Florence is an expensive city but Hotel Il Granduca is a good compromise on cost, facilities and distance from the 'historic centre'. This is not the Hilton but an authentic Italian hotel situated a moderate, but interesting, walk from the Doumo.The gentleman running the place could not be more charming and helpful, the modest breakfast is quite sufficient and the steaming hot water in the compact shower never ran out.
Overall good value in an expensive city.

I am studying at Syracuse University, and my parents both stayed (2 different times) at Hotel Il Granduco. The man who runs the hotel makes a great cappucino and a lovely breakfast, he is sweet and super helpful when it comes to finding things to do in Florence. My mom needed a firmer mattress for her back, and the staff exchanged it immediately. My parents rooms were on the smaller side, but were plenty of room considering that we were here to see the city. The rooms were also immaculate and comfortably furnished. The breakfast was a delicious continental - try the yogurt, its super good and only made from Italian milk. The location of the hotel is literally 3 blocks away from the Syracuse University campus in Florence, but it won't show up as the closest unless you know its there. It is the perfect place to be if you are looking to hang out with students who go there.

Overall, this hotel is adorable and comfortable - it offers everything important and the price and location can't be beat. The staff is polite and attentive and super helpful.

Stayed here for 4 days from 10th October this year with my husband and 16 year old son and was absolutely delighted with this hotel. It's quite small and quiet but this suited us very well. After long, tiring days exploring Florence it was lovely to come back to. The rooms (we had a double and a single) were very clean and comfortable and uniquely decorated. There is also a lovely, old fashioned lift that we used constantly. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and spoke fluent English which was a great help as we spoke barely any Italian. Breakfast was plentiful and typically continental with a nice selection of cereals, breads, cheese & meat etc. It's situated a little way outside the centre of Florence but the Duomo was within a walkable distance and there is a very good bus service which we used daily. Would definitely return to this hotel.

My husband, teenage daughter and I stayed here for four days in the end of July, before our trek to Monti di Villa - Bagni di Lucca, to visit my family's village. Sergio and Rudina are very courteous and helpful; they always gave us directions, or information about local retaurants and sight-seeing, bus or taxi services. Rudina is bilingual English/Italian. The breakfast gatherings are friendly and low-key, and Sergio provides a variety of drinks, cereals and sweets for guests. We met interesting Americans and Europeans at Il Gran Duca, in a local environment - I would definitely stay here again. Lana Pieri