HOTEL BIGALLO IN FIRENZE

We were so excited when we saw our hotel. Even though the entrance was on the side, it faced the Duoma, which is always a wonderful site.

Now, keep in mind, I had 2 big bags (I packed my carry-on inside one) and have a canvas backpack, plus a small pack, Betty had a huge leopard bag chock full and a carry-on plus a huge purse and Anna had her 2 red bags.

Well, there were 2 steps, a landing, four steps and the elevator.....an elevator that you opened the outer door to get in and when you push the button an inner door closes and then the outer and then you get whiplash as you 'jerk' upwards. But what a VIEW!

Five trips later, we were in our room, on the fourth floor and it turns out that it's a loft!!! Not only is it a loft, but the bathroom is up the flight of stairs instead of the main floor. Two beds up, one down. But remember...we have a VIEW!

Well, after a day walking in Firenze and then the next day we went to Pisa, Betty's knees were acting up and her ankles were swollen. So since it was hard to mount the steps, she slept downstairs and had a empty coke cup that she could use if necessary. But OH!!! the VIEW!!!!!

Betty asked the desk....another story...I thought when you worked in the hospitality industry you are pleasant and outgoing....Well not at Hotel Bigallo...luckily they made eye contact, but smile, buon giourno, anything...not unless you said it first!  Anyway, Betty told them we needed a handicapped room since we were 'old ladies' and couldn't do the stairs. Luckily a room would be available the next day and the maid would move the bags...poor little maid. Will we lose our VIEW? Nope, still there just 10 feet lower.

We now have a room on the third floor (where the reception desk is) and we are right next to the breakfast room....oh yes, breakfast is included (rolls, croissants, ham, cheese, yogurt and coffee that was like mud. Well, they set the room for breakfast at 11pm...dishes banging, silverware clanging, the whole thing.

Oh, did I mention that the Duomo's bells go off at 7am, 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45...very nice the first time you hear them, after that you want to kill the bell ringer, but it's automatic!!!! oh, but what a VIEW!!!!!!

Well our new room has a special bathroom. The show has a 2" lip (probably smaller, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt) but it doesn't drain too well so when you take a shower for longer than 3 minutes, when you open the door,yep, water goes all over!~! Not only that, but when you close the side, you can't sit on the toilet. When I'm able to post pictures, you'll see what I'm talking about....BUT THE VIEW.....

They never dusted (Fran would have loved this hotel!) but that was ok; I was cutting my nails (which have grown so long) but when I cut they were flying all over so I did it out the window, trying to hit someone below. Now why would I do that?  Because the fools are out there at 2 a.m. singing!!!!! But remember....we have a great VIEW!!!!

There was no ice in the hotel...when Betty's knees were swollen, the desk had to go to the hotel next door and came back with a pack (you know the blue hard kind) and at night they lock you in.

One night Betty couldn't sleep so she decided to go out to have a smoke. Now this is 3:30 a.m. She goes into the reception desk and the clerk was sleeping on the sofa....with a blanket and  pillow.  Betty darn near gave him a heartattack. She couldn't get out because the downstairs door was closed, so she had to go back up and ask and he told her to push the red button. 'How do I get back in' she asked. 'Don't close the door!' he replied. But THE VIEW!!!!

Our final morning, well, somehow or other the luggage had babies and we were now up to 9 pieces. It took us a half-hour to get it all down. FYI - Betty and I bought backpacks so that we could relieve some of the heaviness of our bags, but it didn't work and the backpacks are now full!!!!

On her way out the manager asked Betty how we enjoyed out stay. Betty said, 'I didn't'. 'Why' she asked and, if you know Betty, she ripped her another one.

BUT, OH, THE VIEW!!!!