Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection

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!

I’m unsure why this is a 5 star hotel and on top of it a signature series. I have a Titanium Elite status and stay at Marriotts every chance I get and expected a “wow” factor when I entered the hotel and for that matter our room. There was none and at best it’s a nice hotel, not close to a 5 star. One issue we had was going to the Concierge desk to get change for 20 Euro so we could tip our room service. They said they had no change and told us to go to the bar. The bar pointed us back to them and said they had change in the back. This went on for 2 days, no change, to finally we went to a market to buy 2 waters so we would have change to tip. I mean really you don’t have change! Same with the water at the hotel. The flavored water they usually had for guests in the lobby was always empty and the guests were directed to go to the bar for water, yeah and we had to pay for it. There were a handful of us who complained about it. Lastly we had breakfast included which was very nice the first day but on day 4 it’s like Groundhog Day, the same thing over and over, no change at all. Our stay was nice and besides the few things mentioned there maybe better choices, as this one is not what we expected, and certainly not the 5 star hotel it is said to be.

This hotel is absolutely beautiful! We stayed one night after a weeklong cruise. Check in with seamless. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Our party reserved three rooms, one being the Royal suite. It’s absolutely marvelous. It looks like the White House. Unbelievable. The price per night to stay in this hotel is quite reasonable, when compared to the hotels of Venice. It seems like what you pay is worth it. The hotel is in a very convenient section of Florence. Easy and easy out. And not too far from the airport. If you’re staying in the city, I would highly recommend this hotel! It’s opulent and elegant.

From the day I arrived. I arrived a little early the staff accommodated me getting me into my room, in the morning the breakfast buffet was great ! Going to the pool after going out to museums all day was great . The staff couldn’t have been nicer and the hotel was very clean. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

The room was beautiful and the staff was AMAZING! Especially Lappo the bartender/information know it all. It was like coming home every time we talked to him. Lappo recommended an awesome restaurant. Armando’s. They paired all of our food with amazing wines and we had a great time. Food was so delicious! Thank you Lappo! You are the best!!! Professional, friendly, accommodating and just and all over great genuine gentleman! Thank you for a great experience! Barbara and Pat Garrett