Somehow this place gets good reviews, but unless all the reviewers are blind or ex-cons, I don't know how. Nothing, I mean nothing, has been updated or upgraded in at least 50 years. Our room look like Motel 6 in 1965. The breakfast was passable. The location is pretty inconvenient assuming you are in the area to visit Florence. And the walk to the bus is harrowing late at night with no sidewalk and curving streets. And the price at 178 Euros is not cheap...we ended up moving to a gorgeous hotel in the heart of old Florence for 15 Euros more. It does have a nice view of Florence from 5 miles out, but I would rather see the views in Florence.

We spent 2 nights at Pensione Bencista in August 2011. We loved it. You feel like you are a guest in the family's home and are treated as such with wonderful hospitality and kindness. This is not a luxurious hotel, no televisions in rooms etc, but our room and bathroom were spotlessly clean. The view over Florence was absolutely breathtaking. Breakfast on the terrace is delightful and dinner delicious. All the staff and family members were friendly and helpful. The only downside is that there was a heatwave and there is no AC in the rooms, although there is a fan. I think it was unusual to have such high temperatures, especially up in the hills. This would not put me off visiting Pensione Bencista again in the future and we look forward to doing so, but may be not in August! I would recommend this Pensione without hesitation. I gave everything 5 stars except the sleep quality only because it was so very hot and therefore uncomfortable to sleep (the bed was comfy though)

Pensione Bencista is unique and you probably end up paying for that uniqueness!! 3/4 star prices at what is only a Pensione. Beautiful location and very calm and peaceful, having a drink at sunset on a terrace overlooking Florence was memorable. BUT - for the prices charged for the rooms they should have a few simple necessities - complementary bottles of water, a few cosy touches around the bedroom would all add to the ambience. In this day and age we all need to access messages by our phones and WiFi was useless at the Pensione. The dining room (yes very refectory like) could do with the evening meal being served in softer light. Again, all adding to the ambience. I would definitely return and would hope this points have made an impression, they are well meant.

We have visited the Pensione Bencista since 1996 and every visit has been a pure delight. It maintains a truly wonderful family atmosphere.

Our last visit was in August 2011 and we found the evening meals better than ever.

We plan to visit again very soon.