Relais Il Campanile - Florence

Address: Via Ricasoli 10, 50123 Florence, Italy

Website: http://www.relaiscampanile.it/

 

Staying here was a good experience. It could be described as something between a bed-and-breakfast and a hotel. It is quite small with no restaurant or bar and relatively few rooms. Particularly good is the absolute central location - practically in the shadow of the Duomo. It is also very convenient to the train station.

 

I especially liked the friendly atmosphere. The staff were helpful and made the stay very pleasant. I also liked the independence of being able to come and go freely - rather like staying in an apartment - with no reception as such. The staff were not always there after breakfast but available by phone.

 

The room was quiet and comfortable - much more spacious than I had expected - with a well equipped private bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space. The decor was traditional and very charming.

 

Breakfast was continental-style and very plentiful - served on a tray and delivered to the room at a set time, according to your wishes).

 

I was very happy with this hotel and it was good value. I would definitely go back on my next trip to Florence.

Hotel Engadina, Como, Italy

Address: Viale Rosselli 22, 22100 Como, Italy
Website: http://www.hotelengadina.com/en


This is a very pleasant place to stay. I have been there twice and each time the staff have been helpful, friendly and most willing to make guests feel welcome.
 
I could communicate reasonably well in Italian and they appreciated it. When I had difficulties with an airline reservation and felt less confident on the phone, one of the staff on the desk was more than happy to make the call for me.  If you can't speak the language well, they will be more than happy to attempt English. This same friendly politeness was also obvious in the room cleaning staff.

The accommodation is absolutely fine. Even though I was travelling alone I had a large double room which was spotless, new and well serviced, with a full sized bathroom (shower, bath, basin, toilet and bidet) The bath was very welcome after spending days out on the lakes or up in the surrounding towns.

 Breakfast in the hotel is plentiful, although a little bland - but the breakfast room is spacious, cheerful and comfortable and the service is excellent.

There is a small bar and lounge area if you decide to stay in.
 
It is a short and very easy walk to reach the town centre, Lake Como and both railway stations (even with luggage) There is also a supermarket very close by.

 I can thoroughly recommend mid June or early October as perfect times to visit.

You can expect a very enjoyable stay!