Hotel David - Florence, Italy 

MO
Posted: Mon, Jul 13 2009
We were greeted by the kindest, most welcoming and helpful young woman who almost wouldn't stop telling us about all the "extras" that came with our room: free calls back to the states, free internet, free stocked mini-bar in the room, free parking, free happy hour every evening (including wine and snacks), free buffet breakfast every morning (with several delicious homemade items that changed every day). We would have loved Hotel David with zero extras, but it was those extra efforts that really made us feel exceptionally valued as guests. The hotel is located in a very charming neighborhood close to the city but away from the intensity of the city. In fact, we took one of the most postcard-perfect pictures from the hotel side of the river on our first morning out—the city reflected on the Arno—just a short walk from our door (that photo will definitely go into a frame). Hotel David is on a main bus line, for those days you don't feel like the beautiful walk along the river, and one of our favorite casual restaurants, Affe' di Bacco, is just a few blocks away (get ready for the best pizza of your life). Our particular room was not huge, but to be honest we weren't in it much, and when we were in it we were very comfortable (and the shower was GREAT). We will definitely go back to Hotel David on our next visit to Florence.

Catherine Meisels
Posted: Sun, Jun 28 2009
First the good points: The hotel is a nice old building, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, providing drinks for the guests in the evening is a nice gesture, the lounge area is very comfortable and lots of reading material is provided; it feel very 'family'.My first room was very spacious, the bed comfortable, the bathroom adequate. However: The hotel was described as being "in a quiet treelined street", which strictly speaking could be said to be true. However it is actually within yards of an extremely busy intersection where several streets converge. And the traffic noise is not only intrusive (I could hear it in my room situated at the back of the hotel)but it goes on until the early hours of the morning. The first room I was given had a penetrating smell as though someone had been smoking in it and they had tried to cover it up with some kind of spray. When I complained the management kindly offered another room but not until the following day as they were full thatnight. Breakfast: I would have preferred more variety of fruit on offer, more choice of bread, not just white rolls, fresh coffe rather than a thermos jug. I do not eat a cooked breakfast but the sight of a dish with greasy bacon and a pile of undercooked fried eggs being kept warm over a flame looked rather unappetising. The breakfast room itself is cramped and overcrowded. Generally: I think the hotel is a charming building and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. It could be improved by trying to deal with the traffic issues maybe by double glazing the windows. They need to address the problem of people smoking in non smoking rooms, and they need to have a re-think of the kind of breakfast they provide.

Alan Brown
Posted: Sat, May 23 2009
We dined at Baldovino and found it excellent in every way: wonderful food, attentive service, friendly atmosphere and reasonably priced.

PJ
Posted: Sun, Apr 26 2009
Hotel David was our favorite stay during our two week Italy trip. It was an outstanding value for the high quality of the hotel, competency and helpfulness of the staff, and the best breakfast of all our stays. Extras included wireless internet access, and late afternoon wine and snacks.

SV
Posted: Tue, Apr 07 2009
A pleasant and spacious hotel, with comfortable public areas and rooms. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The little extras such as a free minibar of soft drinks and snacks, wireless internet and free 10 minute phone call per day are good. The location is not totally ideal being a 20 minute walk along busy roads to the city centre, but there is a bus stop with frequent cheap services just outside.