Montebello Splendid
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 14, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy
Why We Like It
Florence is known for their 500-year-old converted hotels, but sometimes, it’s nice to luxuriate in something more traditional. At Montebello Splendid, you get a little of both with modern rooms and amenities inside a former 19th-Century villa. Although it’s a bit of a trek to attractions, shops, and restaurants, it’s only a 10-20-minute trek which can be a good excuse to work off those pasta meals. Overall, the hotel has a high level of service and caters well to families who like being a little outside the main tourists hubs.
Fodor's Expert Review
Montebello Splendid has the feel of a more traditional hotel in a sea of Renaissance palaces that have been converted to boutiques. Of course, you’re still in Florence and the building here was a former villa from the 19th Century. Once inside the fenced-in confines, guests are treated to a tranquil courtyard which guides them into the marble-laden hotel with a high level of service and a bevy of amenities that appeals to families and business travelers alike.
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Room
There is a wide range of room categories, but typically you’ll find hardwood floors or navy carpets, flat screen TVs, and hues of blues, greens, and yellows throughout. In deluxe rooms and higher, you’ll get free tea and coffee, and in some of the suites, you’ll be treated to Jacuzzi tubs.
Tip If you’re traveling with your family, check out the family rooms, which have two levels to separate you from your kids without having to book separate rooms.
Bathroom
Marble lines the walls of the bathrooms that come with bidets and Dr. Vranjes bath products.
Lobby
Walking past the reception area is a lush lounge with mosaic tiled floors, leather lounge chairs, and comfy couches. The living room space also has large windows that look out onto the hotel’s courtyard.
Gym
A medium-sized gym has a bit of a dungeon-esque feel with no windows and arched brick ceilings. Inside are Technogym cardio machines and free weights for a full workout.
Dining
Capriccio is the hotel’s restaurant open for lunch and dinner and features Italian cuisine that can be enjoyed both inside on rainy days and outside on the courtyard on warm summer nights.
Tip On your first day at the hotel, you can get 25% off your meal here. Ask at reception for a reservation.
Drinking
The Portico Garden Bar has an old-school appeal with its red marble floors and oak accents. Come here for a pre-dinner drink as their generous happy hour has two-for-one specials from 5:30-7:30 pm.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is on the western side of the city center in a quiet neighborhood away from the masses of tourists. The downside is that walking to most attractions is a bit longer – 10-20-minute range – but still doable. Montebello Splendid is also close to the train station if you want to make any day trips outside the city.
Restaurants
Just across the street from the hotel is Paperorosso (1-minute walk) which dishes out cheap pizzas and savory pastas. For a super traditional Tuscan spot, check out Il Profeta (5-minute walk), a small trattoria with a warm and boisterous staff.
Bars
There aren’t a lot of good bar options in the immediate vicinity, but if you head towards the city center, you should try SE-STO on Arno (7-minute walk), a stunning rooftop cocktail and wine spot on the top of the Westin Excelsior. A little further east is Harry’s Bar (9-minute walk), which is known for the invention of the Bellini cocktail (at the Venice incarnation).
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