http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20037 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20037 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19569 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19569 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976
They drive every aspect of this lovely Florence hostel, and are constantly on hand to make sure that their guests (and you really do feel like a guest rather than a customer!) have everything they could possibly need.

I didn't stay long enough to take advantage of the offer, but long-term guests are invited out to their Tuscan farmhouse for the night.

It was a real wrench to tear myself away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18564
The setting is rural, with all the picturesque features you might expect from staying under the Tuscan sun. The condo-style living arrangements come well equipped, with kitchens and living rooms that give families a spacious home base.

Most have swimming pools and you can also find full resort amenities with an onsite restaurant, tennis courts, a fitness centre and myriad other features.

There are more perks that come along with Italian farmhouse living. The owner or manager of the property may live onsite and serve as a point of contact to help your family with anything you need - from planning activities to offering general guidance about the region. Most are conveniently located so your family can sightsee for part of the day, touring neighboring towns and experiencing the local culture and history of Tuscany, and then relax at the pool for the afternoon.

Some Agriturismi offer structured onsite activities such as Italian cooking classes, horseback riding, and wine and/or olive oil tasting. Many properties serve their very own farm-harvested food in an onsite restaurant, so you won’t need to worry about cooking up meals - unless you’d like to showcase your new Italian cooking skills. Some accommodations even offer daily housekeeping, so you’ll be able to focus on the fun stuff.

Unlike the isolation you could expect if your family rented an independent villa, Agriturismi provide a wonderful balance of services and privacy. Well-located throughout Tuscany, it is easy to explore the surrounding areas. Most options are small with family-focused services including babysitting and equipment rental, making it easy to relax and experience the best Tuscany has to offer, both onsite and off.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17807
The place (built in 1500) was very central and the neighbourhood was safe, I could walk to all the main tourist sights. Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are about 2 blocks away. At the end I had a discount for paying cash without asking for one, the cost of my single was originally €88.00 but they gave it to me for €80.00 per night. A bargain!

The hotel also offers a left luggage facility which is handy if you have a late flight/train. I will definitely return for a longer stay in the future.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17684 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17684 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15525 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15525 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13035 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13035 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11740 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11740 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11730
It's located on the south bank of the Arno, a short walk from both the centre and one of my favourite getway places, the Boboli Gardens (must write a tip about them one of these days). The only downside was no dedicated parking, but that's not so unusual in the centre of Florence, and you can get special rates at some nearby garages.

The hotel was a pleasant mix of old and new and has been well restored. Staff were friendly, not always a given in Florence, and gave me a great restaurant tip.
Not much more to say really - pricing was reasonable, and it's featured on my usual booking site for Italian hotels.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11730 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10817
It is popular with students and with the locals (nearby are some delis and whatnot so you actually see Florentines) and comes to life after nine or so in the evening.

At the top of the square is Brunelleschi’s spectacular church - as well as having a crucifix by a very young Michelangelo, it was studied and admired by many including Da Vinci and it is easy to see why. It is especially pretty when the facade is lit at night.

There are a few restaurants and a couple of bars in the square, the type of spots where, if you drink too many amerettos, they give you a tequilla on the house - the atmosphere is friendly at all of them.

Istayed at Antica Dimora with a friend but it would be especially nice to go there romantically - ask for a room with a little balcony. You can watch (and listen!) to the market being set up in the morning. The rooms are huge with lovely wooden beams and, maybe vaguely kitsch decor but it feels like you’ve been to Firenze! It’s a short back street walk to the wonderful, wonderful Bobili gardens too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10817 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9653 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9653 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8613 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8613 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8608 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8608 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8576
There are several nice, clean, inexpensive pensiones on the Via Faenza - just a short walk from the cathedral. See op cit for addresses.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8576 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8572 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8572 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8326 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8326 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8881 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8881