Belmond Villa San Michele

Set on an idyllic hill in Fiesole, the Belmond Villa San Michele extends across beautiful terraced gardens overlooking Florence. The hotel's centerpiece is a renovated 15th-century monastery with a classic cream-colored Renaissance facade displaying elegant arches and ornamental accents, which has been attributed to Michelangelo. The hotel's main restaurant, lobby, and reception area are housed in the monastery's sanctuary. Throughout the property, and especially in the monastery, original features have been restored and paired with period pieces. In the lobby, elegant vaulted ceilings and candelabra-style chandeliers couple with dark-wood furniture and classic framed art. Many rooms feature large fresco-style murals -- there's even one of the last supper. Outside, elegantly manicured terraced gardens feature lemon trees, rose bushes, pergola-covered walkways, large and lush swatches of lawn with lounge chairs and tables, an outdoor pool and bar, and astounding views of Florence. Rooms are a standout feature here, and many are tucked away hobbit-style in the terraced gardens. The Belmond Villa San Michele is a destination unto itself, and attracts mostly tourists -- mainly couples -- but the abundance of kid-friendly amenities draw a large number of families too.

The hotel is situated in a secluded spot on a lush green hill in Fiesole, about six miles -- a 20- to 30-minute drive -- from Florence. The hotel offers free shuttle bus service to and from the Piazza della Repubblica in the city center. The shuttle leaves every 20 minutes during the high season and every hour in low season. Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel. Florence Airport is a 30-minute drive away, and Pisa International Airport and Bologna Airport are about a 90-minute drive, depending on traffic. The hotel offers free valet parking. 

Belmond Villa San Michele's 45 rooms, including suites, are housed in either the 15th-century monastery or tucked into the terraced hillside of the hotel's lush lawns. Rooms are elegant yet understated, with wood or tile floors, light walls, and candelabra-style chandeliers. Bed runners in red or rich brown convey luxury, while dark-wood doors and furniture bring traditional style. Marble bathrooms can be quite spacious, and some have separate showers and tubs or double vanities, with Bulgari toiletries provided.

Rooms measure 258 square feet and up, while suites range from 277 to 646 square feet. Some have fireplaces, living rooms, private terraces, or canopy beds. The Michelangelo Suite is a historic standout -- it was once the monastery library and Napoleon's headquarters. The massive villa, which measures more than 750 square feet, includes a private plunge pool, kitchenette, and three bedrooms.  

The hotel has lots of nooks and amenities aimed at relaxation. La Loggia is an elegant restaurant and bar that serves local cuisine. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a large covered porch with panoramic views of Florence. The charming Cloister Bar, with antique pieces and a partial glass roof, stays open late and serves drinks, casual meals, and snacks. Breakfast includes a large selection of buffet and a la carte items, and is included in the room rate. The hotel also offers cooking lessons at its own cooking school. In the summer, special cooking classes are also available for children.

Outdoor amenities include the beautiful gardens and grounds with lots of sitting areas, terraced lawns, winding paths, a massage gazebo, and a heated outdoor pool, measuring 82 by 16 feet, with loungers, a pool bar with drinks and snacks, and excellent views. There's also a small indoor fitness area with a treadmill, step machine, two stationary bikes, some free weights, and a great view.

The hotel offers 24-hour room service, and a dedicated concierge can book tours and more. There's a free shuttle that travels regularly to and from Florence. Family-friendly amenities include high chairs, kids' menus, cribs, babysitting (on request), a welcome kit with DVDs and kid-size slippers and robes, and a seasonal kids' club with activities like picnics and pizza-making. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.