STAY: Eden Rock Resort Firenze

Pool and Exterior, Eden Rock Resort Firenze

Name: Eden Rock Resort Firenze

Location: Florence, Italy

No of Rooms: 12 suites

Board Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Price: Starts at £475 for a five night stay

Date Visited: June 2012

The setting of this boutique apart-hotel is what elevates it above and beyond the ordinary. Eden Rock feels completely hidden in the Tusacn hills, with even its natural stone exterior helping it blend into its surroundings; yet the resort sits only a few kilometres outside of the centre of Florence. If you hop on the bus just down the road from the hotel (the manager Daniele will always offer to drive you to the bus stop), you will be in the centre of town in just under 10 minutes.

It was this 'best of both worlds' atmosphere that made us fall in love with Eden Rock. However, the plus points don't end there. We stayed in the most junior of the suits, the Fiesole, but even this was perfectly appointed, with a large lounge, a small kitchenette which featured an electric division (just in case you did want to hide away the luxury coffee machine),  a king sized bed in a separate bedroom and a stylish, minimal bathroom. We had views across the valley from our room. I can only begin to imagine the luxury of the most expensive suite, which is set across two floors with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views of the city of Florence itself.

The proximity to the city means that you can easily find your way into town to sample the best of Italian cuisine (see my recommendation here) , but if you did want to spend a lazy evening in the piece and quiet of the hotel, the evening menu offered on the terrace included swordfish with fennel, veal escalope with fresh tomatoes, beautiful patisserie desserts, and complimentary prosecco to help it all go down.

In short, Eden Rock provides an oasis of calm without compromising the excitement of a city break. For the level of service, luxurious suites, and unbeatable location, the price point makes it a bargain as well.

Find out more and book online here: www.edenrockresort.it