WHERE TO STAY - Florence and Tuscany - page 247

FURTHER AFIELD Villa le Rondini

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Via Bolognese Vecchia 224, 50139 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 42
Set in a sprawling garden amid olive groves, this villa affords stunning views of the Arno valley. Book early to ensure
a room in the main house that boasts quaint, traditional furnishings and beamed ceilings. Rooms with terraces are
very popular and with good reason. The outdoor pool is available from June to September. www.villalerondini.com
FURTHER AFIELD Hotel Villa Villoresi

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Via Ciampi 2, 50019 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 28
Halfway between the city and the countryside, this is an ideal hideaway. Built as a military stronghold in the 12th-
century and then converted to a villa in the 1400s, it is now a national monument. Frescoes, murals and antique
furniture perfect the atmosphere. Not all rooms are air conditioned. Garden with lemon trees. www.villavilloresi.it
FURTHER AFIELD Il Salviatino

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Via del Salviatino 21, Fiesole, 50137 Tel [phone] Fax Rooms 45
A palatial 15th-century villa has been converted into a superb hotel offering a 21st-century perspective on its aristo-
cratic past. Frescoes and handcrafted leather sit alongside modern technologies, while the large garden overlooks
Florence from the heights of Fiesole. The innovative restaurant serves dinner in the grounds. www.salviatino.com
FURTHER AFIELD Torre di Bellosguardo

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Via Roti Michelozzi 2, 50124 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 16
Far from the crowds, but with the city at its feet, the views from the 16th-century tower of this 14th-century villa
are unparalleled. It is equally breathtaking indoors, with vast public areas and huge rooms decorated with antique
furniture and Persian carpets. Two landscaped pools and a beautiful garden. www.torrebellosguardo.com
FURTHER AFIELD Villa San Michele

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Via Doccia 4, 50014 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 45
Once a monastery, the design of this hotel's façade is attributed to Michelangelo. Standing in sprawling 37-acre
grounds, the views are spectacular, the best being from the loggia, where dinner is served in summer. Ask for a
room overlooking the city. Closed end-Nov-mid-Mar. www.villasanmichele.orient-express.com

WESTERN TUSCANY

ARTIMINO Hotel Paggeria Medicea

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Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII 1, 59015 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 37 Road map C2
In the converted servant quarters of Artimino's famous Medici villa, La Ferdinanda, this hotel is complete with original
furniture, terracotta floors and decorative frescoes. Adding to the experience are riding stables, the restaurant (Biagio
Pignatta) and a farm shop that also sells local wines. There are 44 apartments for weekly rental. www.artimino.com
CRESPINA Poggio al Casone

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Via Volpaia 16, 56042 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 10 Road map C3
These 10 self-catering apartments are on a working organic wine estate run by a charming family. All are furnished
in Tuscan country style, with tiled floors, beamed ceilings and some canopied beds. Two are detached, so good for
families. Guests can join in activities in the vineyards or go on organized trips. www.poggioalcasone.com
PISA Hotel Roseto

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Via Mascagni 24, 56127 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 24 Road map B2
This small two-star hotel is handy for visitors on a tight budget. The Roseto makes a quiet and comfortable base in
central Pisa very near the railway station and within walking distance of the Leaning Tower. Rooms are airy with large
windows and high ceilings. www.hotelroseto.it
PISA Hotel Francesco

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Via Santa Maria 129, 56126 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 13 Road map B2
Within walking distance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the terrace of this small, welcoming hotel offers some
beautiful views over the city. The rooms are clean, bright and minimally furnished. Non-smoking rooms available on
request. Bike and moped hire organized by the hotel. www.hotelfrancesco.com
PISA Hotel Villa Kinzica

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Piazza Arcivescovado 2, 56126 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 30 Road map B2
In an imposing 18th-century villa, the Kinzica offers comfortable rooms with modern furnishings. The price is very
reasonable given its central location. The best rooms retain many of the building's original features, including stone
fireplaces and frescoed ceilings. Some have views over the Piazza dei Miracoli. www.hotelvillakinzica.it
PISA Royal Victoria Hotel

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Lungarno Pacinotti 12, 56126 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 48 Road map B2
One of Pisa's most historic buildings, the hotel occupies a 10th-century tower built for the Winemakers' Guild. It
became Pisa's first hotel in 1837, combining several medieval tower houses in the process. Run by the welcoming
Piegaja family, the rooms are charming in their size and decor. Bike rental and private garage. www.royalvictoria.it