After reading the reviews I braced myself for the worst and hoped for the best. We paid 75 euros per night and based on that amount we were happy with the hotel. The room was very quiet over looking the lovely gardens and the bed very comfortable. There are definitely some maintenance issues with this hotel and it needs a lot of money spent on it to bring it up to what it truly could be, a gem in Florence. You could hear everything in the hallway loud and clear. Close your windows before sunset or you will get mosquitoes.
The breakfast was an indulgence for us, sweet/plain croissants especially loved the custard one, toasty bread (don't know what they call them) with nutella were our main weaknesses, we would never eat anything like this for breakfast. It was however lacking in fresh fruit, I found it to be a typical Italian breakfast.
We knew about the pool cost and internet so there were no surprises. The staff weren't anything great but the lady serving breakfast was lovely if you were with her (I don't envy her job).
Don' expect much.

Dirty rooms with amortised furniture, you pay for enternet - 15 euro, for pool - 8 euro, for parking - 56 euro for 2 days! For breakfast with no any choise. No air condition. The toilet was broken and water was dropping all night long. There were mosquitos everywhere. Most miserable and poor hotel i ever been. Don't go there! It is a shame for Florence and Italy!!

WE've been there in june 2010. It is a palace, very pleasent, don't stay near the elevator!
The garde was just beautiful, and we love the antique rooms and corridors. The room was large and comfortable and the best, just a walk from everything. We just loved it.

Based on tripadvisor reviews, we feared for the worst at Hotel Royal. To our delight, virtually every complaint proved unfounded. The manager, Francesco, handled all our questions with good-natured skill and provided excellent advice on restaurants. The rooms are spacious and clean, although they are sparsely but adequately furnished. The garden in back was a welcome gathering spot each evening as members of our group (16 in all) returned to share our adventures of the day. Breakfast was typical--bread and pastry, cheese and meat, juice and espresso; none of us had the slightest problem. The location is OK, if not great, about 15 minutes from the Duomo by foot.

Without question, I would book Hotel Royal again whether traveling alone or in a group. Do not let the negative comments deter you from staying here.