Detailed Review
Situated in many acres of garden and surrounded by park and woodland, the Villa San Michele hotel has superb views over the whole of Florenece and the Arno Valley. Combining the charm of the old with all the comfort and convience of today, Villa San Michele is one hotel that can truly claim to be unique.
Independent Reviews
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"Hilltop former monastery, top-drawer and unashamedly luxurious in acres of parkland"
Villa San Michele
By Matthew Barker
Gorgeous converted medieval monastery (the façade was designed by Michelangelo) nestled in the hills outside Florence, set in a landscaped garden and surrounded by lemon trees. Warm and sleek interiors, with just a hint of opulent pampering: gilded four-posters, lose-yourself-in marble bathrooms, Tuscan cotto tiles. 22 rooms (16 suites). Member of The Leading Hotels of the World. They say: “To sit on the loggia and sip crisp white wine and drink in the Duomo and the Arno spread out below is to be in hotel heaven” (Tatler) Hotel Attractions: The Cenacolo restaurant, in the old refectory, complete with recently restored fresco of The Last Supper, does an enjoyable line in Tuscan treats; more dining in the Loggia, and Terrace Bar. Well-stocked gym; Ugolino Golf Club nearby. Local Attractions: The hotel lays on a shuttle service to and from the centre of Florence - all good stuff, but don’t go overlooking Fiesole itself: Florence in miniature (and minus the coach parties and gap year droves), it basks in its Etruscan, Roman and Renaissance past. The Episcopal palace, Cathedral of San Romolo, Church of Santa Maria Primerana and the Cloister of the Canons all comparable to what’s on offer at the bottom of the hill. And the gelati’s cheaper. Tagliatelle al cibreo at Ristorante Enoteca Torre al Sasso, housed in a 12th century manor house.
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Condé Nast Traveller 2008 Gold List
