Via di Santa Maria a Marignolle 10, up from Porta Romana, Florence, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Historic Renaissance villa nestled in the hills of Tuscany
Expansive vistas of Florence and a romantic atmosphere
Rooms have flat-screen TVs and minibars; suites add Nespresso machines
Heated towel racks, rainfall showerheads, and high-end products in bathrooms
Some retreats have garden entrances and private terraces
Inviting outdoor heated pool with loungers and views
Serene fitness center with Turkish bath and Technogym equipment
Restaurant with regional specialties and olive oil from the property's orchards
Breakfast with hot items included in the room rate
Property caters to children and offers special dining menu
Air-conditioning, laundry service, free parking, and free Wi-Fi
Weathered, rustic setting may not appeal to all guests
Sparse furnishing throughout can make some spaces feel cold
Restaurant -- including the free breakfast -- gets mixed reviews
Massages can be booked but there's no full-service spa
No shuttle bus into town and guests say taxi fare adds up quickly
Fitness center have limited hours
Some guests note iffy AC and Wi-Fi
Whether guests find the four-and-a-half-pearl Villa Tolomei Hotel and Resort top-notch or a step below is a matter of perspective. To some, the slightly crumbling walls, naturally rambling grounds, and cracks in plaster and paint are charming; to others they're eyesores. A skillful mix of decor that fuses luxury modern and traditional Tuscan furnishings can be found throughout the property, including in its 30 rooms and suites. They're outfitted with high-end bath products, attractive fireplaces, and some have garden access and private terraces. But travelers looking for a truly over-the-top stay in a villa -- and don't mind a room rate to match -- may prefer Grand Hotel Villa Cora just a few miles away.
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Scene
Historic Tuscan villa with 18th century decor for the well-heeled crowd
Villa Tolomei Hotel and Resort is set back on a country road that winds through verdant Tuscan hills. The 14th century villa sits on 50-acres of land that looks out on expansive views of Florence. It retains some of its original architecture, such as 18th century frescoes and an old convent. The two-story manor house has a pediment at the top but is otherwise simple in design, with an all-white exterior. Grounds are rather rustic compared to other more manicured villas.In the lobby, baroque detailing and dreamy pastel hues like mint green and periwinkle are offset by bold, cobalt blue velvet couches and ottomans. Off to the side, an attractive mirrored bar is backlit showing off rows of colorful spirits. The dining room is elegant and spare, with cream walls and white tablecloths warmed up with stylish period rollback chairs and a large fireplace.There's plenty of outdoor seating on a long loggia dressed with a red-and-white striped awning. Two of the best spots to relax are in the ancient oil mill, where couches share a passageway with stacked barrels and production equipment, and the sleek sundeck with an inviting pool from which panoramic city views can be seen. The property attracts well-heeled guests who want to experience the Tuscan countryside and also be close to Florence's rich cultural offerings.
Location
In a peaceful area south of the Arno, about 15 minutes from central Florence
Villa Tolomei Hotel and Resort is south of the Arno, just over two miles from central Florence. The 50-acre property is nestled on a hillside with other old, beautiful dwellings. The villa doesn't provide shuttle service into town but will book taxis. - Nine-minute drive to Piazzale Michelangelo
Rooms
Lavish decor and simple regional furnishings, fireplaces, and high-end bath products
Colors in the guest rooms and suites take inspiration from the region's stunning landscape using sea blues, Tuscan-sun yellows, and an array of greens that echo the area's cypress and olive trees. As found in the rest of the property, there's a seamless blend of rustic and luxe. Weathered light wood desks and bureaus are dressed up with shiny gold hardware, and sweeping drapes brush the floors. Tile floors lack any rugs to warm them up -- typical of Tuscan properties, but it can make rooms feel a bit cold. Some rooms offer stately brick fireplaces, and all offer velvety seating.Rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi and bottled water upon arrival. Some have garden access and private terraces. Suites are grandiose, with decorative molding, frescoed ceilings, and archways topped with elaborate Rococo pediments. Nespresso machines and terrycloth robes are extras. Bathrooms mix traditional English details with touches that evoke modern Italian style: wide, wall-mounted sinks with chrome fixtures, striking checked marble floors, and high-end Etro bath products. There's also heated towel racks, bidets, and rainfall and hand-held showerheads, but most have walk-in showers without bathtubs.
Features
Luxurious pool and fantastic fitness center but no spa or shuttle service to town
Guests rave about the hotel's pool and fitness center -- with good reason. The serene, clover-shaped outdoor heated pool is like a sheet of turquoise Murano glass with the property's expansive views as a backdrop. It's adjacent to the fitness center, a light-filled space with Technogym equipment. A soak in the Turkish bath and a massage can be part of the experience, but the hotel doesn't have a full-service spa.The restaurant, on the other hand, receives mixed reviews. Its menu is a contemporary spin on traditional Tuscan fare, and dishes are made with olive oil from the hotel's vineyards. There's a free breakfast with hot items like eggs and bacon, salads and sandwiches for lunch, and dinner nightly. For an after-dinner espresso -- or an apero before -- there's a handsome bar off the lobby. Room service is available, but the hotel tacks on a hefty fee. If you're looking to have a meal in town or an afternoon sightseeing, plan on shelling out money for a taxi as the property doesn't provide shuttle service (but can assist in arranging rides).Other perks include laundry service, free parking, shoe shines, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
