First off, we disliked this hotel so much, we checked out of it a day early and headed to the next city on our trip. Although this hotel is inexpensive, it is truly terrible. The rooms were awful, very depressing, and did not appear to be very clean. Everything was outdated, old, and musty. We were traveling on a budget, so we weren't looking for luxury, but this was the worst budget hotel on our month-long trip. We paid the extra few euro for the breakfast up front and wished we hadn't. It was awful coffee (I think there was salt in it...?? we are coffee people and we drank earl grey!) and some stale rolls. It was really really bad. And I swear we are not that picky...but its just not worth it. I'm sure you could get a better place for the same price in Florence, or could pay a few euro more for something tolerable.

It DID have a great roof terrace, with a side view of the Duomo. We drank a bottle of wine up there which was the best part of our hotel experience! There are a couple rooms (like ours) with windows onto the roof terrace, and it can get Very loud. The owner WAS accommodating, however, when we said we wanted to leave a night early.

One more thought. We thought it would be fabulous to stay so close to the Duomo. But the area was dead at night. There was one bar nearby with a lively scene, but that was it. Granted, it was August, so the city as a whole was pretty dead, but we were disappointed with the nightlife options around us! Later at home we mentioned this to friends who had studied abroad there, and they were incredulous at the fact that we had stayed near the Duomo. Apparently that is the touristy, and not the "Happening," place to be. So I would suggest looking for a place in one of the other neighborhoods if you want to go out at night and stay near the action!

For a budget hotel, just pick a different one. Sorry Hotel Balcony, no recommendation here.

We just came back from our trip to Florence - end of Oct. beginning of Nov. 2010.
We booked this hotel on internet and were pleasantly surprised - a very good hotel for the budget!!
Right in the center, close to everything, all you can eat breakfast is including - and a very good one, excellent cappuccino 24 hours a day! , wine store next door :) , service is great... we love everything!

And, oh my God, you are gonna LOVE Italy!

This was a clean, simple, and well located hotel. Be ready to pay more when booking online.

I stayed here for a few nights after a 1 month stay in Florence. It was me with 2 other friends. Lobby is open 24/7. They keep the key for you so you do not lose it when you get drunk in Florence! Haha. Good hotel. Had great all you can eat breakfast. Has a nice balcony if you want to spend some time. About 50 yards from the Duomo. No noise during the night though. Very nice place! Definitely going back!! Let them know when you will be arriving so they are ready for you at the lobby. Internet available in the lobby. Need to pay per hour for access. Free WiFi at McDonalds all over Europe!!!