Collegio alla Querce or Villa San Michele?
Two retreats in the hills above Florence: a bright, modern villa a scenic walk from the center, or a 15th-century former monastery in Fiesole with the best views in the city. Here is how I help clients choose, and how to book either one with perks you won’t get booking direct.
Both are exceptional. The choice is really about the kind of hillside stay you want.
You want a bright, modern stay with an impressive art collection and the city a scenic walk away. It’s ideal for couples, return visitors and families who want room to breathe.
You want the best views in Florence from a 15th-century former monastery, with a private shuttle into town. It’s a romantic pick for couples, view seekers and second-time visitors.
Collegio alla Querce
A brighter, more modern take on Florence, in the hills about a 30-minute walk from the center. It’s quiet and green, with an impressive art collection and sweeping views from almost every room. The mood is a little more romantic and it draws a slightly younger crowd, while still being wonderful for families.
- Location
- In the hills, about a 30-minute walk into Florence
- Views
- Sweeping views from almost every room
- Design
- Modern and bright, with an impressive art collection
- Families
- Very family friendly, with room to breathe
- Booking
- Preferred partner (Auberge): upgrade when available, daily breakfast, hotel credit
Villa San Michele
A former 15th-century monastery built into the Fiesole hillside, recently renovated, with the best views in Florence. The villa, gardens and terraces step down the slope, the facade is attributed to Michelangelo’s school, and a private shuttle runs into town. Spring through fall, when the terraces and pool are the point, is when it sings.
- Location
- The Fiesole hills, with a private shuttle into town
- Views
- The best views in Florence, the city laid out below
- Design
- A renovated 15th-century former monastery
- Rooms
- Main-building rooms are smaller with incredible views; I’ll match you to a private one
- Booking
- Preferred partner (Belmond): upgrade when available, daily breakfast, hotel credit
How they compare
You can’t go wrong with either one.
Same rate as booking direct. A better stay.
I’ve stayed at Collegio and toured Villa San Michele in person, down to a Garden Junior Suite, so I can tell you which rooms, views and layouts are worth asking for, and which property fits your trip.
I’m a preferred partner of both Auberge Resorts Collection and Belmond, so my clients receive a space-available upgrade, daily breakfast and a hotel credit, plus my direct line to the team on property.
Found the one you want but need a night to talk it over? I can ask the hotel to hold it while you decide.
You pay the hotel the same rate as booking direct, and nothing extra to me.
Trying to decide which property is right for you?
Send me your dates and who’s traveling. I’ll come back with live availability at both, the room I’d book at each, and my honest take on which fits your trip.
You’ll hear back from me personally with availability and my recommendation, usually within a day.