Hotel Monica - Florence, Italy     

Just spent 5 nights at Hotel Monica in Florence prior to taking Carnival Freedom transatlantic Rome to Miami. My wife and I had a fantastic time taking SITA and Lazzi bus lines to Fiesole, etc. and trains to Lucca, Pistoia and Viareggio. Hotel Monica is only a few hundred yards from all of the major terminals. Leonardo was a wonderful host who speaks perfect English but was very kind and helpful with our faltering attempts at Italian. He also helped navigating the bus system and finding memorable local restaurants. Our room was large and spotless and hod a plesant view over a bougenvilla garden. Church bells from nearby church gave a delightful ambiance. Most memorable were the breakfasts that were included with the room. I have never had better capuccino, rich and creamy even though it was from an automatic machine. Fresh croissants, ham, cheese and assorted toppings and cereals were a great way to start our days. We fairly ran down the stairs to such reats. Al fresco dining on the terrace is available if weather permits. One moring at breakfast on the luxury cruise ship, my wife said "You know what?" "What?" "I enjoyed Leonardo's more!" Can't wait to go back.

Just spent 5 nights at Hotel Monica in Florence prior to taking Carnival Freedom transatlantic Rome to Miami. My wife and I had a fantastic time taking SITA and Lazzi bus lines to Fiesole, etc. and trains to Lucca, Pistoia and Viareggio. Hotel Monica is only a few hundred yards from all of the major terminals. Leonardo was a wonderful host who speaks perfect English but was very kind and helpful with our faltering attempts at Italian. He also helped navigating the bus system and finding memorable local restaurants. Our room was large and spotless and hod a plesant view over a bougenvilla garden. Church bells from nearby church gave a delightful ambiance. Most memorable were the breakfasts that were included with the room. I have never had better capuccino, rich and creamy even though it was from an automatic machine. Fresh croissants, ham, cheese and assorted toppings and cereals were a great way to start our days. We fairly ran down the stairs to such reats. Al fresco dining on the terrace is available if weather permits. One moring at breakfast on the luxury cruise ship, my wife said "You know what?" "What?" "I enjoyed Leonardo's more!" Can't wait to go back.