We stayed in 9 hotels which were all 3 stars across Europe. This review is based on the fact it is a 3 star hotel.

Pros: Quite literally around the corner from the main station SMN. This makes it fantastic for getting there and using the Hop on Hop off bus which departs from SMN. Spacious room that was clean. Air conditioner worked ok, didn't appear strong but room never really got too warm. Mini Fridge available to put in some drinks and snacks. Staff helpful and friendly, helped us to our room with our baggage. Buffet breakfast was as good as other 3 star hotels have offered on our holiday. Location is good, many restaurants and supermarkets within a 5 minute walk.

Cons: Shower terribly small. I am slightly larger than average build and my partner is petite. I couldn't fit in there and shower, my partner barely could move and only just was able to shower in there. Hotel entrance is a little strange and could be somewhat difficult to find as it is different. The Hotel Alinari is on the 4th floor of this building, there are other hotels on the 1st and 2nd floors. Elevator to the 4th floor is small, barely fits 2 people and suitcases squeezed in.

If we were to return to Florence i would perhaps look around at other hotels available. The hotel was good enough and the location and was great to access, however i would see if there is another hotel in the same area which had a bigger shower.

Cons:

We originally selected this hotel due to its proximity to the train station and its rating. Neither ended up being a good reason to stay here (Sept 2011). While it is close to the train station it's difficult to find because it has very poor outdoor signage (just a plaque) and shares its building with 3 other hotels (and two on the other side of the alley entrance). Spent quite a bit of time walking around trying to find it (even though I had a Google Maps image to work with).

It was very warm in Florence and the in-room air-conditioning was not up to the task. As with several Italian hotels we stayed in it seems that "air-conditioning" must be "anything which moves air even the slightest, not necessarily cooling a room." Our room's floor, mercifully not carpeted, wasn't very clean as walking barefoot produced some very dirty feet. Mattress was very hard.

The biggest knock we had is the management of breakfast. Very little food is put out and it's not replenished for those arriving later in the AM for breakfast. Staff didn't change linens or re-set used tables for new guests when the need was there. I had to find the hotel employee responsible for this and implore her a couple of times to set a table for us.

Our toilet's flushing mechanism was almost falling off the wall and the shower area was oh so Euro... Also, the reception staff weren't particularly fluent in English (I think this hotel must cater primarily to continental travelers).

Will definitely not stay there again. There are some better properties around the corner which are probably worth the amount we spent here.

We had a very pleasant stay in Florence at this hotel during our visit to Italy covering Rome, Florence and Venice. We chose this hotel to stay in Florence after doing quite a bit of research on tripadvisor and other sites. We stayed two nights and were very happy with our choice which was based on proximity to the rail station, the room tariff, facilities offered and of course tripadvisor reviews. First, it was so easy to access the hotel from the station (3 minutes walk) and it was clearly visible from the road with very good surroundings with a lot of eating joints as well as a supermarket store close by. We arrived well before the usual check in time but were received very warmly at the reception by Christiano. After depositing our bags at the reception, we went off to see the Uffizi and the Accademia. We also signed up for the Tuscanny day tour. When we returned to the hotel late in the evening our room was ready. It was a very neat double room with lots of space. The AC was effective in coping with the very warm weather. The bathroom was also spacious and very neat with all facilities working well. We enoyed our two breakfasts which were reasonably good. Our check out was a pleasant experience with lots of smiles exchanged with Mr. Albego Alinari who also personally helped out with our bags. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and carry home very happy memories of our Florence visit.

Yes the website is very deceiving. The room while relatively clean was okay. However the bathroom was a shocker. No plug / stopper in the sink so no small items could be stored or left on the sink as they would disappear forever. Showering was in second cycles as the shower cubicle filled with water which would overflow into the bathroom. And yes paper thin cloth towels that did smell strongly of vinegar. Breakfast was a joke and the staff hid in the kitchen rather than serve coffee or tea. Guests had to find the staff member for coffee or tea which if you were lucky was eventually delivered reluctantly. Most mornings we had to clear a table as all tables were dirty and the staff member was clearly busy chatting to another staff member about personal issues. (Staff should be aware some travellers from English speaking countries do speak Italian). The small courtyard adjacent the breakfast room certainly has a wonderful view however it is filthy and was not cleaned once in the 4 days we stayed there. The faded plastic plants in the garden are also rather sad combined with the pigeon poo and overflowing ashtrays. When we arrived back in our room after our first day exploring Florence our door was unlocked, clearly the cleaner had forgotten. Luckily we took our valuables with us as this hotel did not have room safes. And finally when we checked out we were well and truly overcharged for tax. Beware travellers as you will be taxed at a 5 star hotel rate and the price doubled. All in all a great topic for discussion of the worst hotel we have stayed in.