When choosing a hotel in an unfamiliar city, my mantra is always location, location, location!

Learn where the landmarks and attractions are that you wish to see on your vacation, and look for hotels that are close to those places, or close to public transportation. For instance, I’ve never been to Florence, Italy, but I know from my research on Wikipedia that should I ever get to Florence, I want to see:

• Piazza della Repubblica
• Ponte Vecchio and the River Arno
• Santa Maria del Fiore at Duomo Square
• Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune

A quick glance at HotelClub.com and their list of Florence hotels, and I can see that several are in what appears to be the heart of the city - close to Duomo Square, or in the historic center. Perfect for a first timer! The Fenice Palace Hotel Florence in particular is just 100 meters from Duomo Square, next to the Medici Chapels, and close to Giotto’s bell tower. The location is also close to museums and dining. Perfecto!

This is a sponsored review.