Villa Montartino, Florence

My wife and I spent two weeks at the Villa Montartino in the summer of 2002, using this hotel as a home base for exploring Florence and the Tuscany region. The personal service and attention we received at this hotel greatly exceeded the level of service that we have received elsewhere, including the service at a posh "5 Star" beach resort we recently visited. Quite simply, it ranks as my favorite hotel I have ever stayed in. The small size of this hotel allows very personal attention from the staff, who were extremely helpful in many different ways. As one example, on one of our lounge-by-the-pool days around lunchtime, the hotel's manager asked me casually if we might enjoy some light refreshments while relaxing by the pool. A short time later, he personally delivered a large silver platter heaped with fruit, cheeses, breads, prosciutto and other sliced meats, bottles of mineral water and other treats. These "light refreshments" were provided on a complimentary basis and never charged to our bill. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, and you really do feel like you are in the Tuscan countryside, even though you are only a 10 minute taxi ride from central Florence. Don't be fooled by the relatively simple-looking building you see in the photos. This is a world-class hotel, with spacious, well-appointed rooms (and bathrooms!), and views that will take your breath away.