We stayed at the Hotel Rivoli for 2 nights, a Sun. & Mon, after staying at our favorite hotel of our 2 week holiday so we were a little let down upon arriving in our room as both hotels are 4 star BW but Rivoli did not compare to the one in Venice.

That said, we choice this hotel because of its close proximity to the RR station and our car rental office. The hotel was actually closer to downtown than we expected so was extremely convenient. We did not need to take a taxi anywhere. The car rental was close by with fast & easy access out of Florence. There is a great grocery store towards the train station & a lot of small restaurants in the area.

As the other reviewers noted, the lobby & public rooms of the hotel are charming, along with the courtyard which our room overlooked - all 4 star. Breakfast was one of the better ones we had in Italy and included scrambled eggs and bacon, etc. and the wait staff was very pleasant even when we asked for repeatedl coffee refills - another 4 star.

Our room was a decent size & clean but was 3 not 4 star quality.There was a dated feel to the furnishings, the desk was nicked/stained. There was no coffee/tea service; & when we asked for an iron, we were told they are not allowed, although there was a pant press. There were bathrobes, a safe & bar frig.

The bathroom was narrow & long with a tub squeezed into the back wall & corner, making it a bit claustrophobic. When we arrived, there was no smell in the room but by the evening a vinegar smell seemed to be coming out of the bathroom. I could not figure out where it was coming from. Perhaps the cleaning staff cleans the walls with vinegar but it did not become obvious until the evening. This played out both nights we were there. Of course, we were only in the room at night to notice it. We could hear doors slamming at night as people left or entered their rooms but did not hear people in their rooms.

We did not find the desk staff friendly. The bellhop was very congenial as was the breakfast staff. We did not eat in the restaurant as it was closed Mon. night. There was one computer with internet a 5 E an hour. Even our 3 star in Siena gave us an hour of free internet.

Overall, it was a good stay because of its convenience but not particulary a good value for what we paid. It's really a 3 1/2 star place for us.

Our two hotels in Venice and Rome (Ca Vendramin and Hotel Canada respectively) were cheaper and much nicer than this one in Florence - proving you don't have to settle for mediocrity in Italy. The Rivoli is okay but after the above it was a disappointing final 4-night stop. Service is indifferent. While our room was of a pretty good size, it was very dated (get rid of the carpet and change to tile for a start!). Hotel is pretty good location near the station and clean. Everything is so close in Florence. Breakfast was 'okay' but we were spoiled elsewhere too. The restaurant is cute with lovely terrace but they do nothing to promote it to hotel guests or outsiders which is really strange. We paid more than we should have for what we got. If you get a really good rate, it is okay. But you can probably do better. I think the mediocre service is indicative of Italy although we had better elsewhere. The hotel owner came into the restaurant one morning. You would think he would smile at guests but could not be bothered. I think it all starts at the top.

Hotel is great - friendly staff, excellent rooms, decent breakfast. Much to recommend it. But the nearby Church bells ring early so may wake up the light sleepers!

Wi-Fi with your laptop is 5 Euros / 24 hrs. I think it is quite expensive to use the hotel computer though - maybe 5 Euros for 1 hour or something.

But there is an internet cafe a few doors away and a laundromat also on the same street.

I found that by staying in this hotel, I was able to walk to all the main attractions. Didn't need to use public transport or the hop on-hop off bus.

Excellent location, friendly staff and rooms are of a good standard. Hotel has nice courtyards including a large jucuzzi. Recommended.