extra beds.
