We stayed at Hotel Casci, a one of Colin's gems from tripadvisor.  Hotel Casci is a small family-run hotel situated in the heart of Florence.  It is just a short walk to the Duomo. the Uffizi Gallery, the Academia and the Ponte Vecchio and only a ten minute walk to the main station.  Supermarkets, shops and restaurants are all nearby.  

Our room was quite large, clean and quiet, with a good bathroom, hairdryer, the best airconditioning we'd had in Italy and even a small frig.  Buffet breakfast had plenty of choices and was delicious.  The staff were friendly and helpful, giving us maps and information about the tourist attractions.   Excellent value for money.

Hotel Casci was once a little palace built in the 15th century.  Its most famous resident was Gioacchino Rossini, the composer, who lived here from 1851-1855.

We would definitely stay here again.          www.hotelcasci.com