1) What would you recommend as the best guide book to Florence: I specifically do NOT want a Baedecker's type book that emphasizes museums and culture, but one that is good at hotels, shopping addresses and food.
2) Are there any social clubs that are well-known in Florence? I was thinking of finding a local club with reciprocal privileges and using it as a hotel (I already checked the Raquette Club and they don't list anything in Italy).
The London Lounge
Dress With Style