Villa il Poggiale Dimora Storica

A Florentine family owns this elegant historic villa that dates back to the Renaissance. It was transformed into a hotel in 2001 and is a charming place, with an old-world atmosphere that's friendly and homey rather than stuffy. The hotel was originally constructed in the 16th century and has the typical elegance of a Renaissance palace, with characteristic arches at the entrance and lush green gardens all around. The central courtyard features hydrangeas, roses, and jasmine. Interiors were modified in the 19th century and preserve much of that era's aesthetic. The lobby features ultra-high ceilings with elaborate carvings and molding on the walls, frescoes, rugs atop terra cotta tile flooring, shimmering crystal chandeliers, and numerous seating areas where guests can relax and read or just hang out. An honor bar allows guests to serve themselves drinks, a favorite feature among guests. Outdoor spaces offer beautiful views of the countryside, and seating is available so guests can pause and take in the view. The setting is relaxing, elegant, and beautiful, suitable for all sorts of guests, especially couples. 

The hotel is situated among the hills just outside San Casciano, a municipality in the Province of Florence in Tuscany. Its location in the countryside and its proximity to Florence (a 30-minute drive) make this villa an ideal place to relax and to use as a starting point to explore the city and region -- but it's necessary to rent a car to explore the area. For those who prefer not to drive, the hotel will assist with hiring a car service. The Chianti area is world famous for its red wines and there are plenty of wineries within a reasonable drive. The villa is surrounded by cultivated fields, vineyards, and olive trees, but it is also close to the center of San Casciano, easily reachable in five minutes by car. The Florence Airport is about 40 minutes away by car, and the Pisa Airport is about 50 minutes away. 

Rooms are individually decorated, but all are classically elegant and come with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles for coffee or tea, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Common design elements include canopied beds, high ceilings with wood beams, antique furnishings, Tuscan fabrics, terra cotta tile flooring, and detailed molding. Audobon-style wall art brightens up the spaces, and soothing soft colors like blue, yellow, pink, and peach give all rooms a tranquil vibe. Classic rooms are small, but Superior Rooms add extra space, and suites have separate rooms for living and sleeping. Family Rooms have kitchenettes and supplies for cooking and dining. Bathrooms tend to be small but smart, with vintage features such as antique-style fixtures, pedestal or white marble sinks, and tile floors. They are spotlessly clean and have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos Hairdryers and toiletries are supplied. Some rooms have nice views of the countryside, though others are located near the main roadway and may pick up extra noise from traffic. 

A Tuscan breakfast buffet is served daily in a cozy breakfast room with a fireplace, or in nice weather guests can dine on the lovely terrace overlooking the countryside. Tables with red tablecloths topped by umbrellas and surrounded by potted flowers create a picturesque outdoor setting. The on-site restaurant, La Tinaia, serves a buffet lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh local ingredients. It also has inside and alfresco dining with beautiful countryside views. The chefs teach cooking lessons so guests can take a bit of Tuscany back home. 

Aside form the restaurant, the hotel also has a long rectangular pool is suitable for swimming laps, but most guests prefer to sit in lounge chairs poolside and enjoy the beautiful view over the green countryside with olive trees and vineyards. Trees and umbrellas provide shade, and roses in season enhance the charm. A small wellness area offers a hot tub, sauna, relaxation area, and treatment rooms. Spa products use local ingredients such as grapes, citrus fruits, olives, honey, and essential oils. Bikes are available for free for guests to explore the countryside. A meeting room can accommodate groups of up to 50 people for business or social events, and the hotel also can arrange weddings on-site for up to 80 guests.