Florence - Hotel Morandi - 04.03.06

The cabbie who takes us from Santa Maria Novella seems to be driving in devious, fare-jacking circles. But Florence is all one-way streets, and this is the most direct route to Via Laura 50, the Hotel Morandi alla Crocetta. The hotel is sort of dream-European-vacation charming: small, historical, every room unique and filled with artistic and structural flourishes. Our host Rolando shows us our room, and its private terrace; it is, he says, one of the best rooms in the hotel, and we believe him. We love it immediately, and go straight to bed at 2 PM.