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/31203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26539 Hotel Il Perseo

I have been staying at this hotel since early 1998 and have returned in every year except one, since. The building has changed a great deal since those early days and is now modern and has every facility.

I am now 69 and would be perfectly happy to stay here alone. The staff are fantastically helpful and have a vast knowledge of their city. Louise (New zealander/Italian), and Laura (Italian) are exceptionally helpful and will book museums, restaurants etc willingly. They will tell you the italian for something you might want to buy in case the shop does not speak other languages. Wonderful!!

The rooms are comfortable, very clean and bright, with ensuites and TV. Some have outstanding views over the city. Breakfast is a good, varied buffet with loads of tea, coffee, juice etc.

It takes less than two minutes to walk to the duomo and five to Mercato Centrale (a must for food lovers). All major places of interest are within easy walking distance.

I have stayed in hotels of all star ratings from no star to five-star, huts in the african bush, YHA's etc but this is one place I return to again and again where the staff feel like old friends and the welcome is superb. GO THERE!!
The value for money is unquestionable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26539 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25598 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25078 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25078 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24300
The people who run it (I think they're a family) are incredibly warm and helpful, and much better with customer service than at many places I've seen. They honestly did everything they could to make me feel like a member of the family, and it worked!

An added plus was the spectacular view from my room, so inspiring! As if Firenze isn't always enough of a draw in and of itself, this little place was a real gem and I think others will find it that way too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24300 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24046 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23219 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23219 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23199
The location means you get cheaper room rates and heaps of extras - we loved the swimming pool, restaurant, bar and pretty surrounding olive groves.

We hired bikes and explored other parts of Tuscany - and the hostel organize tours to Pisa, Lucca and San Gimingnano.

Beautiful location, views of Tuscany countryside, great free breakfast, totally relaxing, and it was easy to pop into Florence, despite being in another town!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23097
The owners were unobtrusively helpful, and laid on scrumptious breakfasts. Full board was beyond our budget, but on the couple of nights we had dinner there it was stunning - and veggie-friendly. We went away laden with soap made locally from produce grown in the gardens, and a decent bottle of the house wine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21190 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21190 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