With more art per square foot than anywhere else in the world, Florence is my favorite city in Italy and a must-visit destination for any would-be aesthete. And while there’s certainly no shortage of hotels, in this article I’m going to explain to you why renting a villa in Florence is the ultimate way to experience this Renaissance city in a totally unique way, as well as give you some tips and tricks on choosing the perfect Florence villa for you and your group.
Advantages of Renting a Villa in Florence
To start, some of the advantages of renting a villa in Florence versus booking a hotel room include:
More Room
Villas are known for their space, privacy, and unique charm, and nowhere is this truer than in Florence. While most hotels in Florence tend to be pretty cramped, especially compared to American standards, villas in Florence are usually located in the countryside and are much more open and spacious.
The Tuscan Countryside
To that end, the biggest difference between a hotel and a villa in Florence is that while hotels are concentrated around the city’s historic zone, Florence villas are usually located outside of the city.
Popular areas for Florence villas include the Chianti winemaking region just south of Florence; Val d’Elsa and its medieval towns to the southwest; Val d’Orcia and its verdant hills to the southeast; and Mugello, a more mountainous region to the northeast.
It’s here that the city’s patricians – including the famed Medici family – built their countryside villas to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the rolling hills and tranquil beauty of Tuscany. Many of the best Florence villas date back to that period and have maintained this rich tradition to this day.
A More Authentic Experience
While Florence’s historic center is brimming with culture, it can also be very touristy. Villas, on the other hand, are usually located by small towns that, while replete with their own history and culture, offer a more authentic taste of Tuscan life and make for a more relaxing and authentic retreat.
Like these towns, Florence villas tend to have a unique culture and history as well. They’ve often been passed down across generations, with the same family acting as stewards of everything from the architecture to the facade to the garden to the heirloom art.
What to Consider When Renting a Villa in Florence
Budget
Florence’s villas can be found in a wide variety of price ranges, depending on factors like the location of the villa and its amenities, history, and the amount of art within. As a result, budgets can vary from a few hundred euros per night to several thousand.
What’s important to look at, though, is the cost per person, which is where you start to see the value of Florence villas.
Consider, for example, a villa like Morgana, in Val d’Orcia. It’s an authentic, spacious, renovated farmhouse villa that makes a great stay for up to 18 guests. It’s €2,143/night in peak season, but that only comes out to €119 per person! Good luck finding a hotel room for that price that offers a similar level of comfort.
Transportation
If you’re staying in a villa outside the city, you’ll need to arrange transportation to visit the city. The easiest way is to hire a private driver. Your Rental Escapes concierge can assist you with that, including drivers that can give you plenty of local knowledge along the way to the city center.
Many guests also choose to rent a car. Driving around the Tuscan countryside can be an experience unto itself, and a car gives you the freedom to stop and explore the little towns around Florence at your leisure.
If you’re driving into Florence, though, do be aware that the historic center is part of the Limited Traffic Access Zone (ZTL), meaning you most likely won’t be authorized to enter on most days (except Sundays). Thankfully, there are a number of parking lots outside the ZTL where you can park your car, and from there it’s just a quick bus, train, taxi, or rideshare to the historic center.
Amenities
Florence villa rentals vary in terms of the amenities they offer. Some things to look out for include:
Full Staff
Most villas have a staff of their own, which usually includes at least housekeepers, gardeners, and pool maintenance. Chef service is usually either included or available as an option. If you do have chef service, then your concierge can arrange menu options with you beforehand and can also assist with pre-stocking the villa with your favorite foods and drinks.
Air Conditioning
Not all Florence villas will have central air conditioning, especially older farmhouses made of stone. That said, the stone keeps the warm air out in the summer, and there is usually air conditioning in each of the bedrooms and in the main living areas. Check with your reservations expert if you want to be sure.
Private Pool
With all that beautiful countryside around you, you’ll want to spend a lot of time by the pool. Most villas near Florence have large private pools that are also often heated, though sometimes at an additional charge.
Full Kitchen
Florence villas tend to have traditional Tuscan kitchens. If the villa comes with chef service, though, there is a chance the kitchen may be for staff only, so double-check.
Wi-Fi
Lastly, do be aware that, because of their stone construction, Wi-Fi may not be available across the whole of some villas. That said, it should be strong in the communal areas, and villas with offices or libraries usually have the option of a wired connection as well.
How to Book a Villa in Florence
Booking a villa in Florence is easy with Rental Escapes. First, choose your approximate travel dates and party size. You’ll also want to look at the ages of the guests in your party – because they have antiques, some Florence villas have age restrictions in place.
Once you have that information, your Rental Escapes reservations agent can present you with the best options for your group. Confirming the booking will require sending over a deposit. A valid credit card will also be required for a security deposit, repayable when you return (assuming there are no damages).
Once your villa’s confirmed, your concierge gets in touch and starts planning the fun stuff! Airport transfers, excursions, tours, special requests, private chef service – no request is too big or too small.
Top Villas for Rent in Florence
Best High-End Villa in Florence
Machiavelli
€14,400/night
10 Bedrooms, sleeps 20
Easily one of the most spectacular villas in Florence, Machiavelli dates back to the 15th century, and its former owners include the Machiavelli family and the winemaking Mazzei family. It’s suitably ornate throughout and perfectly situated within the Chianti Classico region by the town of Sant’Andrea in Percussina, where Machiavelli wrote The Prince. Amenities here include a full staff, a sauna, a Turkish bath, an indoor pool, a gym, a grand piano salon, and if needed, a helipad. A perfect choice if you want to live like a modern Medici.
Best Mid-Range Villa in Florence
Villa Leila
€2,490-€4,939/night
8 bedrooms, sleeps 16
Also in the Chianti hills, you’ll find Villa Leila – a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. It’s an excellent choice for families, with a variety of bedroom layouts and a ton of fun extras like a large heated pool, a bocce ball court, a tennis court, a futsal field, and more. Guests also love the views out over the countryside. It makes for a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance that is quintessentially Tuscan.
Best Luxury Apartment Rental in Florence
Medea
€1,224-€1,841/night
5 bedrooms, sleeps 8.
If you’re set on staying within the city of Florence, then a luxury apartment rental can offer many of the same benefits as a villa, especially when it comes to delivering an authentic, unique experience. Medea is a perfect example. Located on the southern side of the Arno River, where locals flock to for its markets and nightlife, Medea features an eclectic décor, rich materials, and beautiful views of Florence by the riverside. And with 5 bedrooms, it offers much more room than your average hotel.
Some Additional Tips for Visiting Florence
- Bring comfortable shoes to walk around the historic center
- Book your museum reservations online to avoid long lines
- Learn a few basic lines in Italian
- Shop for leather, jewelry, and ceramics
- Eat like a local
Let Rental Escape Help
Hopefully, these tips gave you a better idea of how to go about renting a villa in Florence. If you’re looking to experience this magical part of Italy, contact Rental Escapes today and one of our villa specialists will be happy to present you with all the best available options for your dates. From there, your concierge can help you plan the ultimate Florence holiday!
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