We stayed here for a 4 day / 3 night break and yes, we agree with other reviews that the hotel is a short stay base for tour groups, coach arrivals and departures constantly ( during our stay, mainly very loud American parties ). Saying that, overall the hotel is very efficient in dealing with this constant guest turnover, and we were more than pleased with the selection and presentation of the breakfast, which set us up for the day exploring the sights of Florence. Yes, the hotel is a walk into the central part of Florence, but to be honest, with the noise and bustle of the town centre, a quieter location may be preferable to some ( although the front of the hotel does face a busy road ).
We ate in the hotel restaurant twice, menu was quite limited but we enjoyed the food, and the staff were pleasant and professional. We had a airy room at the front of the hotel, which was very clean and modern with air conditioning, we didnt have a problem with the bathroom as other reviewers have, quite adequate with a bath and shower, although take your own hairdryer as ours blew cold air! We agreed with the view that noise insulation could be better, but then the noise disturbance we encountered was more to do with ignorant, rude guests who couldnt give two hoots for their fellow guests!
Overall, good value hotel for the price.

I stayed at the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo for two nights in September as part of the Globus Taste of Italy tour (one of many groups traveling as part of a tour that stayed at that hotel).

While I was traveling alone and expected a single room, I think the hotel upgraded me because my room was lovely - it overlooked the Arno (well, through the trees), had a king-sized bed and a full bath/shower along with a balcony.

The guest services were very helpful with arranging taxis to restaurants (the hotel is a little far from most of the sites) but I was able to take a nice sunrise walk along the Arno River to the Ponte Vecchio and captured some amazing sunrise pictures.

The breakfast, however, was not great. The food was almost inedible (disgusting eggs that were so overcooked) that I just had cereal one day and crackers the next. Plus, with the tour groups shoved into one section of the room (upstairs), getting your food before you had to leave with the group was simply a nightmare.

Overall, the stay was perfectly fine but nothing special so I would give it 2 stars - it would go to three if they can improve the breakfast.

We spent 4 nights here. While the hotel does cater for large tour groups it has time for the individual guests too. We booked a superior double with hotels.com for €151 per night including buffet breakfast. The room was spotlessly clean, plenty of towels, toiletries etc. and had a very comfortable bed. The reception staff were pleasant and helpful. We used the hotel car park for €10 per night but there is also free on-street parking. Its a lovely 15 minute walk along the Arno to Piazza Santa Croce (try Enoteca Boccadama for dinner one evening if you have time). There is a lovely pizzeria called Gattabuia (13/15r Lugarno Cellini) which is a lovely local restaurant with great food. Bring your phrase book - they don't have an English menu! Thanks to all at Grand Hotel Mediterraneo for a wonderful stay.

We just came back from Italy and stayed at this hotel for three nights while in Florence. It is a large, modern hotel that really does have a ton of group tours staying there. The location is quite far from central Florence, unfortunately. It took about 20 minutes of walking briskly to get to Santa Croce and another 15 or so to get to the Duomo. Add more time if you are just walking at a normal pace. The buses in Florence are very confusing but we were able to find a stop a few minutes walk from the hotel that takes you to the Duomo. (Note: the stops and bus numbers are different when going into the city and when coming back.) Walking places from the hotel was ok at first but after a busy day sightseeing and shopping, that long walk back was annoying and tiring.

Our room and bathroom was VERY small but fairly clean. Beds were exceptionally comfortable. The maid did not restock any of the toiletries we used for the entire three days but I am sure she would have if we had bothered to ask. The front desk reception was usually busy but helpful and friendly for the most part. Breakfast was excellent, with scrambled eggs, bacon, cold cuts, breads, cereals, fruit and yogurt.

The hotel is located on a very busy street and our room faced that street. While we had a lovely view, even with the windows closed we heard cars and ambulance and police sirens constantly all night. Ask for a room facing the back of the hotel.

If I were to go back to Florence, I would probably not stay here again, choosing a hotel more centrally located instead.