Florence's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici Awaits!
Florence's Hidden Gem: Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici - Or, How I Learned to Love the Tuscan Sun (and Almost Died of Delight)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill some Florentine tea. I just got back from the Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici, and let me tell you, it's not exactly the secret anymore. But, hey, I'm happy to spread the word, imperfections and all.
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Accessibility: The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and the "Almost There"
Okay, let's be honest. I'm not disabled, but accessibility is important to me in principle so I made it my business to check it out. The website mentioned "facilities for disabled guests," but let's just say the reality was… nuanced. The elevator was there, thankfully. The hallways were mostly wide enough. Problem? Getting to this hotel can be a bit of a scramble depending on where you are coming from, with the hotel being deep in the heart of a very very walkable area. Not the easiest for those on wheels. I'm talking real cobblestone streets. However, once inside, it's navigable. The staff was incredibly helpful, always willing to assist. So, while not a perfect score, they tried and that's a HUGE plus.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
I didn't notice any issues getting to the restaurants or lounge areas. They were pretty accommodating…
Wheelchair Accessible:
See above. "Mostly" accessible is the best way to describe it.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in Public Areas:
Oh, the internet. The blessing and the curse of modern travel. Free Wi-Fi was, as advertised, available everywhere. My room, the lobby, the pool… everywhere. It was surprisingly fast, too. I mean, I could stream my Netflix addiction with no issues (don't judge!). The LAN? I didn't even look. Who uses LAN anymore? I'm here to sip Aperol spritzes by the pool, not code!
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (The Real Meat of the Matter!)
Now, this is where Belvilla shines. The spa…oh, the spa! I indulged in a body scrub. They rubbed me down with some sort of Tuscan magic, and I floated out feeling like a newborn…except with more wrinkles (aging is a cruel mistress). They had the coolest sauna I've ever seen…I spent a solid hour in there just sweating out all my life’s sins.
Then there's the pool WITH A VIEW! Honestly, I could have happily spent my entire vacation there. The water was crystal clear, the view was postcard-perfect, and the poolside bar…well, let's just say I made some new best friends. The breakfast buffet was a triumph, every morning, I looked forward to it. I'm not a huge "buffet person" but the Italian spread was so good. I'm talking a la carte in the restaurant to go to the basics, and oh so much more!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Reality
Okay, let's get real. Traveling right now? It’s a minefield of germs. Belvilla, however, seemed to take safety seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Sanitized kitchen and tableware? Ditto. The staff, who were all wearing masks and shields were super friendly. I was super aware of it because I could practically see them sanitizing the rooms between stays, which was comforting. I felt safe, which, honestly, is a huge relief.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buon Appetito!
The restaurants were a delight. I practically lived on their Asian breakfast. Who knew I could crave sushi at dawn? They had everything, from the Western cuisine to buffets and a la carte dining. I tried everything. No regrets!
The poolside bar was essential for surviving the Tuscan heat. Happy hour was a must. I had a couple of desserts and too many Aperol spritzes. They had a coffee shop, salad in the restaurant, and a snack bar…basically a full food service. If you're hungry at all, you've walked into the wrong place.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Mostly)
The staff was helpful with concierge services and gave me lots of helpful ideas. There was a convenience store and dry cleaning service, as well as daily housekeeping service. They even had facilities for disabled guests. I felt incredibly well taken care of. They also had cash withdrawal services at the front.
For the Kids
Okay, so I didn't bring any kids, but I saw a few families. They seemed to have a good time. The hotel offered babysitting services, and lots of family-friendly features. It’s family friendly, as advertised!
Access: The Nitty Gritty
CCTV in common areas? Yup. Check-in/out [express]? Definitely an option. Front desk 24-hours? Yup. Non-smoking rooms? Yes! Safety/security feature? Yes!
Available in All Rooms: The Details, People!
This is where it gets really good (and I mean really good).
Air conditioning? YES. Alarm clock? YES. Bathrobes? YES. Bathtub? YES. Blackout curtains? YES. Coffee/tea maker? YES. Extra-long bed? YES! Free bottled water? YES. Hair dryer? YES. In-room safe box? YES. Internet access – wireless? YES. Laptop workspace? YES. Mini bar? YES. Shower, YES. Slippers? YES. Smoke detector? YES. Soundproofing? YES. Toiletries? YES. Wake-up service? YES. Wi-Fi [free]? YES.
