River Florence

I found Hotel River excellent. Our room was the triple and it was quite luxurious, comfortable and quiet. Great view of the river and great location. I would highly recommend it.

A few weeks ago my mother and I came back from Florence. I had studied a lot of internet sites to help me decide which hotel to book. Hotel River is situated in a pleasant location with not surprisingly the River at the front although you have to pay extra for a river view. Leisurely 10 min walk to nearest point of interest - Santa Croce church, centre of city another 5/10 minutes.

There is a small roof terrace with a couple of plastic tables on it if you wish to admire the view.

The internet site says rooms are sound proofed which is one of the reasons I booked. After checking in at 1pm we went straight out for a couple of hours. Because we had been up since 3.30am that morning, when we returned we wanted a snooze. Mum and I lay there in silence for over an hour trying to sleep, but soon realised we must be reception area above us as we could hear all sorts of noises, mainly women's heel clicking on the marble floor.

Realising this could well keep us awake at night and in the morning, and because we had 3 nights there (at £100 a night it was no bargain) I went upstairs to asked to be moved further back. The receptionist showed me 2 different rooms, one of which had a double bed (so not suitable). I settled on the room with was actually only next door to the one we had been put in. I told him yes we would move here and he said "When tomorrow?". It was only 5.30pm at this point. I said that no we would like to move now. And the receptionist told me in that case we would have to pay double. I told him how ridiculous that was and he said "But you have used the room". I asked to speak to the manager. We went back upstairs and he had a few words with the manager before coming back to me and still insisting we have to pay double. I couldn't believe how ridiculous all of this was. The hotel obviously wasn't full so what was the problem? He asked to look at our current room so I agreed. When he walked in he could see the beds had not been slept in and so agreed to let us move for no extra charge.

From then onwards we did not see this receptionist until we checked out. There were 2 other male receptionists who were both very pleasant. It's a shame they were so awkward about us moving rooms as it certainly put us off staying there again or recommending it.

Both of the rooms were nicely furnished, though a little dark as we overlooked a pretty courtyard. Breakfast was continental style but very nice. I must admit, after a long day's sightseeing, the distance back to the hotel was a little bit tiring.

I very much doubt the rooms are soundproofed, as even in our new room I could hear the room next door flush his toilet (sounded like he was using our bathroom) and one night I woke up and could even hear him snoring!

I had contemplated spending a bit extra and going for the 4* Berchielli. After I happened to walk past it, saw its location and peered through the doors to the lobby - I wish I had.

This trip was for pleasure, but as a living I travel the world writing reports on hotels for a travel publication. I have never encountered the room changing problem that I had here.

So if you go, decline room 100!

good location, excellent staff, always helpful, good English and could answer all the questions we threw at them, e.g easiest and quickest way to get to Sienna came complete with timetable information. But, rooms on the small side, and I did miss my early morning cup of tea - no room service at that time and no hospitality tray - but that's the English for you. More positively, room service later in the day was fast and the tea was excellent! The roof terrace was a delight,particularly watching the egrets at sunset, and the restaurant reccomendations could not be faulted.

My husband and I stayed at the River Hotel in June. Our room was compact (no dresser) but nicely decorated and clean. After a hot day of touring Florence, we looked forward to spending the evening on our private terrace overlooking the Arno River. A buffet breakfast was provided in a lovely outdoor courtyard in nice weather. We found the staff to be very pleasant and accommodating. The location was about a ten minute walk to the Uffizzi Gallery in a nice quiet area. We will definitely go back to Florence just to stay at this hotel.

The Hotel River is a gem on the banks of the Arno. Each room enjoys a view of either the inside courtyard or the Arno River at the base of Piazzale Michelangelo under the watchful gaze of the bronze David. Recently renovated with smartroom integrity, the rooms are sound-proof to keep the Vespas from waking you. The baths are nicely appointed with corner showers and curved glass doors. Request a room with a private terrace or one of the four rooms overlooking the Arno. If your room is without a terrace, don't worry. All are welcomed on the rooftop balcony overlooking the river. Sit and enjoy your cappucino in the morning with the sound of two tiny lion fountains to set the mood in stereo. The lobby has a bar, a double parlor and an internet booth with free access to check your Email and train schedules. All rooms have a sofa day bed for extra guests. The linens are soft and the tapestry spreads and drapes are handsome. The breakfast is good with a different tasty pastry each morning. The hotel's owner helps with serving coffee in the morning. The desk is well-managed with each concierge speaking English, anxious to book your train or tour and full of good restaurant recommendations. Check out their website. My best bet...get up before sunrise and hike to the David...a 15 minute walk or a 10 minute jog...take your camera and get ready for the sun to peek over the Tuscan hills to the east. The entire city lights up with incredible views in every direction, then head back to the Hotel River for your cappucino on the roof top terrace. The start of a perfect Florentine day!