From Rome Marc and I took the train for the relatively short trip to Florence. As usual, we chose a hotel next to or close to the train station so as to save us from lugging our suitcases over long distances.

We chose the Hotel Delle Nazioni for its location and its price. This hotel, by the way, is an Italian chain and they have a hotel in Rome close to the Trevi Fountain as well. Since we arrived very early in Florence but our rooms were not ready for occupancy until 2 pm, we were advised to leave our suitcases in the hotel's storage room and return around the indicated time for check in. The hotel was full and guests came from all over Europe and Japan.

Given the cost of hotel rooms in Rome and Florence, we were quite surprised we were able to get a room at the prices we paid for during our vacation. We truly lucked out.

Do bear in mind, this hotel is a budget hotel at best. It is very basic as can be seen from the photos. But, as we say, since we are always out of the room and only return at night to sleep, a clean bed in a very safe location is all we need every time we travel. To date, we have been lucky. Our room came with breakfast which was a big help before we set out to do our usual cultural blitzkrieging.