Via Il Prato 42, Florence, Italy | (888) 252-1244
Set in refined 18th-century villa with walled garden
Close to central station and walking distance to
sights
Elegant rooms, some with terraces and city
views
Two restaurants offering relaxed or fine dining
Outdoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and hot tub with
city views
Free courtesy car to and from city landmarks
Fee for Wi-Fi
Breakfast not
included
Classical decor can feel
old fashioned
Grand Hotel Villa
Medici is a refined, deluxe property set in an elegant 18th-century villa on
the edge of Florence, an eight-minute stroll from the main train
station and walking distance to most sights. Spa facilities are good and a
walled garden with pool is a rarity for a hotel this central. While the renovated, modern rooms are chic and stylish, traditionally styled rooms can feel a little old-fashioned,
even dowdy -- though some feature superb rooftop vistas. Those who want a more central location might prefer the Golden Tower Hotel & Spa, which is also luxurious and has a spa.
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Scene
Refined 18th-century villa with walled garden and rooftop terrace
Part of the Sina Hotels group, this grand four-story villa dates back to the 18th century and has hosted many VIP guests, one of the most famous being Luciano Pavarotti, whose photo hangs in the hotel's library. A top-hatted
doorman ushers guest past cast-iron lion-head door knockers into a spacious
and elegant lobby with marble floors, large floral arrangements and an ornate
reception desk. Numerous seating areas -- tastefully decorated in tones of beiges
and browns -- lead through to the dining rooms and a wood-paneled bar area with
more cozy seating. A private walled garden provides a quiet and relaxing spot to relax, with plants, a lawn, and a small curved swimming pool overlooked by
the balconies on one side of the hotel. A rooftop terrace also affords superb
views over the Florence skyline and beyond. Clientele tend towards well-heeled vacationing couples. The Grand Hotel Villa Medici's walled garden is rare for the city center -- but the hotel is on the edge of the action rather than in the heart of it. Those who want more sprawling grounds and even better views could go a bit farther outside the center to the Torre Di Bellosguardo. Those who want a shorter walk to the sights will find plenty of upscale options to choose from, but most will lack the pool and wellness facilities found here.
Location
Close to the main train station, within walking distance of major landmarks
Set just on the
outskirts of central Florence on a wide street with local shops, the hotel is
situated less than a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella central railway station. It is a five-minute walk from the oldest surviving gate to the city --
Porta al Prato -- and most of Florence’s main tourist attractions can be reached
on foot. The beautiful old bridge of Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza del Duomo, and the famous domed Duomo cathedral are all within a 15-minute walk. Pisa International
Airport at Pisa is about an hour's drive, while the train to Pisa Central
Station next to the airport takes a little longer.
Rooms
Contemporary or classically styled rooms, some with city views
The hotel has 100
rooms in all, including eight Junior Suites and 11 Suites. Decor is either
contemporary, with fresh, light tones with wood floors and stylish furnishings, or classical, with striped wallpaper and carpet floors (these might be too old-fashioned for some tastes). Standard amenities include minibars and flat-screen TVs with
cable channels. Bright bathrooms are all
finished in Carrara marble and have shower/tub combos, hotel-brand toiletries,
and robes and slippers. Deluxe Rooms have terraces with garden views, while the six Penthouse Rooms have whirlpool tubs and balconies with lounge chairs and views over
Florence.
Features
Fine-dining restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa facilities
The hotel serves
an extensive continental buffet breakfast in the bright Conservatory restaurant
overlooking the garden, though it's not included in all room rates. A second restaurant -- Lorenzo de Medici -- serves traditional Italian food in refined, formal
surroundings, while the Jockey Bar serves cocktails and martinis. Facilities
include an outdoor pool as well as a gym, a steam room, a sauna, and a hot tub with city views. A free courtesy car is also available
daily to transport guests to Florence's landmarks. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but for a fee.
