Find Your Holiday Accommodation in Florence, Italy

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by: aperion
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Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 Time: 1:52 PM
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It's difficult enough to book a hotel in one's own country, especially during the holidays, but the task can be downright daunting to those traveling overseas. After all, especially if foreign travel is a new experience, it can be a lot to adjust to when looking for the best place to stay while experiencing a city as beautiful as Florence. And often times, the information in guide books, though well-meaning, is out of date. After all, who hasn't turned up to a hotel that they booked due to stellar reviews on a website or in a book, only to find out that it's actually rather run-down and not at all what was described?

Thankfully, most lodging in Florence is well-maintained, especially thanks to a boom in tourism that has led to many hotel owners reinvesting in their own properties. Unlike 20 years ago, most of the hotels in Florence now have a number of extras, from spas to indoor pools, along with the old-world elegance and charm that travelers have come to expect when visiting the very cradle of the Renaissance.

For most travelers, finding a place to stay in Florence will involve some savvy online sleuthing that determines which hotels have deals and which facilities offer the best of mix of comfort, location, and a price that's nice. However, it's often good to think outside of the box of previous travel, and to consider alternative options to staying in a hotel. While younger, adventurous travelers might be inclined towards Couchsurfing, for those who are looking for more of an independent experience with all of the amenities of a hotel and then some should consider the option of researching the many Florence apartment rentals available.

Unlike a hotel, those renting an apartment in Florence often have access to a kitchen, where they can save a little money by preparing some meals with the fresh goods from the local markets, as well as a sitting area. Apartments are ideal for couples who don't want to constantly be in each other's way, as well as for anyone who is looking for the most affordable way to travel. You see, holiday rentals in Florence can get pretty pricey, and for the same amount that a four-star hotel might charge for a single night, there are clean and quaint apartments located right in the heart of Florence--that are charging the same price for an entire week.

Travelers who are looking into apartments would do well to search on Craigslist or contact the Florence tourist board, but don't fall for any scams. Sometimes, people post pictures that are obviously fake when trying to entice foreigners to rent, and this can lead to confusion and a definite letdown. The best way to pursue alternative lodging in Florence is to ask a friend who has done it before to recommend where they stayed, or to check and see through your own personal networking if anyone you know might have an apartment to rent in Florence.

If staying in an apartment sounds like too much trouble, there are a number of hotels in Florence well worth shelling out the extra money that it takes to rent by the night. Many of them are located just steps from the city centre's most popular activities, and some have restaurants that should make the more famous local trattorias nervous. The other benefit of going with a hotel is that the concierge can handle any sort of arrangements travelers might desire, whether it's booking a special tour or getting tickets to visit one of the numerous museums.

About the Author

Francesco Manetti is an experienced travel agent in Florence and Tuscany. He collaborates with http://www.firenzelodging.it , the ultimate online request-offer based system an online request-offer based system where trusted property owners and partners send you real time offers for your next holiday accommodation rental in Florence.