Horrible staff, good hotel

Worst front desk staff (two different men) EVER encountered. Had to complain THREE times that our air conditioner wasn't working -- in horrible heat wave (June, 2003). Slept first night with window open to get some air (hot air). They finally acknowledged next day that it wasn't working. Maid said someone was coming to move us to another floor -- waited over an hour & ended up moving ourselves (3 of us, one elderly) without help. When I went down to ask the man at front desk why someone didn't come, the man shrugged his shoulders & turned his back on me. I asked him incredulously if he actually worked for the hotel & he said yes. Asked again why no one helped us, he finally turned around and said no one was available to move people after 2:30pm, but he didn't bother to let us know. New room had television that didn't work. Told new man at front desk - he shrugged & turned away also & didn't do anything about it (I was never rude to either man). Told manager the next day - first time I ever complained in 29 years of travelling to Europe. He said "Sorry," then looked past me to wait on people behind me. He didn't care (but did have the TV changed).

Horrible experience. Both were nice, big, charming rooms, though, with antique furniture, high ceilings, wide hallways (but small bathrooms).

Typical continental breakfast. Great location. Would have been a good experience if not for rude, uncaring staff and manager.

It is old

After reading the reviews, we were wondering to expect. We had stayed at the Pendini on our last trip and weren't satisfied there. This place wasn't much different. The place is old as expected but just about all the hotels in this city are so it is something you have to accept. I will say it is in a good location. The breakfast has much left to be desired so I would waive that if you can save a few bucks on your rate.

The staff was accommodating. The rooms were good sized and adequate, the bathrooms small for American standards. We stayed in November so there were no issues with it being too hot.

3rd time is the charm

The last three times I've been to Florence I have stayed here.

Christian, the manager, told me we always have a place for you. Angelo, the round one, at the desk, let me back in my room when I locked my self out naked in the middle of the night this past Christmas. The bell boy told me upon my return this past Christmas, welcome back to Florence, where it's safe and peaceful. The last three times I've stayed there I've stayed there three weeks each time. I spent the millenium there. I rate it excellent because of its location.

Everything is equidistant from where you are. It is like stepping out in the middle of Rodeo Drive evertime you walk out the door. Via Tournaboni is twenty steps away.The Santa Trinita bridge is right there, the Ponte Vecchio is around the corner. I don't go there to stay in my room. I go there to become part of Florence. If you want something plush walk across the piazza to Helvetia Bristol. The Porta Rossa is the second oldest hotel in all of Italy. When I return to Italy I will stay there again because it is part of me. Remember, I am a guest in their country. I look to find how I can fit in there. Not the opposite. I guess that's why Italians come up to me asking for directions. Better yet I can pick out a few words and show them where they want to go. I guess you could say I love Italy. This place is quirky old with character.

Flea Bag

Our double room was dingy, dusty, and loaded with problems. We were bitten by fleas the first night, and mosquitoes joined the fray the two remaining nights!! We could hardly fit into the shower and we are both average sized adults. The toilet made a loud obnoxious sound when flushed, and water leaked into the living area. The staff was not responsive to our complaints, and remained distant and aloof the entire visit. Management finally moved us to another room with a better bath.

I would not return, or recommend.

Dump

We stayed here in May 2003. We had requested a double room and a single room The rooms were old,dingy dirty....to the point there were rat droppings. Also, rooms were very small. The worst was the bathroom, extremely small, especially the shower, could hardly fit in. The staff was not very friendly, and the included bkfst was terrible. The only good thing about this hotel was the location. However, for the price, there are better alternatives

What a treasure!

We stayed in a beautiful 4 bed room in 1999. Hardwood floors, high ceilings w/ chandelier, large windows w/ white chiffon curtains, view of one of the small piazzas and neighboring window boxes w/ overflowing geraniums. Comfortable beds w/ elegant linens and wonderful bathe towels. Huge bathroom w/ vaulted ceilings and almost a surplus of space. Separate dressing area attached to bathroom. Such a wonderful room!!! Very affordable as well! Hotel in general oozes charm and is only minutes from the Piazza della Republica! It completes any trip to Firenze!

Charming Hotel

The Hotel was Charming. We had a nice room on the 2nd floor...nothing fancy but nice and clean and very quiet...the Staff was delightful and the dining room and reception areas were filled with old world charm. Very centrally located. It's not fancy but for the price you can't complain....and there was a nice little brakfast that we enjoyed every morning...I would love to go back.

Very Welcoming

Very welcoming for the footsore tourist. Central to the city, so no long walks at the end of the day just to get home. Plain rooms, competent no-nonsense staff. Modern plumbing...and a lobby to die for! My room had a bar fridge and a safe...the fridge is useful when you stock up at the market. The big central staircase might have been a source of noise, but surprisingly, the walls are so thick and heavy that I slept very well. Different rooms have different views and are different sizes...price is set by a central authority and are pretty much the same price. I was there in February, and I had my pick of rooms. And no line-ups at the museums either.

Always ask for a big room

I spent a week in this hotel few years ago. It is one of the oldest hotel of Italy. When we arrived, they gave us a room on the third floor. It was small and desappointing. We protest so they gave us another room. What a difference!It was a big one with high ceiling and wood on the floor. We thought that the price would be different but it was not the case. Otherwise this hotel is very central. The dinning room and the reception have a lot of atmosphere.

Character but tired

Old hotel full of character. Room was very basic and breakfasts also meagre.

Good atmosphere and central to main attractions