Selected Guest Reviews
‹‹ On arrival we were greeted like long-lost friends...Donatella is such a gracious host. We were immediately comfortable and loved the Villa and the area. Bedroom and bathroom are well-equipped, every need has been anticipated. Tea and coffee-making facilities are above average with lovely china and silverware, and all rooms are so clean they shine. Access to Florence is easy, with frequent buses. The local pizzeria is good, and we would also recommend the delightful La Vera Napoli at Galuzzo. Galuzzo is easily reached in a few minutes by local bus and is well worth the effort. Donatella gives good advice on things to do or places to see, and on the day of our departure was up and about to see us off, even though we had an early start. Such thoughtfulness and kindness are typical of this lovely host. ›› June 2013
‹‹ I am so happy that we found this gem on our first visit to Florence! My husband and I cannot wait to go back. Finding a place to stay in Florence in October was not easy and the prices were high. I selected this property after seeing the consistently high reviews Villa Malavolta received across different web sites. The property is beautiful, the setting gorgeous, and Donatella's hospitality excellent. This is a 13th century villa that has been in the hands of the same family. It has a lot of history, beauty and art work. We had our own private terrace overlooking the Tuscan scenery. There, we would have our nightly glass of wine and antipasti that we purchased in the area. We drove our car and were able to park it securely in the property at no extra cost. We used the wifi with no problem. The breakfast was varied and everything was served with great attention to detail. We got all the information that we needed on where to go and how to navigate the city. We walked the couple of blocks to the bus stop, and had no issues finding our way, or buying the tickets. If you do not like taking the bus this could be an issue, but you wold miss out on this great experience and most likely would pay more. I highly recommend this place. ›› October 2011
‹‹ This was one of our best stays throughout our trip in Italy. Donatella and her family were very helpful and friendly. Donatella's home is simply amazing and I don't think the photos on the site do her justice! In addition, the residence is only about 15 minutes away from the city center by bus (not 30 minutes) so it's very convenient to get to and from the bustling city centre. Totally recommend this place and we will definitely stay there again! ›› November 2010
‹‹ This was our best stay in Italy! It was home away from home! Our hosts were very gracious and knowledgable about Florence and Tuscany. The villa, gardens were beautiful... but, it was the hospitality of our wonderful hosts that made this our most memorable stay in Italy. We have recommended them to our friends and family. Thank you Sergio and Donatella and your beautiful family! ›› June 2008
‹‹ We had such an amazing stay with Sergio and Donatella. Villa Malavolta was an art museum and historic site all rolled into one! Donatella helped us make the most of every minute in Florence. The breakfasts were excellent and the lawn, hills and view behind the walls were gorgeous as well. Would love to go back over and over. ›› September 2009
‹‹ The owners of Villa Malavolta welcome you into their home and take care of you with the best of Florentine hospitality. Their knowledge of and passion for the history of Florence is wonderful and brings a depth to your visit that you likely would not get elsewhere. Their living room, library, and patio areas are open for you to enjoy right along with them, it is truly a genuine Florentine experience. The food is excellent, the service is superb, and the views are spectacular. ›› August 2009
‹‹ This secluded villa within walking distance of Florence reminds me of a home in a fairy tale. Beautifully maintained by the elegant and erudite Donatella, it is filled with wonderful old furniture, piles of books and great paintings. Our second floor bedroom had its own terrace with a small table and chairs and pots of flowers. A lace covered table in our spacious and comfortable room held the fixings for afternoon tea. Donatella, whom I later learned is a well-known artist working in varied media, helped us plan our sightseeing, giving us a map to the city and two tickets for bus fare into the city. We returned very late, opened the gate and massive front door with the keys Donatella had given us and crept upstairs to bed where we fell into a deep sleep and woke to birdsong and the sighing of a morning breeze through the branches of the ancient pine in the back garden. Breakfast was served in the 300-year-old kitchen and was delicious -- fresh hot brioche, ham, cheese, jellies, fruit, yogurt and coffee. We'd return every year if we could as this was a totally wonderful stay. ›› October 2008
‹‹ They owners were very helpful and friendly. We were given a tour of the villa and the surroundings. The room was spacious, with good-quality bed-linen, very clean and cosy - lots of paintings, books, art magazines as throughout the entire villa. Breakfast was served in the kitchen dating back several centuries - wonderful tableware, good choice of food. One evening we had dinner in an excellent fish restaurant a few hundred meters up the road from the villa. Highly recommended. The villa is just on the outskirts of Florence, but there is a regular bus service to the centre. We also walked several times - it takes about half an hour. Overall, a relaxing stay in wonderful, quiet and very romantic surroundings - definitely an excellent combination with extremely busy city centre. ›› May 2008