Escape to Paradise: Florence's Hidden Gem Relais Fiesole
Escape to Paradise: Relais Fiesole – My Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review. Forget the sterile prose and predictable platitudes. We're diving headfirst into the Relais Fiesole, Florence's "Hidden Gem," and I'm gonna tell you everything. From the glorious highs to the… well, let's just say the interesting bits. This is the real deal, warts and all.
First Impressions: "OMG, Is This Real Life?"
Seriously, the first thing that hit me? The view. The view. It's like someone Photoshopped a postcard and then, just to be extra, made it real. You're perched high above Florence, breathing in that Tuscan air, and you just… breathe. It’s that feeling of… aaaaah. You know? The kind that makes you forget you left a pile of laundry the size of Everest back home.
Accessibility & Getting There (The Hiccups and the Hand-Holding)
Okay, real talk: Accessibility is a mixed bag. The website claims facilities for disabled guests, which is great. But the reality requires a bit of… well, planning. Fiesole itself is hilly (duh, it's Tuscany!), and while the hotel does have an elevator (thank the heavens!), getting around within the property might require some assistance. I'd recommend calling ahead and being super clear about your needs. The staff is generally lovely and willing to help, but transparency is key.
Getting to the hotel? The airport transfer is your friend. Seriously, use it. Trying to navigate those narrow, winding Florentine roads after a flight is a recipe for disaster (and potentially a dent in your rental car). The valet parking is a lifesaver, too. Free parking is available, but good luck finding a space!
The Room: A Sanctuary… Mostly.
My room? Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. The "Escape to Paradise" tagline isn't just marketing fluff. It's a damn promise! The air conditioning (essential in the Florentine summer!) worked like a dream. The bed? Cloud-like. The bathrobes? So soft, I actually considered wearing one to breakfast (tempting, but I refrained… mostly).
They've really thought about the little things. Free bottled water, a coffee/tea maker, a mini-bar (stocked, and temptingly so), and a safe (because, you know, Florence and all that beautiful, shiny stuff). Wi-Fi was free and worked like a charm. Plus, you get a window that opens! Sounds basic, but sometimes you just need fresh air. They also offered a room sanitization opt-out available that made me feel safe.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Alright, let's talk food. Because, Italy. Duh. The breakfast buffet was a triumph. Think fresh pastries, mountains of fruit, perfectly cooked eggs, and the kind of coffee that makes you want to write poetry (or at least, send a very enthusiastic email). They had a Western breakfast, a Asian breakfast, and everything in between. The breakfast in room option is perfect for a lazy start.
The restaurants? They were delightful. The a la carte menu allowed for some amazing choices, and I loved the Asian cuisine in restaurant option. The poolside bar was a lifesaver. The salad in restaurant was fresh and delicious. The desserts in restaurant were heavenly. The alternative meal arrangement was great for my friend with dietary restrictions.
Now, the happy hour? That's where things got a little… interesting. One night, there was a slight mix-up with my Negroni order. Not a big deal, but it did take a little longer than expected. Hey, even paradises have their off days, right? But the staff handled it with grace, and the second Negroni was perfect. I mean, perfect.
Relaxation Station: Spa Day, Baby! (My Personal Heaven)
Okay, this is where the Relais Fiesole truly shines. The spa is… chef's kiss. I'm not even a huge spa person, but this place converted me. I had the massage, and it was, no joke, life-altering. Seriously, I walked in a stressed-out, deadline-ridden mess, and I floated out feeling like a newborn butterfly. The pool with view? Stunning. The sauna and steamroom were the perfect way to wind down. They also have a gym/fitness center, a foot bath and a body scrub! I spent a whole afternoon just flitting between the pool and the spa, completely blissed out. Pure, unadulterated bliss. This is the number one reason to book this hotel.
Things to Do (Beyond the Spa, Because, You Know, Florence)
Florence is at your doorstep. Seriously. The hotel can arrange taxis and the concierge is a goldmine of information. They can help you with tours, tickets, and all that jazz. But honestly? Sometimes, the best thing to do is just wander. Get lost in the cobblestone streets, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe pop into a little coffee shop.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Post-Pandemic Life)
They take this seriously. There are CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms and Security [24-hour]. They use Anti-viral cleaning products and have Daily disinfection in common areas. They have Hand sanitizer all over the place, Individually-wrapped food options and the staff are Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe and protected.
The Quirks & the Imperfections (Because We're Human)
Okay, no place is perfect. There were a few minor things. The elevator is a little slow. The soundproofing in my room could have been a little better. But honestly? These are small potatoes. The overall experience was so overwhelmingly positive that I barely noticed.
