The Villa Tolomei is a recently opened 5-star hotel just above Florence. They have no shuttle service, which is not that good, because walking to the center will take you up to 20 minutes and can get impossible in high season as the temperatures in Florence raise up to 30°-38°c.

All rooms are located in three different buildings. although the interior style is the same - definitely okay for one night but not Italian-like! I am not sure if they had an interior designer: vast rooms with no decoration, terrible room layouts and not even a bit of charme. 

Furthermore the Pool Boy was not very friendly and did not allow us to take a second bath towel, what I find a bit rude!

Nonetheless, for a price of 150 euros in high season, the Villa Tolomei is a great alternative to families, wanting to stay near Florence but do not want to pay high prices for parking or extra beds. I appreciated the huge rooms, the complimentary minibar, the modern bathroom with super shower head and Etro toiletries, as well as the huge outdoor pool. 

Everything was new as the beds were. Breakfast was average, while the location of the breakfast room was simply impressive - in the Gallery of the old Villa. Applause to the front desk staff which helped us everytime we needed assistance and did give us an excellent restaurant recommendation.

As already mentioned, the value is quite fair, also for families. 

Rates start at 145,00 euros during July and August.

www.villatolomeihotel.it