Four Seasons Firenze or Villa San Michele?
Florence’s two grandest addresses: a Renaissance palazzo in private gardens minutes from the Duomo, or a 15th-century former monastery in the Fiesole hills with the best views of 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 sleeping in the city, or above it.
You want to walk out the door and be in Florence, with private gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant and refined, formal service. It’s the pick for a first visit, for families and for longer stays.
You want the best views in Florence from a 15th-century former monastery, with a private shuttle into town. It’s the romantic pick for couples, view seekers and second-time visitors.
Four Seasons Firenze
The classic Florence stay. A historic palazzo close to the city center, set in sprawling private gardens that feel impossible this near the Duomo. The design is old-world and the service is refined and formal, the kind of place where every detail is handled before you think to ask.
- Location
- Close to the city center, walkable to the sights
- Dining
- Michelin-starred restaurant on site
- Design
- Historic and old-world, with grand, traditional rooms
- Families
- Very family friendly, with gardens to roam
- Booking
- Preferred partner (Four Seasons): 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 toured both in person, Villa San Michele 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 Four Seasons 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.