Where to Stay in Florence with Starwood Points?

My friends L & P are looking to take a trip to Florence, Italy in late May.  They both studied abroad there and are looking to go back and probably visit a couple other places in Italy/Europe.  I personally have never been to Italy (on my list) but offered to help P out as he looks for hotels (flights already booked under the old United award chart).  They have roughly 30,000 Starwood points acquired from the SPG Amex to work with so here are a few options.

Westin Excelsior Florence

There are two Starwood properties in Florence and they are both supposed to be fantastic.  But they are expensive.  Check out revenue rates for the week L & P are traveling:

These rates do not include tax (10%) so range from $850 - $1,280 per night!  The good news is that there is points availability.

With 30,000 or so points, they could book one night at the Westin Excelsior or work towards 35,000 points and stay one night at the St. Regis Florence.  Definitely a splurge but also great "value" given the cash price for the rooms. Unfortunately, Starwood only has two properties in Florence and they are both really high end.  Good luck to L & P on their adventure this summer.