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Have barely started hotel search, but if I find any great deals at a Starwood, I'll definitely post. I might post a query in the Italy forum and/or the Starwood forum re: people's hotel experiences there.
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Florence is one of those places where one spends Starpoints instead of earning them. Our room at the Excelsior this past May was going for about 500 Euros without breakfast, vs. 12000 Starpoints.
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I'm not sure it'd be a good idea to limit oneself to chain hotels in Florence. Most hotels there (especially centrally-located ones) are NOT part of major chains.
The Venice Do was at a small, non-chain hotel, which was large enough to accommodate the group (some 30 attendees). Sometimes you have to forgo the opportunity to earn or burn points, in favor of other objectives. :) |
Here is the Italin train system website. http://www.trenitalia.com/home/en/index.html
I would advise purchasing tickets in Italy. Always a chance that the train you want is sold out. I would advise riding the Eurostar train between cities. They are the fastest and most comfortable. First class is reasonable priced. Enjoy folks, no way I will be able to make this DO. |
Originally Posted by KathyWdrf
I'm not sure it'd be a good idea to limit oneself to chain hotels in Florence. Most hotels there (especially centrally-located ones) are NOT part of major chains.
The Venice Do was at a small, non-chain hotel, which was large enough to accommodate the group (some 30 attendees). Sometimes you have to forgo the opportunity to earn or burn points, in favor of other objectives. :) I love Florence, and would be interested in attending if my previously planned May trip with friends doesn't pan out. |
I agree with Kathy as well. [As for my Starwood search, no harm in looking at least :). While the Westin Excelsior seems to have the most favorable comments from F/Ters, it's also expensive. The more affordable Sheraton is a bit outside of town]
Yes, this indeed may be one of those times where you've gotta' "just let go" of the point/stay earning opportunity in light of the other benefits of central location, comraderie, character/ambiance of a non-chain hotel, ease of meeting up with people, etc. etc. Thanks, Arc, for the train info.! Visited the site, and yes, it looks like a first class seat on the Eurostar is really not that much more expensive, and apparently VERY worth the extra $$$. Sorry to hear you won't be joining us. |
I agree, skye1, there is no harm in looking at chain hotels. In fact, just to make sure some opportunities aren't being overlooked, maybe a list of the (centrally-located) chain hotel possibilities could be compiled, as well as a list of non-chain candidates.
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Add me as a "maybe".
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Please put me down as possible....Florence is a great city.
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Originally Posted by dedehans
Please put me down as possible....Florence is a great city.
I have only stayed at the Westin Excelsior, and that was because a friend got me an incredible bargain rate....but it did not include breakfast |
Guide Sites
As for me, as with many details for 2005, I'm in the "after the holidays" mode. BUT, here's a few of the guidebook links if it's helpful for anyone.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinat...rope/florence/ http://www.frommers.com/destinations/florence/ http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti8.html http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...on=florence@63 http://www.bootsnall.com/insiders/europe/italy.shtml |
Originally Posted by Dorlee
I am so glad you are on the possible list! Do you know of any hotels in Florence that would be similar in feeling to the Ai Mori in VCE? That made the trip there so special.
I have only stayed at the Westin Excelsior, and that was because a friend got me an incredible bargain rate....but it did not include breakfast I am looking at some hotels in Firenze to recommend .....I have booked myself at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni as I know the owner and GM quite well and have put many clients there....I see Fodors has given it a poor review which is too bad as it is truly an exquisite property.....I know first hand. I am not able to get a great rate there for the group unfortunately....but there are other properties I have been in touch with that are less pricey.... Will keep you all posted..... Firenze is probably my favorite city on the planet. I make a point to go there once a year. Everything you want to see is usually a short walk and every building, stone is a magnificent piece of history. FTers, do hook onto this meet! |
Originally Posted by skye1
I know it's a long way off, but if I want to snag an upgrade on this flight on AA, before AA's nice "copayment" kicks in, then I have a little over four weeks to nail the flights. Can't leave any earlier than early afternoon on Friday, and would like to do all flights on AA/Oneworld. Have looked at going to BRU, then SN Brussels to FLO, to LHR then AA to FLR, etc. but many of those flights don't get me in 'til Sat. afternoon. What about going to Rome and taking the train (Eurostar?)? The train ride doesn't look much longer than what I'd spend snagging a connecting flight outta' FCO, and the ride is probably beautifull....so it looks on the net....any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!!
Cheers, John/Skye1 |
South Carolina Do....NOT
Originally Posted by nor4
Just so you don't get too lost, remember FLO is Florence SC. ;) (But maybe you're racking up some miles :rolleyes: )
(says to self: FLR, FLR, FLR, FLR .....) |
Originally Posted by skye1
Yeah, that would be some kinda' MR huh??? :D :D
(says to self: FLR, FLR, FLR, FLR .....) |
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