Albergo Villa Azalee
Florence, Firenze

Previous guests have complimented the friendly staff and attractive garden of this charming 19th century villa, set just a 10-minute walk from Florence train station. Airport trains depart from the station and the motorways around Florence are easily accessible from this 3-star hotel. Also, the location just outside the limited traffic zone means that you will not have to pay to drive into the centre. You will also be close enough to the sights of the historic centre and the Fortezza da Basso conference centre to get around on foot. Owned by Signora Brizzi, this villa has been in the same family for over 100 years. Carefully refurbished to maintain the ancient Florentine characteristics, it offers modern amenities and individually-designed rooms. Rooms are also located in the new annexe. For a truly romantic start to your day, you can enjoy breakfast in the garden.

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Mary McCarthy famously described Florence (Firenze) as a "City of Stone." This assessment digs deeper than merely the fact that the buildings, streets, doorjambs, sidewalks, windowsills, towers, and bridges are all cobbled together in shades of gray, stern rock hewn by generations of the stonecutters Michelangelo grew up with. Florence's stoniness is evident in both its countenance and its character. Florentines often seem more serious and slower to warm to strangers than the stereotypical Italians. The city's fundamental rhythms are medieval, and it's fiendishly difficult to get beyond the touristy surface and see what really makes Florence tick. Although the historic center is compact, it takes time and effort to get to know it personally, get the hang of its alleys, and understand the deep history of its palace-lined streets.