When we arrived at Hotel La Gemma, it had been opened a grand total of 15 days. But no one could tell because Gianluca, the Hotel Manager, was in charge and everything was already in full swing and running smoothly. Gianluca himself showed us to our suite and made us feel welcomed. He was warm, engaging and very helpful throughout our 3-night stay. He even showed me how to make the stamps stick on my postcard by gently peeling off the back of them - they were adhesive like stickers. Before Gianluca came to the rescue, I was licking the back of the stamps like a fast-melting gelato but they still wouldn't stick. Gianluca also patiently walked me through the Tren Italia website to book our train tickets to Venice - all on my mobile phone. Eduardo at the Front Desk was earnest, lively and of great assistance. At breakfast, Luca the waiter was very good at explaining the extensive menu and choices available. He was solicitous and anticipated our needs. We missed him when he was not on duty. The hotel’s location is excellent, right in the heart of Florence and a stone’s throw from the Post Office. It is a very short walk to Piazza Republica, Ponte Vecchio and the beautiful landscape of the River Arno. The rooms are very well-appointed; huge comfy beds with fluffy pillows, a wide array of fragrant toiletries and, thick body-encompassing towels. The impression is one of old-world sophistication and luxury. We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning to Hotel La Gemma.