I have been planning to spend 5 nights in February at the Plaza Lucchesi in Florence at the winter rate of 110 Euros per night for a superior single room with an Arno view, but am wondering if I'd be better off in an apartment. I do like to cook, but I also love to eat out in florence. I plan to spend about half my time on day trips outside Florence. Can anyone familiar with the Plaza Lucchesi comment on whether an apartment for 550 Euros or less per week could be a better value? Thanks!

Howard ---

Euro 110 per night for one of their superior singles? Grab it!

I stayed at the Plaza Lucchesi in one of those rooms last May and it was wonderful. Then the rate was Euro 170, and it was a bargain at that time. The room was very large, and with a balcony. If you want some apartment-type experience, walk along the Via dei Neri and buy some food at one of the great shops there, and eat it at sitting in one of the armchairs in your room, looking out to the Piazzale Michelangelo and the hills. If you are lucky, and the weather is decent, you can do same on your balcony, as I did.

This spring I am taking a small apartment, but it is for three weeks. I think you could probably to a bit better at the Residenza Il Carmine for a studio, but not that much better.

Marian, a studio at Residenza Il Carmine is precisely what I am comparing, at about half the price. Do you know which would be larger? More pleasant? Since I'll be there in February I expect to spend more evening time inside than in warmer, sunnier weather, so the atmosphere is important to me. But money is money, and the difference could pay for quite a few fine meals.

We stayed at Il Carmine. You can read my review here. Charity also reviews it: Charity's review Caplanco stayed in the main building.

I loved Il Carmine for its location and neighborhood. It was a totally different feel from being in a more tourist dominated area.

COmpared to a hotel, I would stay there in a heartbeat. The kitchen s small but just big enough and well enough equipped to do some good cooking. And it is a treat to be able to fo to Mercato Centrale and shop. You can get milk fed baby lamb, incredible vegetables etc etc etc.

Wine Notes*Tuscan Restaurant List* Wine, Opera & Food* Trip

words of wisdom to live by from Stephen Sondheim's The Frogs
{The chorus is singing a prayer to Dionysus...}
Dionysius "A hymm to me, the god of wine..."
Xanthius (His slave) "I thought you were the god of drama?"
Dionysius "I am the god of wine and the god of drama. A little wine will get you thru a lot of drama"

I haven't yet stayed at the Il Carmine, so I can't say for sure. But the studios are small, and the superior single -- at least mine, on the fourth floor -- was very big. I would go for the Plaza Lucchesi, but then I would be thinking about coming back each evening to a second daily set of fresh towels, a straightened up room, and a wonderful view. Even if the weather is bad, I would imagine the view would be nice to come back to. It was also a plus to have the bar in the lobby , although I didn't use it that much.

You know, they both sound great! Your call; don't see how you could go wrong either way.

OK -- I see Dean has chimed in here as well, and I agree with all that he says, which is why I chose the apartment. I am really looking forward to the Il Carmine, but it's the great price of the PL, plus the fact that you've only got 5 nights, that leans me toward the hotel.

Thanks for the advice, Marian and Dean. I agree that both options are good. I just have to choose my pleasure.

By the way, my complete itinerary is: 1 night in Rome on arrival, three nights in Naples, then five nights in Florence and fly back from Florence.

Hi Howard,

We stayed at the B&B Peterson for a lot less and greatly enjoyed our stay there.

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[This message was edited by Colleen on 23 January 2004 at 11:13 AM.]

Hi
Lungarno Suites have some very special offers on for this time of year and will be my first choice for our next visit to Florence.However I am sure you won't be able to beat the price you've been offered at The P Lucchesi.You would have a kitchenette of course in the Lungarno Suites, sister hotel to The Gallery Art, the Continental etc owned by Ferragamo. We went to Florence at the end of January last year and marvelled at how empty everywhere was. The down side of that was that unfortunately some things were closed but we felt it a very worthwhile time to go especailly when you can drink Gilly's hot chocolate to warm you up.The weather was quite nice but the churches were freezing.
Happy planning!!!
Wendy

Howard ---

You have to tell us what you decided, and then how it turned out. And I hope you have decent weather. (Of course here in the NE we are in a constant deep freeze.)