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Men, Leave Me Alone: For Women Only in Florence

Where: Borgo Pinti 31, Florence, Italy, 50121

Are you a women traveling in Italy who's tired of all that attention you receive from Italian men? That's just their nature, of course, but you can avoid it for a couple of days by bunking down at the simply-named B&B for Women Only in the heart of Florence.

We're not talking luxury hotel here, but we are talking avoiding wolf whistles and endless invitations for a café latte or more. A few benefits: it's a smoke-free pension, it's just minutes on foot to heaps of worthy Florence sights, it's in one of the oldest parts of town and it's described as a particularly safe area. The rooms are very simple, but have some typical Italian elegance, and breakfast is included--it can turn into all-day snacks if you need. The down side: they do warn that there are no elevators, and instead 68 steps to climb to reach your room. But perhaps it's just another defense mechanism to keep all those Italian suitors away.

[image via rovert74]

Related Stories:
·B&B For Women Only reviews [TripAdvisor]
·High Style at the Una Hotel Vittoria, Florence [HotelChatter]

Tags: Hotels in Italy / Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

Art Hotel Commercianti Keeps it Real

Where: Via de' Pignattari 11, Bologna, Italy, 40124

With views directly over the Basilica San Petronio and scents of cappuccino and pastries rising up to your room, you really can't get much more Italian scene. Bologna is home to another one of those "Art Hotels" with the centrally located Art Hotel Commercianti which picks up top reviews.

Although modest and old fashioned (don't expect WiFi, plasma TVs, or a fusion-cuisine restaurant) the hotel keeps it real Bologna style with old-world décor and preservation of the old towers in which its located. Even withou major amenity bragging rights, this place provides happy stays:

It really is all about location with this hotel - slap bang up against the Basilica of San Petronio off Piazza Miaggiore "one of the most beautiful squares in Italy". The building is charming of 13th century origin with exposed beams in some corridors and bedrooms. My double bedroom was comfortable with large bathroom complete with standard fluffy and traditional cotton towels. The buffet-style breakfast was comprehensive...and the cappuccino was delicious. All the staff I encountered during my 3-night stay were pleasant and helpful.

In a day and age when boutique hotels are popping up from Canada to Indonesia, it's nice to know there are still some places out there who rely on the basics: location, comfortable bed, nice staff. Cappuccino certainly doesn't hurt either.

Related Stories:
· Art Hotel Commercianti Reviews [TripADvisor]