Archive for the Florence category
Friday, Dec 8th, 2006
Categories: Florence
Our last day for appointments was upon us already. Feeling a bit worse for ware after the previous night’s shenanigans we had a massive breakfast and went to visit Soggiorno Pitti where we met with Marco. This property was in close proximity to the Ponte Vecchio so we walked through there again. With plenty of museums and places of interest surrounding it, it is truly a good choice for accommodation. Rooms are beautifully decorated with high ceilings. The whole establishment is very warm, cosy and friendly.
With a few hours to spare before flying back to London we hung wondered about the area exploring the streets, sites and shops. One last glass of wine and then we had to head back to collect our bags and take the train to Pisa where we would catch our flight.
Within minutes of being on the aeroplane Gab and I were asleep following another successful and fun HostelBookers.com “52 Trips in a Year” experience.
Comprehensive list of Florence Hostels.
For more information on getting around Florence go to Florence Public Transport
Friday, Dec 8th, 2006
Categories: Florence
Our first appointment didn’t start until eleven so we had a late breakfast and a wonder around the local shops. I could have spent millions on the beautiful jewellery on offer in Firenze.
We then met with Roberto and Sandra who run Hotel Pensione Ferreti. This property is lovely and situated in the smallest little narrow street. Rooms are very clean and tidy and there are plenty of balconies around to enjoy the sights around you. This is a beautiful little place, one that I would highly recommend.
The second appointment covered three properties all in one go, Hotel Giappone, Soggiorno Prestipino and Tourist House. We visited each one with the lovely Linquincina and they all come highly recommended. All rooms are large and tastefully decorated and there is a real warm atmosphere throughout. All three properties are centrally located.
Gab and I now had some time to kill so we visited the Ponte Vecchio. Bustling with tourists this is truly a beautiful place to visit. The view from the bridge of the city is breath taking and the shopping out of this world.
Youth Hostel Firenze was the last place we had to visit for the day. We met with the lovely Simona who took us around the property. As far as Youth Hostels go this place is truly incredible. With fantastic areas to socialise with others and its remarkable amount of rooms it’s perfect for any group. The rooms are fantastic with en-suite facilities throughout and lovely wooden features. This is perhaps my favourite property along with Hostel Madrid.
After the appointment we took a stroll back to our hostel. We quickly freshened up for a big night out on the town.
We came across this bar later that evening where we met Christian who was the owner of the establishment. We ended up sharing a few glasses of wine there and then when Christian closed up shop he took us to a couple of local night clubs. Driving around Firenze with a local gave it a whole different perspective.
We staggered home at around 4 in the morning after a fantastic night out!
Comprehensive list of Florence Hostels.
For more information on getting around Florence go to Florence Public Transport
Friday, Dec 8th, 2006
Categories: Florence
The day began at 7 and Gab and I freshened up and went on the hunt for some breakfast. Running a bit short on time we grabbed a Danish en route to our first appointment which was with Clara at Albergo Paola.
This hostel has a very cosy feel to it. Painted with very warm colours and a great communal area it’s a great choice. Clara herself is quite a character, she also goes to great efforts to ensure that her guests have a great time by giving the breakfast in bed and excellent advice on places to see and bars/clubs to visit. The property is centrally near plenty of shops and restaurants.
Following on from there we met with Linda who runs Central beds. This property is slightly less social because there is no communal area but the rooms are big and airy and Linda herself is most helpful. Also located very centrally it is again another place worth visiting. It’s just a two minute walk from the Galleria Della Academia where the original David is found.
One more appointment before lunch and we visited Hotel Ester where we met with Massimiliano. This property is again very clean and tidy and above all very centrally located. It’s in the heart of the historical old city. Staff at the hostel are there as well to book tours of the museums for you.
Our 13:30 appointment was cancelled at the last minute so Gab and I decided we should go and have a sit down lunch at a café somewhere near the River. We wondered around until we found a delightful little café where they had a set menu for 10 Euro each. I have never eaten quite so much in all my life. Food was brilliant, sadly though I have no records of what the café was called otherwise I would highly recommend it.
