Arriving in Florence

Tim and I finally arrived in Florence and took a taxi to our hotel. Italians may possibly be crazier drivers than the French. Traffic signals, lane markings, and stop signs. seem to be mere suggestions, not requirements. Nonetheless, Tim and I arrived at the hotel in one piece.

I had selected Il Tornabuoni for several reasons. First, and possibly most important, I was able to use Hyatt points to completely cover our five-night stay. The hotel also had wonderful reviews, and the location was convenient to every place we wanted to visit.

Il Tornabuoni is a small hotel in a thirteenth century palace. Located on Florence’s ritziest street, the hotel is lovely. All is not serious, however, as the round animal paintings on the walls throughout the hotel add a touch of whimsy. Butterflies, birds, and monkeys predominate.

We had a beautiful room with a huge, two-person shower. Perhaps ours should have been called the “beetle room,” as all eight of our paintings were of beetles. They were a bit creepy, but aren't they considered to be symbols of good fortune? 

A Lovely Hotel and a Lovely Room

Sarah and Tim Seem to Have Made Themselves at Home

Animal Paintings Are Found Throughout the Hotel, Including Beetles in Our Room

To make things simple since we were tired, we ate an early dinner at the hotel, and the service was impeccable. The Italians are masters of style and attention to detail. Plus, the food was delicious.

Florence had already started to decorate for Christmas, and there was a wonderful display outside our hotel. Not gaudy at all, just festive. I think we are going to be happy here!

Christmas Displays Outside Our Hotel