Well, we survived, and it wasn't awful. Didn't have anything stolen from the room, but can't say we left much to be stolen. Didn't bring my laptop because I was worried about it, and was glad I didn't, as the in-room safe was only big enough for pocket-sized items. The hotel has a fantastic location, a literal stone's throw from the Duomo and the center of Old Florence. The room was decently sized for Europe, and the bathroom was large as well. Probably the biggest negative for us was that the beds were rock hard, seriously the hardest I've ever slept on in a hotel, actually woke up sore from the bed one morning. The TV was tiny, like a 15" at most, though we never used it. The mirrors in the bathroom are in serious need of re-silvering, they have giant spots all over them that make the bathroom feel sort of icky, though everything was actually clean, it just makes you feel like no one cares somewhat. The lobby was nice, staff was pleasant, and the breakfast was decent, typical Italian cold cuts, cereal, pastries/muffins, and fruit. No free wifi, unfortunately. The other common complaint on TripAdvisor was of the smell of sewage in the hotel. They seem to have masked that issue somewhat by installing big room fresheners in the areas affected, especially the elevators. You'd catch a faint whiff of sewer, but the heavy perfume of the canisters in the elevators covered it up so you weren't gagging or anything. Our room, 301, had no odor issues. In short, for what we paid, I can't complain too much, the location was truly great for a short stay, but if you want a comfortable bed, stay somewhere else. If I was going back to Florence, I would only stay there again if they have some new bedding, but I don't feel that I was ripped off by Hotwire or anything.
