Pensione Bencistà

This place came highly recommended to us by someone who stays here regularly. This is a historic (1200 years old), family run hotel located above the City of Florence. The vista is amazing. Keeping in mind how old it is, we felt it is not aging gracefully, however, we appreciated the antique furniture, the bathrooms were very nice and beds comfortable. Recommend you contact them directly by email to ensure they put you in a room with a view of Florence. We requested an upgrade upon arrival because they put us in a room looking straight into a wall. At first they were going to charge us the difference in rate we paid (much discounted thanks to Hotels.com rate guarantee) and their full, posted rate - essentially doubling the rate. We were booked for 4 days here and ready to move elsewhere, the Manager negotiated a much fairer rate for the upgrade. We felt quite isolated here, 35 Euro taxi ride each way to Florence, however, a bus is close by - be aware the bus stop is uphill, very steep, narrow roadway difficult for anyone with mobility issues. We enjoy dining experiences. The hotel offers a set menu dinner for 20 Euros and is fine, we ate there two nights. We enjoyed our stay here but next time in Florence we will stay in the city, closer to museums and all the restaurants Florence has to offer.

Wonderful location. Wonderful food. Excellent staff.

Friendly family run historic pensione full of character with stunning views whichever way you look. Like stepping back in time, don't go here if you want a tv in your room-or even a tv lounge. There are comfortable lounges though with the odd board game and books to read-and of course the views. A dinner bell rings at 7.30pm, we had one evening meal-very little choice but the food was good and fresh. Likewise breakfast is a continental buffet, most people should find something they like. We loved staying here.

Our stay here was very special. The owners treat you like family, always smiling and accommodating. The hotel goes way back in history, and has been nicely renovated. Our room had a gorgeous view out to a hillside with a Tuscan villa and olive grove. And our dinner there was really special, with a phenomenal view of Florence and an orange sunset, several courses.

My daughter and I spent a relaxing week at this lovely hotel. Situated close to the town of Fiesole it is ideally placed to visit Florence, but be outside the city in Tuscan countryside. Travel to Florence is easy by a frequent bus, which is easy to use, and clean and reliable. The hotel is is the hills above the city of Florence, and the views from the hotel overlooking the city are quite stunning. The sun terrace and outside restaurant area have this view, as do some hotel rooms.