Services and Conveniences (The Practical Stuff)
They have a concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, room service [24-hour], invoice provided, safety deposit boxes and Wi-Fi for special events. The front desk [24-hour] is super helpful.
For the Kids (Family Fun)
They are Family/child friendly with Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Getting Around (The Logistics)
- Airport transfer
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously. Book It.
Look, if you want a flawless, cookie-cutter hotel experience, maybe this isn't for you. But if you're looking for a place that's genuinely charming, with a heart and soul, and views that will knock your socks off, then the Relais Fiesole is your jam. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and rediscover your inner bliss. It's a place that feels like a secret, a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered.
Here's the Deal: Book Now and Escape to Paradise (and Get a Free Massage!)
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My Offer to you:
- Book your stay at the Relais Fiesole now and receive a complimentary 30-minute massage! (Because, trust me, you need it).
- Plus, get a complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival. (Because, you deserve it).
- Use the code "FLORENCEBLISS" when booking to redeem this offer. Valid for stays booked before [Date]
- This offer is not valid for stays from [date] to [date], as this is peak season.
Don't wait. Your escape to paradise awaits! Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it. And tell them I sent you (they probably won't remember, but hey, worth a shot!).
Escape to Paradise: Ubatuba's Pouso54 Hotel & Pousada Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the messy, imperfect, and utterly real diary of my (attempted) zen escape to Florence Country Relais in Fiesole. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival & That Damned Hill
- 14:00 - Arrive in Florence, Suffer Airport Rituals: Okay, first hurdle: getting OUT of the Florence airport. Seriously, why does every airport make you feel like you're navigating a bureaucratic labyrinth designed by the Minotaur? Found my rental car (a tiny Fiat, naturally), which I christened "Rusty" because, well, it looked like it had seen better days.
- 15:00 - GPS Betrayal & the Quest for Fiesole: The GPS. Oh, the GPS. It promised a scenic route to the Relais. It delivered a white-knuckle climb up a hill that felt like it was aiming for the stratosphere. Rusty and I nearly died. Twice. I swear, at one point I saw a sign that said "Fiesole: Population - 500, Heart Attacks - 2000."
- 16:00 - Check-in & Initial "Wow": Finally, the Relais. And, wow. Picture this: rolling Tuscan hills, olive groves, a sun-drenched villa that looks straight out of a movie. I practically skipped to the reception. The staff were lovely, all smiles and Italian charm. Got my room – a charming little suite with a balcony. Felt like I’d actually arrived.
- 17:00 - Balcony Bliss & Wine's Embrace: Sat on that balcony, a glass of local Chianti in hand. The view? Staggering. The wine? Even more so. I may have started weeping happy tears. Don't judge me, I was tired. And the wine was good. Really good.
- 18:00 - The Pool Debacle: Okay, so, remember that "zen escape" thing? Yeah, that took a hit. I decided to be all "sophisticated traveler" and try the pool. Bad idea. First, I tripped on the cobblestones. Then, I realized my bikini was, shall we say, a bit too revealing. The elegant Italian couple next to me gave me a look that said, "Honey, no." I retreated, defeated, and swore off all things pool-related.
- 19:00 - Dinner & Pasta Panic: Dinner at the Relais' restaurant was supposed to be a culinary masterpiece. It was… mostly. The pasta, though? Oh, the pasta. I ordered the pappardelle al ragu. It was amazing. I ate so much I nearly burst. Then, I panicked, thinking I'd somehow managed to become a pasta-shaped blob. I waddled back to my room, vowing to start my "healthy eating" regime… tomorrow.
Day 2: Art, Errands, and Emotional Meltdown (Part 1)
- 09:00 - Breakfast & the "Perfect" Cappuccino: Breakfast was a delight. Fresh fruit, pastries, and a cappuccino that was, genuinely, perfection. I felt like a new woman. Briefly.
- 10:00 - Florence's Uffizi Gallery - The "Oh My God, So Much Art" Experience: The Uffizi. The sheer volume of art is overwhelming. I'm talking, like, brain-exploding levels of art. I spent hours wandering, getting lost, and occasionally staring at a painting and thinking, "Huh. That's nice." Then, I saw Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." And, BAM. I was a sobbing mess. The beauty, the grace, the sheer humanity of it all just hit me right in the feels. I leaned against a wall, trying to compose myself, and probably looked like a crazy person.
