Before I arrived at Hotel Maxim, I knew that I'd like this hotel... as they had offered to drop their price down a bit for me (as they were just over my budget). And they obviously didn't have to do that. My trip was in May, a very busy time, and this was months beforehand, so its not like they were worried about a room going empty.
The hotel was in a PERFECT location. You walk outside and you can see the Duomo on your left. And if you can see it, you can definitely hear the bells ringing every morning! Which was actually very nice! It was a very nice reminder that you were in Florence! (plus it helped as an alarm). And besides the Duomo, you are in the center of the historic center.. everything is within walking distance (Accadamie, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the train station). Actually the street the hotel is on is pedestrian only. (except for cabs)
The hotel is right next door to the Disney store, so that helped as a beacon for me to remember which door I was looking for (as they all kinda look alike and the Hotel Maxim sign isn't that big) To enter the building, there is a buzzer you hit and it will automatically unlock the door. There's a very small elevator that was built in the center of the wide stairwell. From my memory, the hotel is on the 4th floor (which would actually be the 5th for us).. and there are other hotels in the building. Once exiting the elevator, you'll see the automatic glass door for the hotel a couple steps up on your left. Reception sits just past these doors to the left.
One thing I wasn't aware of before checking in, is that the hotel locks its front doors at 1am. The receptionist told me that they had a 4 digit code that unlocks the doors in case you do come in after 1am. But I mistakenly didn't ask for it when I left that evening, as I didn't think I'd be out that late. But of course I was... and I felt like I was Cinderella leaving the ball trying to rush back to my hotel before 1am. I arrived at 12:55am and the doors were locked. And me having a bit too much wine, started banging on the door saying "its not 1am yet". The night clerk opened the door.. and needless to say he wasn't too pleased. And needless to say, the next evening when he saw me he gave me the 4 digit code. Another situation I wasn't aware of, but you'd think I'd be use to now as its very common in Europe.. they want you to leave your key at reception when you leave. The receptionist didn't tell me this when I was checking in.. but be aware.
So the hotel has a very interesting layout.. its not just a straight hallway with doors on either side.. its this winding hallway that zig zags around the rooms. I felt a bit like I was going through a maze. In order to get to my room, I had to zig zag through the entire hallway, past nice windows & seating areas, then past the breakfast room, up a back stairwell made of marble & rod iron to the floor upstairs, and then take the hallway to the back.. down a narrow corridor with only one door at the end.. my door, my narrow door. I asked for a quiet room in the back/courtyard, and I got it. Except for listening to the Duomo bells and these crazy birds divebombing outside, I rarely heard any other noises. An occassional noise from the hallway, but that is it.
I had a single room, but I had a nice surprise of having a "double" bed. There was a nice big window into the courtyard/wide airshaft. Large armoire with a safe, full length mirror, blowdryer. (hmm, but no bidet) :-) My particular room only had a small shower, no bathtub. But thats absolutely fine for me. Water pressure was perfect.. no problems with that. Heck, they even provided shower caps!
The free breakfast was quite nice. A very polite woman "works" the room, making sure the tables are cleaned and have all their linens on them. And she's always stocking the buffet.. which includes the usual-- cereals, croissants, rolls, jams, yogurt (my favorite being the banana), then there's orange juice & coffeemakers.

I loved Florence more then I actually expected to and if I return, which I hope that I do.. I would like to stay at this hotel again.

Oh and as a restaurant tip-- try Caruso Jazz. Sadly I can't remember the street that its on, but its on a side street between Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Vecchio. It wasn't a "tourist trap" where they overcharge you and take advantage of you (which I did experience in another restaurant that was in front of Palazzo Vecchio-- I made the mistake of ordering a Coke Light and I was charged 7.50 Euros!!!) But anyway.. besides good food and reasonable prices, this restaurant has so much ambience.. vaulted ceilings, the part of the floor I was above was actually all glass over greenery, the place is lit up by candles, artwork of jazz musicians line the wall, and they have a wonderful jazz band (made up of cute boys!) :-) I truly loved this place.