Exhausted from my overnight flight to Rome from the USA, and then my train ride to Florence, I was bound and determined to make it to my Firenze hotel to find my suite with a king-sized bed soon. It was not exactly in the center of Florence, but in a neighborhood on a hill overlooking Florence known as Fiesole. Fiesole is a hillside summer retreat neighborhood of wealthy Florentine families.
Luxury Firenze Hotel: IL Salviatino
Florence, Italy
I just happened to be staying at the grande dame of the neighborhood – the Il Salviatino! Oh, and by the way, you can go see the Duomo Florence as soon as you get your things packed. Soon you can be out the door. Then head on over to the Uffizi Gallery for a wild ride of Florence’s most visited museum. You will be visiting the 12th century to the 17th century, including Botticelli’s famed “Birth of Venus“.
Once here…
This 45-room grand villa from the 15th century is an impressive masterpiece with a spectacular view of the town below. Getting to my hotel Firenze – Il Salviatino was not hard, it just took me a while to get here!
Getting To The Luxury Firenze Hotel: Il Salviatino
Via The Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station
There was a long queue at the taxi line in Florence at the train station Firenze Santa Maria Novella when I arrived. I waited for almost 15 minutes until it was my turn to catch the next cab (No Uber here!). I walked up to the next taxi driver and told him my destination of Il Salviatino when I was told, “It is not possible!” Looking back through my journeys around Italy that month, I had to laugh about the times I have been told these simple four words in English!
“It is not possible!” He said.
“Everything is possible!” I said.
My friend and Italy expert Margie Miklas and I laughed a few times about this phrase during our romp throughout Italy!
The Luxury Firenze Hotel Il Salviatino is up in the Hills!
The cab driver looked around until he found another taxi driver to take me to where I wanted to go. I suspect it was “not possible” because I was not going towards the touristy parts of town. Instead, my ride was up into the hills overlooking Florence. He probably did not want to take me because he might not get a cab ride fare back and thus would be out of his needed cab fare money for the day!
Had I done a bit of homework, I would have known that Il Salviatino could have sent someone to pick me up with their concierge service, but when you travel like I do to 47 countries in 2016 and take a lot of travel photos, sometimes you don’t have the time to do a lot of the detailed research beforehand! But now you luxury travelers can learn from my mistakes!
At only 15 minutes away from the city center of Florence, the Hotel Il Salviatino is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Florence. And so off we went through the winding hills with Florence getting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror as we climbed the hill to the grand estate. Once on the vast grounds, the white plaster façade of the building and main staircase entrance was quite spectacular.
I actually loved the moment that I got to peek into my deliciously decorated red and gold room with marble floors and frescoed ceilings. My oversized television that turned into a mirror when it was not on with a flashing note welcoming me to Florence was very chic!
Luxury Firenze Hotel: Il Salviatino – Florence, Italy
This medieval country house estate dates back to the 15th century and has been beautifully restored since its original owners built it in 1427. It is located hillside among parks and a vast outdoors surrounding, so there is a feeling of being in the countryside, even though Florence with its busy cobblestone streets down below the hill is close by.
At night, the staff would bring out a vast number of candles and outdoor lanterns to help decorate the luscious estate and give it that gorgeous nighttime glow. The entire estate is filled with 19th-century frescoes and antique furnishings and is candy for your eyes.
After a good rest, I was ready to explore the grounds and have dinner at its wonderful restaurant “Il Grappolo”, which has a fabulous outdoor setting overlooking Florence. I enjoyed “Grigliata di crostacei” (grilled shellfish – half lobster, shrimp, and red prawns), a glass of Prosecco, and a panoramic view on my first night in Florence!
Disclosure: The writer believes in full disclosure and wanted to let you know that this trip was provided by IL Salviatino. As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation.
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My Teen Guide
Monday 17th of July 2017
If I were to choose any place on the planet to relocate in, it would be Italy hands down. It seems that the world slows down when you are in Italy, especially in the countryside. Thank you for the virtual tour. I wish I could just teleport myself there right now.
Cacinda Maloney
Friday 21st of July 2017
Me too!
Crystal VanTassel-Lopez
Monday 10th of July 2017
Oh wow!! I have two friends from church who just spent 3 weeks in Italy. Their photos, like yours, have been mesmerizing!!
That hotel looks lovely, and I am sure after an overnight flight like that you were dreaming of your bed. I think they flew from Dallas to New York and then from there to Italy. I can't imagine the jet lag.
How absolutely gorgeous that must have been at night when they lit up the state with candles and lanterns. What a stunning way to spend your evening. What a lovely stay this must have been.
And lobster and shrimp look delish. The food there just seems so mouthwatering.
Cacinda Maloney
Monday 10th of July 2017
Yes, Italy is fantastic!
Bites Foodies
Monday 10th of July 2017
I've been to Florence three times, all of which was when I was younger and traveling through Europe. I cannot wait to go back now as an adult, a food lover, and an avid amateur photographer so I can see it in a different persepective!
Cacinda Maloney
Monday 10th of July 2017
Yes, you must return soon!
adriana
Saturday 8th of July 2017
This hotel is SO beautiful! I love Florence, it's one of my favorite cities in Italy! There's so much to do and see - not to mention the history! I love your pictures, they're great! I can't wait to get back to Florence!
Cacinda Maloney
Sunday 9th of July 2017
Yes, the hotel is gorgeous and a great place to stay!
Ali Rost
Saturday 8th of July 2017
My goodness, the Firenze Hotel looks like a magical place to stay. Everything looks so inviting, from the views to the room, and the tasty food. I especially love what they did at night with all of the lights to make everything so cozy. We have lights on our patio and it's my favorite place to be after dark. Thanks for bringing such a beautiful place to your readers! xxx
Cacinda Maloney
Sunday 9th of July 2017
Glad you enjoyed it, now go to Florence and stay there to experience it for yourself!