Nothing says “summer holiday” like lounging by the pool. With the temperatures heating up, our thoughts are turning to where to keep cool this summer. To ensure that your stay in Florence goes swimmingly, The Florentine gives you the city’s top hotels with pools, varying from rooftop to rock face.
Grand Hotel Minerva
With dreamy sun terrace views and a rooftop swimming pool, Grand Hotel Minerva offers a scenic swim that will leave you in seventh heaven. The spectacular city views are made even better by drinks from the rooftop bar: take it all in before heading to the hotel’s restaurant for some delicious Italian cuisine. Rooms offer WiFi and satellite TV access and for those lucky enough, a view of the Florence cathedral, just 500 meters away. Helpful staff are available on the front desk on a 24/7 basis, ready to advise you on must-sees in Florence. You won’t have to walk far for one of them: the hotel is next door to the iconic Santa Maria
Novella.
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Romantik Hotel Mulino di Firenze
In the tranquil Tuscan countryside, this historic property is the perfect solution if you’re longing for a luxurious, relaxing holiday. Originally serving as a water mill, the Mulino Di Firenze has a rich history on the Arno banks, and is only a 10 minute drive from central Florence. Rooms adhere to an elegant, rustic style with wooden beam ceilings complemented by countryside views. Each has its own private bathroom with some including a hydro massage bath. To unwind some more, try out the wellness centre onsite, not to mention the hotel’s idyllic outdoor pool.
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Villa Tolomei
Drive 15 minutes from central Florence to dive into the villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort. This hotel and pool are surrounded by 50 acres of vineyards and olive groves, making it the perfect place to feel far from the “daily grind.” The interior isn’t half-bad either: the elegant and spacious rooms vaunt frescoed ceilings, typical Tuscan finishings and a sitting area for that all-important Renaissance feel. More modern facilities include the hotel’s gym, with its panoramic terrace and stylish hardwood pool deck. Start every day with a continental breakfast and when dinner time rolls around, don’t miss the hotel’s a la carte menu and selection of local wines.
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Villa Olmi
This converted 18th century farmhouse offers a different kind of stay with a splash. Take a walk in the property’s park, with its vibrant flowers and centuries-old trees, then indulge in a wine tasting in the vaulted wine cellar. Kick back by the peaceful poolside, get creative with a cooking lesson in the gourmet restaurant or have the resort organise a special tour by helicopter or Ferrari. The majority of rooms lean toward a traditional Florentine style and all feature a spa bath and high-speed WiFi connection. The hotel is close to the Ugolino Golf club for sporting types, and a shuttle bus is provided to and from central Florence.
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Villa Cora
A stunning 19th century building 15 minutes away from the Ponte Vecchio, decorated in an antique, classical style with furniture and artwork to fit, this hotel has it all. It sits amidst beautiful gardens and has a plush pool with plenty of seats for sunning or staying in the shade. A sauna and Turkish bath are also available should you fancy a change of scenery. Break a sweat in the well-equipped fitness centre and get the star treatment with the many beauty and wellness services offered. Rooms include a minibar for a cold drink after a hot summer’s day.
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Eden Rock Resort
This hotel has an edge. A short bus ride away from central Florence, the Eden Rock Resort attracts attention for its unique stone façade. At the foot lies its stone-lined swimming pool, with an enticing natural charm. A decking area overlooks the pool, and it boasts cool bonuses like a wild garden and mood lighting by night. Modern interiors include a range of chic, spacious spaces and fully functional cooking facilities, not to mention flat screen TVs, Sky channels and DVD players. A varied buffet breakfast is served each morning and drinks can be ordered throughout the day to keep you feeling refreshed.
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Grand Hotel Villa Medici
The Grand Hotel Villa Medici is classed amongst the world’s leading hotels, set in an 18th century building with a refined mixture of period-specific decoration and simple modern design. Its picturesque pool was completed in a figure eight design and is surrounded by charming flowerbeds and a colourful garden. Most rooms offer a balcony and flat-screen TV, and select rooms have garden views. Two on-site restaurants serve traditional Tuscan cuisine–one is set in a conservatory overlooking the pool. For easy travel to and from various city landmarks, a free shuttle service is provided. Venturing downtown on your own takes only about 15 minutes’ walk.
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Kraft Hotel
This central stay provides the ultimate swimming experience with a top floor panoramic terrace touting a rooftop garden, restaurant and swimming pool. Recline and indulge all day long, all whilst admiring breathtaking views of Florence. Some rooms also offer similarly spectacular views of the city centre. The Kraft hotel is situated in a quiet Florentine area, close to the Ponte Vecchio and conveniently only 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella station. A local garage nearby provides parking, as well as a pick-up and drop-off service.
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Italiana Hotels Florence
Italiana Hotel’s Florence has a grand and elegant pool: it’s an oasis for those who love swimming but even the most “water-resistant” guest could be convinced to take a dip here. A fitness centre is also on site for those looking for further activity. In the summer, enjoy a meal on the terrace overlooking the pool, serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, as well as Mediterranean recipes. Sweet produce and hot drinks are served every morning as part of the buffet breakfast. Rooms offer air conditioning to rid you of that stuffy summer feeling, as well as modern finishes and free Sky channels.
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