Villa Mangiacane

Villa Mangiacane - Reviews

23 May 2011

Top 3 reasons to stay at the hotel:

1. Villa Mangiacane is an amazing property. It offers views of Florence, acres of grounds, two pools, a fantastic terrace in the huge Villa once frequented by the Machiavelli family and Michaelangelo, and rooms of unrivalled, quixotic luxury. Brochure images had led us to suspect that this property might be old fashioned and formal – but nothing could be further from the truth as it was hip and relaxed.

2. To go further, Villa Mangiacane is simply preposterous. From the statutes of dogs standing guard over the gates to the pictures of naked models in our bedroom, this property lifts you from the mundane to the surreal. My dull, clunking diesel hired car could park on the same territory as the French registered helicopter. I could bathe in the in-room double sunken bath or shower in a walk- in shower that could house a couple of old UK phone boxes. Or chose from one of the two relaxing outdoor pools – one sheltered and secluded beneath the trees and the other in the blazing glare of the Tuscan sun. I could wander in the grounds past the huge variety of African sculptures.

3. The level of service was virtually unblemished. The assistance offered in using the internet to print was kind and considerate, especially as I am an IT idiot. The hotel owner hails from South Africa, and he came not only with plenty of cash but with some of his countrymen. It was incongruous and somewhat romantic to have room service and room servicing charmingly carried out in the depths of Italy by staff who clearly came from the rainbow nation. All the staff encountered were friendly, helpful and highly competent.

19 April 2010

Top 3 reasons to stay at the hotel:

1. The Location. Absolutely stunning. A renaissance villa on the tuscan countryside.

2. A summer destination. 2 beautiful pools and dream like gardens. Many rooms have a private garden with pool. A rare find in Italy. The spa facilities are nice.

3. Excellent food mixing traditional Italian and international cuisine. A private cellar and the wine collection should be tried.

Overview: