Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence
Florence, Italy
Fiesole
Vibe
Guests check in at a former church altar before stepping into Renaissance cloisters and terraced gardens high above Florence.
“Hilltop Renaissance cloister”
Restored Renaissance frescoes meet contemporary Leandro Erlich installations, Impruneta terracotta, and bespoke scagliola tables.
Altar-side champagne welcome, Rivolta Carmignani linens, and a dedicated courtesy shuttle connecting to central Florence.
A fifteenth-century Franciscan monastery with cloisters, vaulted halls, and a facade attributed to Michelangelo.
On a Fiesole hilltop above the Arno Valley, looking across terraced gardens to Florence below.
“its setting, in the hillside enclave of Fiesole, offers it a measure of seclusion, as well as picturesque views over Florence proper.”
Rooms
Interiors feature Impruneta terracotta, Cipollino marble, and antique furnishings, while private terraces look out over cypress groves toward Florence.
“the recent restyling raising the stakes considerably adding a new sense of design that was absent before.”
Wellness
A panoramic hilltop pool sits framed by cypress trees, paired with vaulted spa treatment suites and an open-air gym.
“The loan of Erlich’s The Cloud (UK) (2016) was also extended – and is another example of that new/old contrast.”
Backstory
Originally a fifteenth-century Franciscan monastery, the historic complex served as Napoleon Bonaparte's military headquarters in 1808 before becoming a hotel.
“The hotel’s expansive rooms are already decked out in the most tasteful, almost understated interpretation of Renaissance luxury…”
Eat & drink
Tables line the sixteenth-century arched loggia at Antesi, while Bar Doccia and the garden terrace serve sunset aperitivos overlooking the valley.
The neighborhood
Perched on the tranquil slopes of Fiesole, the hillside retreat runs a private courtesy shuttle directly into central Florence.
More like this
Collegio alla Querce
“Hillside cloister haven”
Quiet
Il Salviatino
“Renaissance hillside sanctuary”
Quiet
Palazzo Portinari Salviati
“Restored Renaissance residence”
Lively
Palazzo Vecchietti
“Florentine noble redoubt”
Lively
The James Suite Hotel 1564 Firenze
“Renaissance curio retreat”
Central
Stella d'Italia
“Whimsical palazzo residence”
Central
St. Regis Florence
“Renaissance riverfront palace”
Central
Villa Cora
“Aristocratic garden sanctuary”
Quiet
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.