- 12:00 - The Market of San Lorenzo & the Shopping Frenzy: Lunchtime. I decided to be "local" and hit the San Lorenzo market. The smells, the colors, the noise… it was a sensory overload. I also got swept up in a shopping frenzy. Bought a leather jacket (too small), a scarf (too bright), and a ceramic plate with a slightly wonky design. Regrets? Maybe. But the plate is charming, in a slightly-off-kilter way.
- 13:00 - Lunch, the Wrong Sandwich, and the Existential Dread: Found a tiny trattoria for lunch. Ordered a panini. Got a panini, but it was filled with something that tasted suspiciously like pickled onions and despair. I ate it anyway, because I'm a glutton for punishment. Followed this up with a sudden wave of existential dread. What was I doing with my life? Why was I here? Was this the best panini I'd ever had? (It wasn't).
- 14:00 - Return to the Relais & the Nap of Doom: Back to the Relais for a nap. A nap that turned into a three-hour coma. Woke up feeling even more disoriented.
Day 3: Fiesole, Food, and the Inevitable Breakdown (Part 2)
- 10:00 - Fiesole, Archaeological Park, and the "Ancient Civilization" Vibe: Finally made it to the actual town of Fiesole! Explored the Roman amphitheater. Tried to imagine gladiators and dramatic plays. Failed. Mostly just thought about how hot it was.
- 11:00 - Fiesole, Church & the "Quiet Contemplation" Ruse: Walked around the church. It was peaceful. For about five minutes. Then, my brain started to wander. I thought about grocery shopping, laundry, and all the things I had to do when I returned home. The serenity vanished.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a View & the Great Pasta Regret: Found a restaurant with a stunning view of Florence. Ordered pasta. Again. This time, it was a ribollita, a hearty Tuscan soup. Delicious. But then, a wave of guilt washed over me. I'd eaten so much pasta. I was going to turn into a pasta-shaped blob. Again.
- 13:00 - Hike Attempt & the "I Am Not a Mountain Goat" Realization: I attempted a hike. A gentle hike. It was supposed to be "easy". It wasn't. I got lost, stumbled over rocks, and nearly fell into a ravine. Decided I am, in fact, not a mountain goat.
- 15:00 - Back to the Relais & the Second Wine Therapy Session: Back to the balcony. More wine. Lots more wine. The view was still spectacular. The world was still beautiful. My anxieties, however, were not.
- 17:00 - Dinner & the Final Pasta Confession: Dinner at the Relais. Again. Pasta. Again. I ordered the cacio e pepe. It was the best pasta I've ever had. I ate it with unapologetic gusto.
- 19:00 - Packing & the "Goodbye, Florence" Tears: Packing. Trying to remember to take everything. Feeling sad. This was ending. Back to real life. Tears. Lots of tears.
Day 4: Departure & The "See You Later, Italy" Promise
- 09:00 - Last Breakfast & the "I Will Be Back" Vow: One last perfect cappuccino. One last pastry. One last look at the view. I promised myself I would be back.
- 10:00 - Drive Back to Florence & "Rusty's" Farewell: Said goodbye to Rusty the Fiat. Hope she finds a good home.
- 11:00 - Airport Chaos & the "I'm Already Planning My Return" Dream: Navigating the airport. The usual stress. But this time, I was already dreaming of my next trip.
- 12:00 - Departure: Leaving Florence. Sad, but also a little bit lighter. Maybe, just maybe, I had managed to find a little bit of peace. Or at least, a really good pasta.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly human Florentine adventure. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And that's what matters, right? Now, where's the pasta?
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Escape to Paradise: Florence's Hidden Gem Relais Fiesole - Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill the beans. Is Relais Fiesole *really* as dreamy as the photos? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, let's get real. The photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Well... it's complicated. See, the *bones* are stunning. That view? Devine, absolutely. You're practically levitating above Florence. That part? 100% true. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. One morning, I swear, I woke up and there was this tiny, *tiny* spider in my room. I'm talking, like, a speck of dust with legs. I nearly lost it. It wasn't a big deal, I squashed it, but it was a stark reminder that you *are* in the Tuscan countryside. Not a sterile hotel bubble.
And the breakfast? Okay, the croissants were amazing. Flaky, buttery perfection. But the coffee? My god, it was like they were trying to boil the despair out of the beans. Honestly, I ended up sneaking down to a little cafe in Fiesole for my caffeine fix most mornings. So, dreamy? Parts of it. Flawless? Nah. But the flaws? They add character. Adds to the imperfection. It’s the kind of place that gives you stories to tell.
