Villa Belvedere

“A superb family run hotel”

We had an excellent stay at the Villa Belvedere. The staff were friendly, welcoming and very helpful. I would particularly like to thank Babu Singh who seemed to be there at all times. Always smiling, always helpful and extremely polite. All the staff were excellent. The room was spacious with an o… more

We had an excellent stay at the Villa Belvedere. The staff were friendly, welcoming and very helpful. I would particularly like to thank Babu Singh who seemed to be there at all times. Always smiling, always helpful and extremely polite. All the staff were excellent. The room was spacious with an outstanding view over the terrace, the pool and Florence in the distance. We could even see the dome of the Duomo. Everywhere was very clean and the room was serviced well every day. On small piece of advice rather than criticism is dining. The hotel breakfast is excellent although no English style breakfast is available you can have bacon and eggs. The selection of a more continental style breakfast is excellent. The hotel staff are most apologetic and insist that they do not run a restaurant but provide snacks. The menu however is comparable with many restaurants and the food excellent. It is sufficient for a light evening meal, is inexpensive and with a good selection of starters, mains and deserts available plus of course some excellent wines. We didn't take advantage of the snacks on offer during the day so I cannot comment. There is always a however....There are a few good restaurants within a mile. The 'Trattoria da Ruggero' is excellent. I would recommend booking through the hotel reception. It is also the nearest. The walk back from all of them except 'In Fabbrica' is up a very steep hill. We didn't go to the Fabbrica as it is not open every day so best check. There is a slight shortcut down some steep, awkward and unlit steps with no handrail. We climbed it several time except when it was very wet. A taxi back costs over 10 Euro. So unless you have a car or find walking difficult it could be expensive. It is also advisable to book as the restaurants get full seemingly every day. The Pizzeria Antica Porta near the roundabout at the bottom of the hill will do their utmost to fit you in, is very friendly, good value and the food is excellent. The bar is small but stocks pretty much any drink you are likely to want and is available most of the day. I would definitely stay there again but with prior knowledge of the dining limitations would plan the day differently. We ate a larger meal at lunchtime and in the hotel restaurant in the evening. Except one day when I think the chef was unexpectedly off. I didn't check with reception as instructed and was disappointed. Not the fault of the hotel staff.

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