Villa La Vedetta is a chic boutique hotel housed in a former Patrician villa, with expansive views over Florence. Despite its tranquil setting, the hotel is just 500 metres from the Piazzale Michelangelo and three kilometres from the historic centre of Florence. The 26 air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated with individualised colour schemes, sumptuous fabrics and classical furnishings. All are equipped with satellite TV, CD players, high-speed Internet access, and marble and mosaic bathrooms with jetted tubs.
The Onice Restaurant serves contemporary Tuscan cuisine in a pristine white and ivory setting, and the bar features a honey-coloured onyx bar and caramel leather banquettes, where guests can sip cocktails to the subtle sounds of background lounge music. On warm days, guests can sun themselves on the hotel's vast terrace with its expansive views of Florence, enjoy a long drink under the gazebo bar and cool off in the azure, architectural swimming pool. Guests can also take a stroll in the park gardens which slope down towards the river Arno, and during winter months, browse the complimentary newspapers by the glow of the lobby fireplace. Room service is available round the clock; other facilities include concierge and business services, secure free parking and the use of a nearby fitness centre. The hotel is 500 metres from the San Miniato Church, three kilometres from the Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti and Belvedere Fort and six kilometres from the Certosa Monastery. Florence Airport is 10 kilometres from the hotel. Although the airport is very close to Florence, traffic can be bad in the city, so guests are advised to allow 20 minutes. The airport is a short taxi ride from town (costing ¤13-16) although it is also possible to take the half-hourly bus, which transports passengers to Santa Maria Novella Station, in the centre of Florence.