Florence, like many Italian cities, is experiencing a renaissance in terms of hospitality. And it means that some of the most affordable hotels in Florence are also some of the best places to stay. Unlike Milan and Rome, where there has been a five-star luxury boom, this darling Tuscan city has unleashed a wave of smaller, cozy boutique hotels for bedding down that won't break the bank.
I felt welcome in Florence, and meeting people was easy. In Italy, I was spoiled by the welcoming nature of the Florentines I met. From the start, I was getting approached by locals in bars, overjoyed to speak with an American.