"We stayed two night in what is probably one of the best room in the hotel: 302 , a corner room overlooking the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio. Staff at check in was very helpful and professional. The room is beautiful, spacious and the bed is wonderful. The breakfast buffet across the courtyard was more than ample (although one pays extra if ordering off the menu, eggs for example). The front desk staff (Luca) was particularly helpful in arranging shipment to our hotel in Rome of clothes we left in a drawer. But we had a major problem with noise from the street below. On the Friday night there was loud amplified music from the "First Glass" open air wine bar directly below our room which continued until 10 pm. On Saturday night this music was louder and continued until 12 pm. Even worse was the noise from the crowds loitering outside the liquor store/bar across the street at the corner side of our room. This went on until closing time at 3 am. It was impossible to sleep until after that time. On checkout the staff seemed unaware of this problem. Both nights were cold and rainy and we can't imagine what the noise would be like in better weather. We realize this may be out of the hotel's control but visitors should be aware and might not want a room facing the street. We also understand that the Continentale is planning a major refurbishment and we suggest the hotel do something to abate the noise problem (such as take over the wine bar and liquor store!). If we return to Florence we will stay at the sister hotel Lugarno which faces the Arno on the other side without a street in front."

"We had a wonderful stay and what truly made it exceptional was the staff. Alison at the reception was warm, helpful, and made us feel so welcome from the very start. The doormen were equally amazing—always attentive, friendly, and greeting us every time we walked through the door. We also spent New Year’s on the rooftop, where the service was fantastic—the bartenders were attentive, welcoming, and made the night even more special. On top of that, the location is absolutely amazing—perfect for exploring Florence. When we return, we will definitely be booking this hotel again."