Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection

If you have allergies, do not stay in this hotel. I have been all throughout Italy and never experienced such extreme allergies until I arrived at this hotel. I am not sure if it was the extremely old furniture, excessive dust flying around, or mold in the walls, but my mom and I were non stop coughing, sneezing, and stuffy ever since arriving here. I have also been to Florence before and never had this experience. If I had to stay one more night I would’ve had to move somewhere else because it was unbearable. In addition, it was ridiculously hard for us to get extra waters. You only get 2 small bottles per room per day, and when we went to ask for more, it depended on the day as to whether or whether not we would get them. One day they made us go to the bar and we had to pay 7 euro per small bottle which was ridiculous. One day they sent us to the water station in the lobby, but the dispenser was ALWAYS empty. If we can’t drink from the sink, then it shouldn’t be a problem if I need more water in 90 degree weather. Finally, the hotel was not in a great area. A couple of the streets directly around felt very unsafe walking, with many sketchy people lurking outside and almost no other tourists. I have not felt unsafe like that anywhere around Europe and it was especially disappointing that it was on the streets right by our hotel. The only reason I gave 2 stars was because the breakfast was great, but otherwise I would not call this a “5 stars” hotel in the slightest.

Customer service is the foundation of any hospitality experience, and this hotel failed on every level. I’ve stayed in many places, and this was easily one of the worst first impressions I’ve ever had. It set the tone for the rest of my stay, and unfortunately, things never really improved. Upon our arrival, the receptionist was cold and monotonous. We received a room that was overlooking the pool and was clean as well as comfortable. But literally nothing special about this at all. The breakfast was subpar at best and nothing special, we are used to having five star hotels with the autograph collection and this just didn't measure up at all. The coffee machine was instant coffee, and would have been a better experience if we had a little bit nicer one in this level of property. We had a situation as well where we were stuck at the farthest train station and couldn't get a taxi. We called the concierge for help and they told us to send an email and they would help us -- we were literally stranded at the side of the road with minimal connection and had no way to send an email. We were told they were too busy and when we arrived finally at the hotel later, there was no one occupying their time. This would be a one star review except for a couple of employees who maintain a high level of professionalism. The wait staff for the breakfast was hard working, kind and always friendly despite the basic food set up. Additionally, the man at the front desk named Giovanni was particularly helpful. He was the best staff member at the front each time we encountered him and he was literally the shining star to take this from a one star to two star review. When you travel as much as we do, you have stayed at many Autograph collection properties, five star hotels and the like - this one didn't rank in our opinion. Our adult children stayed up the street at the AC Hotel and we almost checked out and joined them as their stay was less expensive and just as good with a nicer breakfast!

We came to Harry’s bar for lunch and a Negroni! The Negroni was fabulous the burger and the sandwich were terrible truly terrible .. the sandwich was what you would get at a road side gas station and my sons burger was boring and dry .. having said all that come here for the cocktails- my negroni was sensational!