Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence

If this review were simply decided by first impressions, then Villa San Michele (VSM) would earn 15 out of 10 stars for the approach and the views from entrance. High in the hills, 20 mins from Florence, the Tuscan valley and Florence surround you and the massive Duomo back in Florence still looks to be in reach. Alas, a good review needs more than a view and luckily, VSM has many wonderful qualities… The hotel itself is an ancient monastery. The architecture and the grounds are spectacular. The main structure which has the restaurants, living area and bar is perfectly preserved while affording all modern conveniences. Step out on to the loggia or the back lawn and the beautiful views steal the show. However, look around the spectacular gardens will also catch your eye. Take some time to walk around the property or enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the lawn. Listen to the birds as they go about their business. This place is as beautiful and tranquil as it gets. The pool area at the top of the property is another special area. It’s easy to sit by the pool, enjoy the views and spend the entire day - I think the Italians would say ‘dolce far niente’. The pool has attendants to set up your chair and bring you as much Prosecco as you need to stay hydrated while soaking up the sun. The pizza at the pool Grill is not to be missed. I should also highlight the shellfish platter that Antonio prepared for us poolside with a nice glass of Ruinart to go with it. In our case, we had reserved a ‘Superior Junior Suite with Terrace’ which was positioned overlooking the main lawn, and just under the pool terrace. We loved the location as it was easy to get to both the main structure and the pool. However, be prepared for a good cardio workout! The junior suite has a small terrace at its front with two lounge chairs and a small table and chairs for dining. The views from the terrace, looking back to Florence, are beautiful. Inside, the junior suites are large, with a king sized bed, small couch and sitting area, dining table with two chairs and an oversized bathroom. The bed and linens were very comfortable with king sized down pillows and a down comforter. Meanwhile, the bathroom is clad in marble and has two separate sinks, a large tub, enclosed toilet and the world’s largest shower . The toiletries are from Aqua di Parma. Turn down service included slippers, a bottle of water, and a soft bedside mat. I should also note that each night, we got a small gift, including a handkerchief, a bookmark, and a linen tea towel. Very thoughtful. We enjoyed our room very much. We enjoyed the main restaurant for both breakfast and dinner. We enjoyed the Grill at the pool for lunch. We also spent time on the lawn for cocktails. Food was consistently good and tasty. One stand out dish that everyone loved was the ‘casentino egg’ appetizer on the dinner menu. The gnocchi and ravioli were also very good. Overall, service at VSM was wonderful. Whether it was E

Villa San Michelle is a truly superlative oasis. Just finished a 3 day stay and regretfully would have loved more. How can any other majestic perch compare. Breathtaking views around every corner, attentive blazing responsive service to every need incl convenient shuttles to hot tourist mobbed Florence every 30 min.. San Michelle makes it hard to leave. Yes it's expensive incl any meals drinks etc but here at least you get 150% of what you pay for

Villa San Michelle is not just a hotel - it is an experience. There are only a few hotels in the world that when you stay there it makes you feel connected with the people and the culture of your destination. Villa San Michelle is one of them. Yes - the rooms are amazing, the food is incredible, the property is beyond words but to us the most beautiful thing is how the staff made us feel like family. Thank you Sofia Peluso for taking great care of my family!

Our stay was simply excellent. Everything was perfect, from the views to the service to the food. The hotel is immersed in the green, but yet steps away from the center. The hotel organizes shuttles to and from the city center for guests to go visit landmarks in Florence, but then you go back to the beauty and quite of the hotel in the evening. A perfect blend between resort and city!

We were enchanted by the spectacular views of Florence, drinks on the terrace, lounging at the pool, jazz concert on the terrace, dinners under the stars on the loggia, The wonderful staff were always there when we needed them, but respectful of our privacy when we didn’t.