Friday, April 09, 2010

Going to Florence? Think About a Bed and Breakfast

Staying at a bed and breakfast is one of the best ways to get to know and experience the real culture and traditions alive in Florence, Italy. You'll experience the Italian lifestyle and get a real affinity for the people and their customs, while seeing the sites at the same time. If you're the kind who likes to avoid the busy tourist traps and learn how the natives live, where they go and what they do, then don't count out a bed and breakfast!
Florence's history and culture are rich and date back as far as its ruins. The Italian Renaissance got its start in Florence. It was the place where the Medici's came to power, then fell. Girolamo, the prophet, was burned at the stake in Florence. Niccolo Machiavelli gave his famous speeches here. There are also architectural marvels everywhere. The Duomo is here and the Uffizi museum. And don't forget to see the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
As much as there is to see in Florence, its bed and breakfast establishments will also charm you. Mostly restored and refurbished old homes and mansions, these accommodations are an eclectic mix of old and new. While painstaking restoration brings out the original historical charm of brick fireplaces, antiques, woodwork and other features of the represented period, the rooms are comfortably air-conditioned and contain many modern amenities such as Internet access, hot and cold showers, Jacuzzis and mini bars.
As is customary, bed and breakfasts in Florence serve breakfast! There can be a wide variety here, so you might need to check with the management to make sure you'll get the kind of meal you want or require. Some give full breakfasts with meat, eggs, toast, rolls and pancakes, while other bed and breakfasts will have more of a continental breakfast - juice, doughnuts and coffee. Note also that a few Florence bed and breakfasts charge extra for the meal, although it is included in the room price in most.
Here are some of the popular bed and breakfasts in Florence with a short description to help you choose just the right spot for your vacation:
A Florence View Bed and Breakfast - As the name suggests, this is the place to go for the most spectacular views from the heart of the city.
The Martin Dago Bed and Breakfast - This beautiful property exudes the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence and is located in a part of the city that has retained this traditional feel.
Villa Sestina Bagno a Ripoli Bed and Breakfast - Get away from the busy city at this hilltop B&B overlooking the city. It is close the city's monuments and only 15 minutes from Ponte Vecchio.
Bed and Breakfast Vittoria - This, too, is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to enjoy its many attractions. Close the University Campus of Sesto Fiorentino, it offers special discounts to students and teachers.
If you really want to experience living in Florence for your brief stay, you should try a bed and breakfast and, temporarily at least, become Florentine!

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