The Westin Excelsior, FlorencevsVilla San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence
Both properties are recommended by expert writers. On balance, The Westin Excelsior Florence is preferred by most professionals compared to Belmond Villa San Michele. The Westin Excelsior Florence ranks #10 in Florence with positive reviews from 8 publications including Michelin Guide, Jetsetter and Condé Nast Traveler.
The Westin Excelsior, Florence Show All Reviews
Piazza Ognissanti 3, 50123 Florence
From $357/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Michelin Guide
"History and tradition combine with more modern accessories for an exclusive aristocratic stay."
Concierge
"The Excelsior vies with the Grand Hotel, its neighbor across the square, for the title of Grande Dame of the Florentine accommodation scene."
Travel + Leisure
"A 300-label wine cellar and a new Mediterranean rooftop restaurant, plus 171 rooms, in a 15-century palace near the Ponte Vecchio." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The Excelsior excels with its marble floors and columns, grand staircases, stained-glass windows, statues and period paintings."
Oyster
Luxury
"This converted 12th-century mansion in a beautiful square on the banks the River Arno is one of the more historic hotels in the center of Florence." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
88.7
"Just steps from the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, this "little gem within walking distance of everything you want to see in Florence" has "the perfect location."" Full review
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Ask for a room with Arno River views.
Jetsetter
"Palatial 13th-century Florentine building-turned-hotel, with topnotch service and rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of the city." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Opulent interiors, prime position on the north bank of the Arno, and good services and facilities make it a valid option for both leisure and business travellers." Full review
Afar Magazine
"This idyllic retreat on the Arno River delivers stunning views, richly decorated rooms, exceptional service, and seven centuries of history.By
Westin AFAR." Full review
U.S. News & World Report
10.0
"Lavishly decorated in the Florentine style of the Renaissance period, has 171 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness center, three restaurants, a bar and elegant meeting spaces." Full review
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To avoid this issue, consider reserving a table in advance.
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence
Via Doccia 4, 50014 Fiesole
From $534/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Michelin Guide
"Relax in the tranquil grounds of this elegant 15C building and enjoy the superb views of the city below."
Fodor's
"The cypress-lined driveway provides an elegant preamble to this incredibly gorgeous (and very expensive) hotel nestled in the hills of Fiesole." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Once a monastery, the design of this hotel’s façade is attributed to Michelangelo."
Condé Nast Traveler
""You cannot beat the ambience" at this former monastery on a cliffside amid trees and terraced gardens just outside Florence." Full review
Afar Magazine
"The hotel’s expansive rooms are already decked out in the most tasteful, almost understated interpretation of Renaissance luxury." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"From its hillside perch just below the village of Fiesole, a northern suburb of Florence, the Villa San Michele overlooks the wide sprawl of the city." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"Villa San Michele — one of Florence’s most expensive hotels — is housed in an ancient former monastery, and combines Renaissance atmosphere with 21st-century comforts galore." Full review
Hideaway Report
96.0
"Sumptuously restored hilltop hotel (15 minutes by shuttle from city center) housed by a 15th-century Franciscan monastery commanding a glorious panoramic view of Florence." Full review
Independent
"This luxury hotel really knows how to look after its guests. It combines a historical atmosphere with 21st-century comforts; think rooms with rich fabrics and marble bathrooms."
Best hotels in Florence 2023: Where to stay for culture and comfort
February 17, 2023
Michelin Guide
"Carved chests, austerely shaped chairs, glazed terracotta floors. None of that clutter that you find in your run-of-the-mill 18th-century palace hotel. The decor, in fact, almost looks minimalist." Full review
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Please note: Hotel Villa San Michele is a seasonal property open annually from the end of March through November.