Hotel Executive Florence 

Less than 10 minutes from the main station (and Tram Stop) the Hotel is the perfect place to start your scheduled city break. It will be your tranquil, elegant retreat from the busiest streets that lay in the more touristy central zone. The Hotel is less than 1 minute from the Arno River and a 15 minute walk along the river to the iconic Ponte Vecchio and from here you can walk the short distance to the main action around the Piazza Signoria, the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and onto the stunning Cathedral. The Hotel is itself full of history and has an elegance, befitting the City. In practical terms the Hotel is clean and well maintained and Room 201 was throughout our 7 nights the perfect option for us. Rich in history and as elegant as the Hotel is, the cornerstone of its success are the staff. A body of staff full of pride for their Hotel and each other. Their commitment to meeting their guests needs is evident in every smile and their wish to help, from the 24 hour concierge, through every facility from the bar, through breakfast and hotel room services. A particular thank you for access to an ironing room which was invaluable and an opportunity to hear directly from staff clearly committed to providing the best of care for their guests needs. This City is brilliant for walking, with such a depth of history at every turn. The Hotel benefits from being very close to a super Gelato shop, numerous coffee bars as well as a selection of super restaurants. Some of the best and better value coffee bars are here to be searched out in the narrow streets leading towards the bustling central zone. Check out the Cafe Pasticceria for coffee, Ozio Bistro di San Carlo for brunch and 100 Poveri for dinner. Be prepared to queue here at 100 Poveri (opens at 19:00hrs … try getting there to queue for 18.45 or book in advance). For that extra treat take a seat in the Caffe Galli (the oldest cafe in Florence) on the Piazza Della Repubblica and watch the life of Florence pass your way. For something right in the spirit of Florence local life, and meeting a family of passionate Fiorentina supporters, search out a coffee break at the Bar Tabacch Bati (on the corner of via Della Spada and Piazza Di Pancrazio). Pisa is just over hour away from Florence by train and if you have done your walking and covered the sites of Florence then a day out in Pisa is a nice compliment to your visit to this fantastic part of Italy. Enjoy.