My husband and I are leaving to Italy in 2 weeks. I've had my hotel reserved for a few months. In Florence, I'm staying at the Hotel Ritz. I just read a very discouraging message about this hotel on another message board (travelocity.com) and I'm panicking!! Has anyone stayed here recently that can give me advice on this hotel? <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help! <BR> <BR>Roxanne <BR>

Have not stayed recently ... I'm surprised, though, to hear about a discouraging message. We found it one of the best values in Florence for travelling in off season (4-star service at 2-star rates in 2nd half of July . Our room was quite big, nicely furnished and had a balcony overlooking the Arno. Atmosphere was family like and hotel clerks very nice and helping. Breakfast wasn't great but ... one can't have it all considering the rates we were paying! Of course, location is a bit off the very city center but nothing dramatic. <BR> <BR>Please post your impressions on your return ... <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Roxanne: What was it that was discouraging? <BR> <BR>This past May we spent two nights at the Ritz. We really enjoyed our stay! The staff was really helpful. Our room was quite large, maybe not the fanciest, but nice and comfortable. Bathroom smallish but fine. Breakfast was pleasant. We, too, had a balcony on the Arno and woke up to quite a surprise one morning.....there were dozens of buses parked up and down the road....marching bands from all over were arriving for a pageant! I thought having the view across, up and down the river gave us an interesting perspective and peek at things we would have missed. <BR> <BR>I had been told that it was "very noisy" in the center of Florence, so staying a few blocks further seemed like a nice idea. Well, there was traffic here as well, but also metal shutters that you could bring down over the sliding glass doors to the balcony if you could not deal with it. I personally liked the location which is close to Santa Croce and maybe five more minutes from the "center" than some other hotels. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. If there is anything more specfic you can think of, let me know. Good luck. I hope you have a great time, like we did. <BR> <BR>Maddy

The text posted in the Travelocity board is the following, Maddy <BR> <BR>VONMAXIM? 12:01 AM PDT, Sep 21, 2000 <BR>Stayed in this hotel in October 1999 and do not recommend it. The four star rating is undeserved. Instead of the advertised rooms with either a city or river view, our room (booked well in advance) opened to an alley/airshaft and was not well maintained. The door to the so-called balcony in the airshaft was hard to open (rug had been ripped many times before our visit but nothing was done), the walls had holes where mistakes were made installing vents & outlets, and the bathroom needed redecorating. Comfort and convenience were no better: No hangers in the armoire, thin mattresses, poor lighting, and a non-functioning room safe. The staff were no more impressive than the facilities. After more than four weeks in Italy, this is the ONLY hotel I advise against. Definitely not worth the money. <BR> <BR> <BR>Well ... it looks like a case of some bad luck and unfulfilled expectations (wrong room). I tend to agree that the hotel doesn't deserve a full 4-star rating but so the rates are also lower than just about all 4-stars in Florence, specially in low season (advertised at Lit 190,000, a double in low season is a gift). <BR> <BR>Roxanne, you may contact the hotel by email and relay your worries to them. Just make sure you get the room you're expecting. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Paulo and Maddy, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your input. I'm very relieved to hear you both had good experiences. I requested a balcony when I reserved the room but they told me they couldn't guarantee one. I'm going to try again to request a balcony overlooking the river next week before I leave. Thanks again!! <BR> <BR>I'll let you know my impression of the hotel when I return.