"TWO FLORENCE HOTELS" Page 1, 2, 3

Hotel Pendini

A bathroom in the Hotel Pendini.The heated towel rack is convenient for drying do-it-yourself laundry.

With a location next to arcaded western side of the Piazza della Repubblica, the Hotel Pendini is within easy walking distance of the main railroad station, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Arno River. It's also a good choice for shoppers, since many of the city's leading boutiques and department stores are nearby.

The Pendini dates back to 1879, when it opened as a pensione for British and American travelers who often spent weeks or even months in Florence. (You can still see the "Pensione Pendini" sign on the side of the building that overlooks the Piazza della Repubblica.) Rooms still have a traditional and distinctive decor with brass beds, antique armoires, and colorful wallpapers, but bathrooms are modern (see photo above) and all rooms have air conditioning, direct-dial phones, and satellite TV. Accommodations include singles, doubles, triples, quads, and family suites for up to six guests.

I booked a single for two nights and was given a large double room overlooking the Via Strozzi. From my fourth-floor window, I could lean out and see shoppers under the arches of the adjacent Piazza della Repubblica. Unfortunately, Florence is a noisy city with many late-night revelers, and I heard laughter and Vespa motorcycle sounds bouncing off the stone buildings long after midnight--even with my room's windows and shutters closed. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. (Inside rooms face a large air shaft or courtyard that admits quite a bit of daylight.)

Breakfast was served in a large, attractive high-ceilinged room with bright yellow tablecloths and antique sideboards. The meal itself consisted of croissants, hard rolls, Melba toast, orange juice, and coffee. It was perfectly adequate by Italian hotel standards, but it was a disappointment after the Bellettini's lavish buffet.

I'd recommend the Pendini to visitors who want to be in the heart of the tourist and shopping district and don't mind street noise or an inside room. It's a little more upmarket in tone and decor than the Bellettini, although the latter is a better choice for guests who prefer a hearty Scandinavian-style breakfast.

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