Alba Hotel Stay here
I Just got back from Florence and stayed at the Alba Hotel. When you get off the plane in Florence. Go outside to the Volaine SITA (city) bus ,4.50 Euros. This takes you to Sita bus terminal. The Alba is conviently located a block and a half from the bus station. Check in is easy and the hotel was recently remodeled. The room is large by European standards and very clean. The hotel staff is friendly and will go out of their way to help you. The staff will help you with confirming expedia add on tours. Take the Venice 1 day and Pisa tours. TV has 2 english channels CNN and BBC news. The rest are in Italian. Breakfast is ok. Do not expect a American buffet since it is included in the price. It consists of cereals,coffee,cheese,lunch meat,rolls & pastrys. Breakfast is from 7:30 to 9:30. Rooms were not noisy as many claim unless you open the window. Mini bar in room is reasonable. Leave your room key with the desk when going out. They lock the doors after 10 pm and this is how they keep track of guests at night and for room cleaning. The Alba has a fantastic location with restaurants across the street.Try the Leo restaurant across the street, they speak English and had fantastic food at great prices. Try the Florentine steak or Get the special meals.. Checkout is easy and hotel will call a cab if required. We just walked a block and used the Sita bus runs every half hour.
 
Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks
Go to the Cascine market (pronounced CASHINE)located in the the big Park along the Arno river on tuesdays 7am to 2pm. This is a real flea market and very large. Get there early around 7am to avoid the huge local crowds. It is a 20 minute walk from the Alba. We had a picnic lunch in the park and bought local lunch meats,cheese,bread,olives,chestnuts with wine & beer. There is a public rest room in the park.
On Sunday & Monday most stores and museums are closed.

 Sunday is a good day to take a tour of Pisa,Italy..  Tour costs around 50 Euro for a 8 hour tour Or you can catch a train for around 10 Euro.