What's the deal with the pool? Because a pool is *crucial* for a relaxing getaway.
The pool... ah, the pool. Now, *that* is a thing of beauty. Infinity edge, overlooking the whole of Florence. You feel like you're swimming in the clouds. Except... and this is a big "except"... sometimes it's *packed*. Like, sardines in a can. I went one afternoon and it was just... bodies. Sunbeds crammed together. Kids splashing. The idyllic serenity I'd envisioned? Gone. Poof. Vanished.
My advice? Go early. Like, sunrise early. Grab a sunbed, claim your territory, and soak it all in before the masses descend. Alternatively, embrace the chaos. Make friends. Share sunscreen. Consider it a social experiment. I had a lovely chat with a woman from Minnesota about the best place to buy leather goods. It was a memorable experience. And the pool itself? Still gorgeous. Just be prepared for the human element. It's a reminder that we're all just trying to chill, basically.
Fiesole itself – is it worth the trip *up* the hill? Or should I just stick to the city centre?
Oh, absolutely, Fiesole is worth it. Absolutely. Okay, the bus ride up is a bit... well, let's just say Florentine driving is an experience. Hold on tight. But once you're there? Bliss. It's like stepping back in time. Cobblestone streets, charming little shops, gelato shops galore (essential!). You escape the frenetic energy of Florence. It's quieter, more relaxed. And the views? Even better than from the Relais, arguably. I was walking around and I got lost and ended up in this tiny little park, and just sat on a bench and stared out over the city. It was just... perfect. And the food! Oh, the food. I had the best pasta of my life at this little trattoria. I'm still dreaming about it. So, yes, get up the hill. You won't regret it. Just pack some comfortable shoes. And maybe a Dramamine.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they as luxurious as they look, or are we talking slightly-aged-Italian-charm-with-questionable-plumbing?
Okay, let's delve into the rooms, shall we? Because this is where things get a little... interesting. "Luxurious" is a strong word. "Charming," definitely. "Potentially-requiring-a-call-to-maintenance-at-some-point," also accurate. My room? Beautiful. Seriously, the view from my balcony was enough to make me weep with joy. But the shower? Well, it had a mind of its own. Sometimes it would blast you with scalding water. Other times, it would trickle. And then there was the mysterious leak that appeared under the sink one evening.
Honestly, it was part of the experience. It's not a brand-new, clinical hotel. It's a historic building, with all the quirks that come with it. Embrace the imperfections. Pack a sense of humor. And maybe learn a few basic Italian phrases to explain your plumbing woes. My bathroom situation was a bit of a comedy of errors. But the staff were lovely, and eventually, everything got sorted. It's all part of the adventure, right? Embrace it. It’s Italy! Things are always a little... *different*.
Is the Relais Fiesole good for couples, families, or a solo traveler like myself?
Okay, the million-dollar question: who is this place *for*? Honestly, it's pretty versatile. Couples? Romantic, absolutely. Imagine sunsets, glasses of wine, hand-holding on the balcony. Perfect. Families? Potentially. The pool is a big draw, and there's enough space for kids to run around. But be aware, it's not a "kid-centric" resort. It's more for quiet enjoyment.
Solo travelers? Yes! I went solo. And it was glorious. I had my own space, my own time to wander, and the freedom to do whatever I wanted. I spent hours reading by the pool, exploring Fiesole, and just generally enjoying my own company. Plus, the staff were incredibly friendly, which made it easy to feel comfortable. But, and this is a big but, if you're the type of person who gets lonely easily, it might not be the best fit. It's a place for introspection and enjoying solitude. So, consider your personality. But for me? It was perfect. Utterly perfect.
Any tips for saving money while staying at the Relais? (Because, let's face it, Italy isn't cheap.)
Alright, let's talk budget. Because, yes, Italy can be expensive. The Relais, while worth it, isn't exactly budget-friendly. My best tip? Skip the in-house dining for most meals. The breakfast is included, which is a bonus. But the dinner menu? Pricey. Instead, explore the local restaurants in Fiesole and Florence. The food is just as good, and often much cheaper. I found this tiny place in Fiesole that did the most amazing pizza. It was heaven.
Also, consider taking the bus or train into Florence instead of relying on taxis. Taxis add up quickly. And pack your own snacks and drinks. The mini-bar is tempting, but it's also a wallet-drainer. Little things add up. Be smart about it. And don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. The staff are usually happy to point you in the direction of more affordable options. It's all about balance, right? Splurge on the experience, save where you can. And enjoy every minute of it.
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