Next up for a visit was Luna Rossa where we met with Marco. This property is incredibly central based on Via Nazionale it’s just outside the main station. The rooms a very clean and tidy and tastefully decorated with a communal kitchen. All rooms have satellite and on demand breakfast is served to you.
Just around the corner is Soggiorno Berlini where we met with Alfredo. The rooms here are clean and tidy and nicely decorated. Staff are friendly and like so many of the properties in Firenze it is centrally located and in walking distance to most famous museums and sights.
Our last appointment for the day finished at around 17:30 so we talk a slow stroll back to our hostel. By this stage the weather had begun to clear and it was relatively warm for the time of year. We got back to the hostel and freshened up and then headed back out into the city to have a look at the sights and to enjoy a glass of local wine.
The streets are alive at night and although the clubs and bars only get going much later on there were still plenty of people about. We sat back and listened to the violin and enjoyed a meal, following on from there strolled along to the nearest bar and had a glass of wine.
Being tired and worn out from the day we were back by midnight to recharge our batteries for day 3.
Comprehensive list of Florence Hostels.
For more information on getting around Florence go to Florence Public Transport
Friday, Dec 8th, 2006
Categories: Florence
Our flight to Italy was so early on Monday morning that we decided it would be a good idea to sleep at the Generator Hostel in Russell Square the night before to enable us to get to Liverpool Street Station on time in the morning.
After a couple of drinks at the Generator bar we went to bed knowing that we would have to be up at four the following morning. For much of the night we couldn’t get to sleep and just when we began to doze off again the fire alarm sounded which sent us right into panic mode.
With less than two hours left to sleep I resigned myself to the fact that no sleeping was going to be done and lay awake listening to some music on my ipod.
We had organised to have a taxi take us to Liverpool Street Station where we caught the Stansted Express to Stansted Airport.
Our flight was on time and we arrived at Pisa Airport at 11:20 on Monday morning. From there we had a direct train journey to the central train station in Florence. Florence’s central station is called Santa Maria Novella.
When we got out of the station it was pouring with rain which made the task of finding our accommodation so unpleasant. We eventually got hold of a cab to drive us there. Our accommodation had been booked with Hostel Madrid. On our arrival we were welcomed by the lovely Mara who was the owner of the property. A delightfully friendly woman although sadly I could not understand a word she said as I don’t understand any Italian.
We left our luggage there and decided to head over to our first appointment. Things did not start off very well on this trip. Our usual enthusiasm was quickly dashed when we kept getting repeatedly lost in the rain. To make matters worse we had the issue of Gab’s shoes. I think any normal person would have survived just fine as I did but no, Gab had to go and find some new shoes before our appointment because his feet had gotten wet along the way.
After a quick search round we found some suitable shoes that set Gab back a bit but very soon we were back on track. The first appointment was with Ostello Gallo D’oro where we met with Max. He was truly lovely and offered us some good quality Italian espresso. He gave us a tour round his property. For what appears to be a very small place the rooms were spacious and clean and tidy with a great communal area to sit and socialise. The property is situated in a lovely area of the city and it’s totally central. The property is right outside of central station and is in the centre of all Florence attractions and museums.
From there we had one more appointment for the day which was at Soggiorno Gloria. We met with Lefty who was a delightful character. This property has a variety of rooms available and the atmosphere is very laid back.
Soggiorno Gloria is close to the central railway station of Santa Maria Novella, near the congress and the expo centre of the Fortezza da Basso, just a stroll away from the Medicean district San Lorenzo with its typical open air market and in the close vicinity of the main historical monuments.
From there we made our way out to grab a bite to eat. We discovered an amazing cafeteria that had some wonderful home cooked typed meals. Needless to say we feasted on some incredible food and a lovely glass of wine. When we got back to the hostel we headed to bed more or less right away as Tuesday was going to be a long day for us.
Comprehensive list of Florence Hostels.
For more information on getting around Florence go to Florence Public Transport
