We stayed there in 1995. The best part of the hotel is that it is located in a very ideal spot -- very centrally located. While the room was very clean, it was also very small, and lacking in any charm. I also remember a rooftop garden/breakfast room, which had a nice view. We ended up leaving Florence two days earlier than planned, and headed back to the countryside -- not so much bc of the hotel (although that didn't help), but bc we found Florence rather depressing (dirty, lots of pigeons, long waits everywhere, duomo interior very sparse with much of the architectural pieces spirited away to museums) after the splendor of Roma (lots of flowers, gorgeous churches, clean sidewalks, etc.)

Geez, where was Carrie actually? I don't remember lots of pigeons (Venice?) or dirt (Milan's air?) or long waits (Vatican?). I wouldn't call the Duomo's interior "sparse" -- but it's not St. Peter's or St. Mark's. I'm not knocking her decision to go into the countryside, but her description of Florence is really off the mark. ("Depressing"? No way!)

We stayed at the Hermitage in October 1999. We loved our room with its views of the Ponte Vecchio, Arno River and the Vasari Corridor. I suppose "charm" is a subjective term, but our room was very nicely decorated, clean and air-conditioned (even in October). The bathroom was very small; however, they managed to fit in a fabulous 2-person jacuzzi tub/shower combination that was heaven after long days of walking.

The view from the roof is terrific. The sitting room is cozy, the breakfast room is cheery and other guests were very friendly. We ordered eggs and bacon in addition to the continental breakfast each morning and portions were good-sized and nicely cooked. All this and an entire pot of excellent coffee and a pitcher of steamed milk for the two of us! The staff was efficient and helpful but perhaps not as friendly as some require.