Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Sina Villa Medici on Via Il Prato, I wasn’t expecting much from the street view. The area around Santa Maria Novella station can feel a bit gritty, you know? But then you step through those doors and it’s like… well, it’s like stepping into someone’s incredibly elegant Florentine home, if that someone happened to have impeccable taste and a serious budget.

The thing about this place is that it actually feels like Florence, not just some international hotel that happens to be in Florence. The lobby has this warm, lived-in elegance – think rich fabrics and antique pieces that look like they’ve been there forever (though I’m sure they haven’t). What really got me was how quiet it becomes once you’re inside, despite being so close to the train station. You can literally walk to Santa Maria Novella in about three minutes, which is clutch if you’re doing day trips to Siena or just arriving with heavy luggage. But somehow the street noise just… disappears.

The rooms are spacious by European standards – I mean, you can actually open your suitcase without rearranging all the furniture. Mine had these gorgeous old windows that looked out toward the Arno, and the bathroom was one of those marble situations that makes you want to take a bath just because you can. The staff really knows their stuff too, not in that overly rehearsed way, but like they genuinely live here and want you to experience the city properly. The concierge pointed me toward this tiny osteria near Sant’Ambrogio market that I never would have found otherwise – honestly, sometimes the best hotel amenity is just good local knowledge.

What I loved most was the location strategy, if that makes sense. You’re technically in the tourist center, but Via Il Prato feels more like a real neighborhood street. There’s a fantastic little café right around the corner where locals actually get their morning coffee, and you can walk to the Duomo in maybe ten minutes without fighting through the worst crowds. The Oltrarno district – where all the artisan workshops are – is just across Ponte alla Carraia, which becomes your regular route if you’re staying more than a couple days.

The one thing that might bug some people is that the building itself is old (obviously), so you get some of those charming Italian quirks like slightly temperamental air conditioning and the occasional creaky floorboard. But honestly, that’s part of what makes it feel authentic rather than sterile. Plus, the 8.6 rating makes total sense – it’s not perfect, but it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way. You know how some hotels you forget the moment you check out? This isn’t one of those. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan your next Florence trip before you’ve even left.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $359. Superior, Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $359. Superior, Guest room, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s) with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $387. Deluxe, Guest room, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s) with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $397. Deluxe, Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $415. Premium, Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $498. Junior Suite, Suite, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $647. Suite, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Relaxing, lovely stay – Alexis from United States – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Easy walk from the train station in Florence. Absolutely lovely pool (the main selling point for us). The room was spacious and really beautiful. An excellent weekend retreat. The restaurant seemed a little too quiet/fancy for my young children so we did not go there but the staff made some excellent dinner recommendations in the area which suited us very well. The staff were very welcoming and accommodating to us and our children.
  
  What could be improved: The restaurant and bar overlook the pool so the pool is only open 11am-7pm (so as not to disturb guests having breakfast and dinner). That timing was fine for us but some guests might expect the pool to be opened earlier or later.

• Very good – Vivian from United States – 3 June 2025 (8/10)

  Staff was exceptional, friendly, and helpful. Beautiful lobby and hotel bar. Great breakfasts.
  
  What could be improved: Shower doors leaking;. In-room turndown service was spotty and not up to standard in terms of replacing items like coffee pods, napkins, etc. Drapes not always closed

• Exceptional – John from United States – 8 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great
  
  What could be improved: Everything

• Lovely traditional hotel with friendly staff and smart rooms. Excellent value for money. – Rebecca from United Kingdom – 25 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely traditional hotel with friendly staff and smart rooms. Excellent value for money.

• Exceptional – Bosko from Serbia – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  I recently had the pleasure of staying at Sina Villa Medici in Florence, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, the service was impeccable—warm, welcoming, and attentive to every detail.
  The hotel itself is a masterpiece, blending classic Florentine elegance with modern comforts. My room was beautifully decorated, spacious, and offered a stunning view of the city. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the amenities were top-notch.
  One of the highlights was the gorgeous garden and pool area, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Florence. It provided the perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.
  The breakfast was outstanding, with a wide variety of local delicious options, from pastries, cheeses, salami, prosciutto, smoked salmon, warm buffet and fresh fruit . The quality of ingredients and the charming setting made for a perfect start to each day.
  The location is ideal—just a short walk from the city's main attractions like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery, yet tucked away enough to provide a sense of tranquility.
  Overall, Sina Villa Medici exceeded my expectations in every way. If you're looking for a luxurious and memorable stay in Florence, this hotel is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended!

• Very nice – Colley from United Kingdom – 6 December 2024 (8/10)

  The rooms are big and the beds are very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: At times we were cold. The beds need a winter quilt/blanket.

• The entire Villa Medici staff was professional, attentive and welcoming. – Michael from United States – 6 November 2024 (10/10)

  Breakfast offerings were plentiful, varied and fresh. The option to sit inside or in the outside area near the garden was a bonus. Table settings were clean and spacious. Available coffee to go table was appreciated.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Fantastic! Very caring and organised staff, taking care of place and guests! – Ana from Costa Rica – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  Breakfast, concierge service/information is fantastic, attention to detail from guest relations and all staff is incredible. Location is centrical and easy to come into Florence, without being in the central area. Also, the piano music everyday was very pleasant. To be within 10 min by car in the center of Florence, is easy and confortable.
  
  What could be improved: Some renovation in hallways (carpets) and to offer a nice Spa service (very limited)

• Enjoyed our stay – Peter from Australia – 8 September 2024 (8/10)

  The outside restaurant area. The staff were excellent.
  
  What could be improved: Being denied access to the outside restaurant area for breakfast one morning due to a large group booking.

• Very good – Jorge from United States – 1 September 2024 (8/10)

  The hotel is beautiful. The service was excellent.
  
  What could be improved: It was a bit too far from center city to walk back and forth

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities