General Lodging Information

It is important to note the differences between American hotel accommodations and those in Italy, or Europe in general. Americans typically expect a hotel room, particularly an expensive one, to include amenities such as televisions with cable access, in-room safes, large bathrooms with ample counter space, and coffee makers. European hotels are quite different. You can count on a typical moderately priced Florence hotel to be clean and friendly, but don’t expect American-style amenities. It is simply not the norm in Europe, unless you are paying premium prices.

 

The differences are especially noticeable in the bathrooms. Most European hotel bathrooms have little more than a showerhead and a drain in the floor. Hot water is sometimes only available in the mornings, as it is costly for smaller hotels to heat water.

 

Still, most European hotels can be counted upon to provide travelers a comfortable stay and warm hospitality. As long as you have your expectations in check and arrive in Italy with an understanding of how lodging is different, you will have a wonderful time.

 

Florence is generally considered to be a very safe city, with the exception of pickpockets and occasional car thefts. If you can’t keep your valuables on your person when you leave your hotel, ask to store them in your hotel’s safe.