I think Rick Steves' guide is very good for someone going to a place for the first time. Jun, you travelled to Florence more than Rick did, and probably stayed longer too, so of course you know more about Florence by now. For first timers, his guide is honest and reliable, and is surely better than the tour bus. And what's wrong with his guide being personal? He likes Siena better than Florence, he never claims to be objective.
The first time I went to Normandy and Loire, I really relied on his France guidebook. The hotels he recommended were good. Some were just clean and efficient, some others were furnished with antiques and draperies. You can't expect everything he recommends to be a hidden gem, or a best value. It's just a guide, with a few places he likes. He never says do it my way or you will have a lousy time. Very often we went off on our own, with hits and misses. Well, that's travelling.
For the last vacation I took in France, I didn't use his book. The places I wanted to go are not in his book anyway. The place was pretty, the hotel was charming, and we had good food. There were no other American tourists, so perhaps it's a blessing Rick didn't write about it.
All in all, I mean to say Rick Steves does a good job. Jun's sentiment is understandable. You love Florence so much, that you just can't stand sharing her with all those people.
