Ville sull’Arno Hotel

For a healthy dash of romance alongside plenty of style, the Ville sull'Arno delivers. In the 19th century, the property was an important artistic workshop of the Macchiaioli painters, who were known for painting outdoors in order to capitalize on Florence's reputed natural light. Today, the hotel retains plenty of that original artsy charm, with antique pieces standing alongside a dramatic stone fireplace in the hotel's lobby, plus plenty of heavy drapery, handsome hardwood, and striking classical art pieces throughout. The feeling at the hotel is grand and quaint at the same time. The outdoor areas also feel like a blend of the rustic and cultivated, including a courtyard surrounded by low stone walls and a relaxed pool area that's bordered by trees, large green trellises, and a low wall separating it from the Arno River. The on-site restaurant has a quaint, homey vibe, with a fireplace, floral curtains, and straw hats serving as whimsical ceiling lamp shades. The bar area is equally attractive with handsome leather couches and a small wooden bar with swivel wooden barstools. Overall, the riverside vibe and antique sophistication make this a popular choice among couples, though some families and groups of friends pass through as well. 

The hotel is located on the Arno River outside Florence’s busy city center. While the hotel itself is tranquil, the adjacent road can be busy and the immediate area offers little in the way of charm or entertainment. It’s about a 30- to 35-minute walk to most of the city’s major attractions such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, and walks along the river can be pleasant. Those who would prefer to drive in can reach the city center in 10 minutes. The hotel's free rental bikes are another option to reach Florence's major sights. Firenze Campo di Marte Train Station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel while Santa Maria Novella Train Station can take up to 30 minutes to reach depending on traffic. Florence's airport will take 30 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

Rooms at Ville sull’Arno Hotel are spread across three buildings: the original Villa, Il Loggiato, and the Il Villino SPA building. All have a variety of gorgeous bold details like glass panel room dividers, sharp woodwork, or large black-and-white murals. Pretty furnishings including decorative antique lamps and vintage pieces, and there are decorative accents like large-scale floral silhouettes on the walls and an abundance of soft colors -- think sea foam green, gray, and light blue. The look is sharp and classic across all room categories and seating is done in luxe fabrics with eye-catching patterns. All rooms incorporate modern features like flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary -- some are sleek, with white walls and glass walk-in rainfall showers, while others have a more classic feel with cream-colored walls and brass fixtures. Extra amenities are offered in some rooms include claw-foot bathtubs, whirlpool tubs in Il Villino SPA building rooms, and patios overlooking the river. Guests should note that some rooms have showers only and no tubs. Turndown service is available.

Flaora & Fauno, the hotel's on-site restaurant, serves modern takes on classic Tuscan fare for lunch and dinner, and there’s a charming bar with a cozy seating area. Additional seating is available outdoors in good weather. The hotel serves a breakfast buffet with options that included meats and cheeses, breads, hand-drawn espresso drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, and unique offerings like honey taken directly from a honeycomb. Unfortunately breakfast is not included with all room rates. Unlike many Florence hotels, Ville sull'Arno has an outdoor pool and whirlpool with lounge chairs -- it's not the biggest we've ever seen, but the surrounding trees make it feel a bit more secluded and rural than this hotel actually is. There’s also a tiny fitness center with a few cardio machines, and a full spa with a sauna and an indoor pool. The classically elegant space offers facial and body treatments, and some are free for guests. There's also a breezy verandah where guests can relax and read. Bicycle rentals are available for free and WI-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking is available, though it isn't free.