Florence is tiny so any area is ok. It takes about 15 minutes to walk across the entire downtown.

Don't sweat it. Florence is fun and you won't spend too much time in your room.

We went to Florence once on short notice and could only find/afford a fairly cheap hotel near the train station. Still had a great time. But I also remember a fellow American tourist screaming at the front desk because the room wasn't up to her standards. Don't be that lady.

We stayed at the Hotel L'Orologio and it was nice, with a good location.

WHat;s your budget? We stayed at Il Salviatino a few weeks back. Gorgeous with prices to match.

We stayed at Villa la Vedetta on our honeymoon. Gorgeous, but across the river, and up in the hills. It is what we wanted (removed from the city center but walkable). The restaurant is amazing.

Op needs give some guidance re tastes, budget, interests.

That being said, lungarno is a good choice per pp.

Another vote for hotel Lungarno.

We were married in Florence. Here are a couple of good ones. Not sure how much you want to pay though.

Villa la Vedetta (absolutely spectacular) - not sure about now, but this was the only Michelin starred restaurant in Florence.

JK Place (gorgeous)

Grand Hotel (ask for a newer room)

Hotel Lungarno (LOVE this place)

Villa la Massa is a sister hotel to Villa d'Este in Lake Cuomo. It's very nice but located a little outside Florence proper. They have a van that will shuttle you back and forth. Because its not in the city proper, the rooms are a little bigger/nicer.

Best Western. Believe it or not, it is a very upscale hotel chain in Europe.

where is a good area to stay? any hotel recommendation?