Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 14, Florence, Italy | 39 055 27471
Less touristy location at the edge of central Florence
Classically elegant rooms with minibars, some with balconies and garden views
Relaxing small garden and free downloadable newspapers
Restaurant and bar plus free buffet breakfast
Small fitness center with modern equipment
Two handsome meeting rooms with private entrance
Underground parking (for a fee)
Luggage storage
Small pets are allowed
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
No pool or spa
Some may consider the guest rooms old-fashioned
The 60-room Hotel Montebello Splendid is a luxury boutique hotel situated in a quieter area on the outskirts of central Florence. It's a 10-minute walk from the central train station, and major sites like the Duomo can be reached within a 15-minute walk. Public spaces and rooms are classically elegant, with rich period details such as ornate molding, high ceilings, and sumptuous fabrics. The courtyard and gardens are lovely year-round, and the on-site restaurant and bar are pluses. For something with a little more contemporary flair that's right in the center of the city, compare rates at Firenze Number Nine Hotel & Spa, which is generally less expensive.
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Scene
Historic villa with beautiful courtyard and elegant interiors
The three-story hotel is situated in converted 19th-century villa with beautiful gardens all around. The off-street entrance is through a wrought-iron gate that leads into a courtyard with a fountain in the center. Guests climb a few steps to enter the lobby through a revolving wood and glass door. Interiors are classic and elegant, with rich rugs atop white and black marble floors, ornate moldings, and brass and glass lighting. The small wood and marble front desk is tucked off into a corner of the lobby, and a group of stately dog pillows stand guard on a vintage Florentine sofa. Antique furniture and items such as an antique camera and wooden dog statues add a bit of quirk to the otherwise formal spaces. The lounge off the lobby is cozy and welcoming, with deep sofas and wing back chairs that area ready for relaxing. Windows look out into the courtyard and gardens, an appealing space with rich greenery, terra-cotta tile, and cushioned wrought-iron seating. It's a romantic setting that's particularly appealing to couples, but families also take advantage of the Family Rooms here.
Location
Quieter edge of central Florence, a 10-minute walk from central train station
This hotel is located in an elegant residential area on the outer edge of central Florence. The immediate surroundings are decidedly quiet, especially when compared to the touristy center of the city. It's a 15-minute walk to the Duomo, as well as the Uffizi Gallery -- home to Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" -- as well as Florence's famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. It's a bit farther -- a 20-minute walk -- to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's "David" is housed. The Santa Maria Novella central train station can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Amerigo Vespucci Airport is 15 minutes away by car or 30 minutes by public transportation. The hotel can arrange a private limo to pick up guests at the airport or train station in Florence. Travelers who arrive at the Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa can reach the hotel in about an hour by car or two hours by public transportation.
Rooms
Classic, elegant rooms with minibars, some with balconies and garden views
Rooms are classic and elegant, and come in a variety of configurations to accommodate individuals, couples, or families. They aren't particularly spacious, but that is typical in Florence. Well-maintained interiors have high ceilings, wood or carpeted floors, and a mix of antiques and newer furniture. Striped, floral, or damask wallpaper covers many of the walls, which are highlighted by nice period molding and antique details. Beds are made with crisp white duvets, and upholstered headboards add a polished look to the rooms. Artwork hints at Florence's Renaissance traditional, and draperies are plush -- some rooms have classic wainscoted walls with sharp inset wallpaper panels, like the Deluxe Room With Balcony that we visited. Some guests may consider the look old-fashioned, and rooms like the Classic Room that we saw honestly just come across as plain, despite the bold colors. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars (fee), tea/coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Family rooms are on two levels, with two single beds on the lower level and a double bed in a loft. Marble bathrooms are compact but attractive and feature hairdryers, upscale toiletries, and bidets. Many rooms have walk-in showers while others have jetted shower/tub combos, and all come with premium Dr. Vranjes toiletries. Some rooms have small furnished balconies with views of the garden and nearby buildings.
Features
Free breakfast, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, elegant events spaces
A breakfast buffet is served each morning and includes a selection of hot and cold items. The on-site Restaurant Capriccio serves Tuscan fare nightly in a lovely conservatory space overlooking a central courtyard. The lounge is spread out through several cozy and elegant rooms with velvet sofas and arm chairs. A fitness center with Technogym equipment is open daily until late. The handsome events spaces include the Palazzetto Concordia, which opens onto the garden and can accommodate 120 people, and the Villino della Meridiana, suitable for smaller meetings and presentations for up to 45 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and a Pressreader app allows guests to access more than 2,300 newspapers and magazines for free.
