Florence, Italy
Villa San Michele, a magnificent 15th century former monastery is perched on a hill overlooking Florence. From the dining terrace overlooking the Florentine hills and the Duomo, Villa San Michele must have one of the best views in Tuscany.
Our review
No matter how many luxury hotels I have visited, arriving at Villa San Michele still managed to surprise me. After negotiating corkscrew turns up to its hilltop vantage point, the road flattens out and a flower-lined driveway takes you up to its imposing covered stone entrance. Here, large urns filled with blue hydrangea stand to attention.
Across the valley of cypress trees there are far-reaching views to Florence, and all around, despite it being early in the season are an abundance of flowers and the heady scent from them.
Inside this Renaissance villa, there are original stone or herringbone-tiled floors, with antique rugs, and plain plaster walls. Ornaments and unnecessary furniture is kept to a minimum, in keeping with its modest origins.
The star of the show, after the Last Supper fresco and the 17 century long table in the buffet room is the Loggia – a dining terrace that runs the along the whole of one side of the building, with quite remarkable views over Florence.
The gardens and terraces are delightful, with rich green lawns, gravel paths lined with neatly clipped bay and laurel hedges and beds of red tulips, yellow pansies and white and pink roses. Along the whole wall of one side of the property facing the gardens is a spectacular 200-year old blue wisteria creeper.
We stayed in a Junior Suite Superior, a garden room with its own terrace and that wonderful view. I liked the room, seemingly built into the rock face. Our en-suite was at the rear – very spacious with his and hers sinks and a massive bath. The downside of course, is no natural light or ventilation. I love the Belmond practice of putting the suitcases in the bathroom/changing area where you need them, away from the sleeping area.
Our bedroom was spacious with room for a sofa, but the only ventilation to be had, apart from aircon, was by opening the door, something I found a bit disappointing. However, the room was quiet and the bed comfortable.
Breakfast was enjoyable, with proper tea made with boiling water and tealeaves. There was a cold buffet and hot options to order.
The gardens are very attractive and a tour with one of the gardeners would be something I would have done with more time.
The heated swimming pool looked very inviting, with sun loungers willing me to lie in them.
Facilities for children here are excellent, with the dedicated Smile club onsite.
Last words: This is a spectacular and historic former monastery, beautifully restored with lovely formal gardens and far-reaching views over Florence from its loggia terrace. I really enjoyed my visit, with only one niggle.
Rooms
Belmond Villa San Michele offers 39 rooms and suites, set within a former Renaissance convent and its surrounding gardens. Accommodation combines restored historic features with refined contemporary design, including terracotta floors, frescoed walls and marble bathrooms. Some rooms and suites are located within the gardens, while select suites feature private terraces or plunge pools with sweeping views across Florence and the Tuscan countryside.
Food and Drink
Antesi is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, serving seasonally inspired Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, complemented by panoramic views across Florence. Bar Doccia offers a relaxed setting for cocktails, aperitifs and light dishes in the evening.
Wellness
Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain is the hotel’s wellness sanctuary, offering a curated selection of face and body treatments in a serene setting. Facilities include dedicated treatment rooms within the historic building, alongside peaceful gardens designed for relaxation and reflection.
Facilities
- Panoramic outdoor swimming pool
- Spa by Guerlain
- Restaurants and bar
- Terraced gardens and woodland paths
- Complimentary shuttle to Florence city centre
- Concierge and cultural experiences
- Event and private dining spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Belmond Villa San Michele is located in the hills of Fiesole, just outside Florence, offering elevated views across the city. Nearby attractions include Florence’s historic centre, Fiesole’s Roman Theatre, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and the Tuscan countryside.
Getting there
Address: Via Doccia 4, 50014 Fiesole, Florence, Italy
Arriving by car: If you are arriving in your own car, please proceed to the main entrance of the hotel, where the concierge will park your car for you. There is no charge for parking
Arriving by train: Florence Santa Maria Novella railway station is a 15-minute drive from the hotel
Arriving by air: Florence Airport (FLR) is 10km from the hotel (20 minutes drive)Pisa International Airport (PSA) is 72km from the hotel (60 minutes’ drive)Bologna Airport (BLQ) is 115km from the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.