I know that most people have lambasted this hotel. I agree with what others have said about dated architecture, an impersonal '80s retro feel, deserted lobby, no internet connection, antique TV and telephone, non functional pool etc etc. But then there are may positives as well. I would try not to be biased and jot down a neutral review!
Locality
Since the hotel is located virtually in the Chianti Hills outside the city, one gets a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside from the rooms. One disadvantage of that is there are no pubs or restaurants nearby. But then there are lovely walks just outside the hotel through peaceful village roads. See the pics I have uploaded.
Access
The hotel is located outside Florence. Its a EUR 25/ 20 km/ 25 min taxi ride from Florence's Santa Maria Novella Railway Station (Firenze SMN) to the hotel. From the Duomo (approximately the city centre) to the hotel is EUR 20/ 17 km/ 20 min.
There are free hotel shuttles to and from the city centre and railway station. Three in the morning and three in the evening. Timings are quite convenient. We used those. Check the hotel website for timings.
Guests
It seemed that this hotel caters mainly to tour groups and conferences. Saw many tour groups arriving and leaving by bus. Also saw conferences being organised with many participants staying at the hotel as well. I would imagine that for such guests the relatively remote location would not be a disadvantage. During our 3 days' stay at the hotel we did not see too many individual holiday travelers like us.
Rooms
Large, spacious, clean, well furnished rooms and everything worked. Sure the TV and telephones were antiquated. But at the price one gets this hotel for, the large rooms with a view well compensated the lack of a modern TV! See pictures of the room I have uploaded.
Food and Room Service
One major disadvantage is that there aren't any bars or restaurants around the hotel. One has to depend on either the hotel's La Primevera restaurant or the Rendezvous Bar. Rates are on the higher side.
Room Service has limited choice but quick service and prices slightly on the higher side. Main courses are around EUR 10/15. The large breakfast buffet has good selection and priced at EUR 20. That's expensive.
Internet
On major disadvantage there are no internet services. There are just a couple of Desktops in the lobby from which one can take turns to access the net. This was a rather nasty surprise!
Conclusion
Rates vary depending on season. That's normal for any hotel. If you get this hotel for EUR 100 per night on a double occupancy basis then this could be a very good deal. Anything more than that and one should look for better options within the city. There are plenty of those. We were happy with our choice and enjoyed our three days here.
I am rating this hotel Average because of the large rooms, good views and peaceful location. Service, facilities etc were below expectations.