Villa Belvedere – Florence

Guests praise the homey ambiance of this family-run villa that caters to tourists from around the world. It’s a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of hectic Florence, yet the city center is just a brief drive away. The lush gardens offer a peaceful place to stroll or wind down after a day of sightseeing. The solarium-like breakfast room overlooks the gardens, which are graced by large shade trees next to the pool. Amber wood paneling and parquet floors highlight the staid decor in the Villa’s lobby and adjoining rooms. Traditional artwork and crystal chandeliers mix with modern elements, like a large flat-screen TV in a corner. Small house plants and stacks of books on recessed bookcases along many walls give the property a casual, lived-in feel. 

The Villa is situated on a scenic hill in a quiet residential neighborhood south of the center of Florence. The city center is about a 15-minute drive or bus ride away -- there's a bus stop about five minutes on foot from the Villa. It’s possible to walk to some tourist sites -- the Boboli Gardens are about a 15-minute walk, while the Pitti Palace is an additional 10 minutes farther -- but guests should remember that the walk back is up a steep hill. There are a couple of bars and restaurants within a five- to 10-minute walk of the property, but not much else of interest in the immediate area. Views of the city and the Tuscan hillsides are quite nice from here. Florence's Peretola Airport is a 20-minute drive away, while Santa Maria Novella train station is approximately 15 minutes by car or bus. 

There’s no denying that the decor in these traditional rooms is dated, but it’s nonetheless pleasant and suits the location and the property. The gold wallpaper, crown molding, and blond parquet floors are decidedly Old World, as are the green or blue bedspreads and amber wood furniture that includes one-piece headboards and nightstands. Striped drapes and matching upholstered armchairs add to the staid motif. Despite their old-fashioned look, furnishings are clean and well maintained. 

Plenty of space helps the rooms feel cheerful, and even Standard Rooms offer enough space for desks and small tables with two chairs. Small armoires provide storage. Most rooms come with comfortable double beds, but some have an extra twin bed. Larger suites are available that include separate sitting rooms. The average-size bathrooms are bright and cheerful, with lovely white tile on the walls and floors. Standard Rooms have pedestal sinks and shower/tub combos, while the Suite we saw had a beautiful double-sink vanity and larger tub. Some rooms have quite large private balconies with sweeping views of Florence or the Tuscan hillsides. Amenities are a bit lacking, however, and include tiny tube-style TVs, free Wi-Fi, slippers, and magnifying mirrors, but no coffeemakers or mini-fridges. Turndown service and room service are also available.

While it doesn't check every box when it comes to features, this boutique property offers more than most small-scale properties in the city center. For starters, it has a small outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens that include fountains and orange and lemon trees. The Villa has a small bar, which serves a light menu in the evenings, plus a continental breakfast is included in rates, with items like boiled eggs, cheeses, and cold cuts. There's no fitness center, but a tennis court provides a spot for guests to break a sweat. Likewise, there's no business center, although there is a public computer with internet access in the lobby for guests' use, and free Wi-Fi is accessible in public spaces and rooms. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and babysitting can be arranged. On-site parking is free as well.