Hotel Mulino di Firenze, WorldHotels Crafted

We went to the spa twice, booking an hour with the steam room and sauna to ourselves, which was lovely. I’m not sure how that works during busy periods. The outdoor pool was still open and pleasant at the end of the season, though the water was fresh and cold, and there was room to swim lengths. We also ate at the restaurant one evening. The service was faultless, the menu good, and the wine reasonably priced. The hotel has a pleasant scent and an old Italian feel, more like a four-star place. Our Superior double room was nice but not especially spacious. Service was excellent throughout our three-night stay toward the end of October. We took a star off because the room was chilly at night and there was no way to switch on the air conditioning. Breakfast cost 16 euros each, and having to pay another 6 Euros for an omelette felt mean. The hotel is a few miles outside Florence, with a bookable shuttle for E2.50 each per trip. Also, expect a City Tax of E7 per person per night on the bill.

The property is beautiful and the location is amazing. We picked it after friends stayed here and seeing how lovely it looked. But we were disappointed to learn the shuttle we’d been told would take us to the bus wasn’t running. The outdoor lounge chairs had also been put away for the season because it was “too cold for swimming,” so we couldn’t sit out and enjoy the views.

There’s good hiking up the hill from the hotel and lovely walks along the Arno. The place has loads of charm, and the staff and spa were amazing. It sits away from the city center bustle on the riverbank, and the shuttle into Florence is easy to use.

The rooms have an amazing, authentic Italian feel, and ours were cleaned perfectly every day. We’ve been here five days now and it’s been a fantastic experience. There’s underground parking, which is a huge plus, and the laundry service is great. The hotel also has a bar, a great pool deck, an amazing restaurant, and a beautiful private spa. Lovely views too, and it feels like the perfect couples getaway. We’ll be back!