I could go on. They provided everything! It was like staying in a palace, but without the stuffiness.
Getting Around
They offered airport transfer and, more importantly for exploring Florence, valet parking. Finding parking in Florence is a nightmare, so this was a LIFE SAVER.
The ONE Little Stumble… My Personal Anecdote
Alright, I'm gonna gush a little bit. One evening, I decided to have a romantic dinner at their restaurant and then take a walk in the moonlight, because romance in Florence is what it's all about, right? I asked to book a table, and requested some kind of candlelit service, or a little bit of romance.
As I went to leave for my romantic dinner, I slipped over a loose cobblestone. I tumbled, gracefully (I'd like to think), straight into a bush. There I was, covered in dirt and leaves, and about to be late for my romantic dinner. What did I do? I sat down with some assistance, a little dazed, and let the staff help me. They patched me up, and made sure I had a drink, and some food. Then they apologized profusely, and gave me a little discount. It was the only bit of the whole stay that was rough. But the human touch, the genuine care? That's what made that day, and that hotel, so memorable.
Final Verdict: Go, But Be Prepared!
Look, Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici is a gem. It's incredibly luxurious, with a fantastic staff, and breathtaking views…but just be prepared for some minor accessibility issues on the streets. Otherwise, pack your bags, book your trip, and prepare to be utterly charmed. I'm already planning my return! 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus the ankle twist)
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Vrouwenpolder Holiday Home with Garden!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Florence adventure… or, well, my Florence adventure. This isn't your pristine, perfectly curated travel blog fodder. This is the real deal. We're talking sweat, maybe a few tears (mostly from gelato withdrawal), and the kind of itinerary that's more "suggestion" than "strict schedule." And we're starting with Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici. Fingers crossed it's as charming in reality as it looks online…
The Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici Saga: Florence, Italy (Chaos is Coming!)
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Great Pasta Hunt
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye): Touchdown in Florence! The airport's a breeze… until I try to decipher the train ticket machine. My brain turns to mush. Eventually, with the help of a very patient and incredibly handsome Italian man (swoon!), I'm on my way. The journey is stunning, olive groves and golden sunlight streaming through the train windows. Pure Instagram gold, even I can't mess that up.
- Afternoon: Finding the Medici - and My Sanity: Arrive at the Belvilla. Pray for a charming host and a gorgeous apartment. Reality: I get a key and a vague direction. It takes me two wrong turns to find the place. The apartment? Well, it's charming in a "lived-in" kind of way. The air conditioning seems to be a suggestion rather than a promise. But, hey, at least the balcony overlooks something, so that's a win!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Pasta Quest BEGINS: Okay, serious business. I'm on a mission: Find. The. Best. Pasta. In. Florence. This is crucial. First stop, a Trattoria recommended by a friend. I get hopelessly lost, ending up next to a very chatty pigeon that seems to be judging my navigational skills. Finally, I arrive, ravenous. The pasta is… divine. Chef's kiss. I'm in love.
- Evening: Gelato and the Fountain of Light (or, You Know, the Piazza della Signoria): Gelato time. I stumble upon a place with a line around the block. The pistachio is a revelation. Pure, unadulterated joy. Wander around Piazza della Signoria, staring at the copy of David and the fountain just as the sun goes down. I feel like I'm living a postcard.
Day 2: Brunelleschi, Leather, and a Melancholy Bridge
- Morning: The Duomo Domination: Climb to the top of the Duomo's dome. I'd heard it's a lot of stairs, but I wasn't prepared for the near-death experience. The views, though, are absolutely worth it. Florence sprawls beneath me, a terracotta dream. I feel like I've conquered a mountain. Or at least a very tall staircase.
- Mid-Morning: Leather Goods! Or, The Art of the Bargain (Maybe): The San Lorenzo market. Leather everywhere. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm caught in a frantic dance of haggling and "maybe this is too expensive" thoughts. I walk away with a leather-bound notebook. Maybe a victory?
- Lunch: Lost in Translation: I try a place with a menu that seems to be entirely in Italian. I point at something vaguely promising. I get a plate of… something. It's delicious, but I still have no idea what I ate. Language barriers, ahoy!
- Afternoon: Ponte Vecchio and the River's Sigh: A stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge spared from destruction during WWII, and its shops is a must. It's all gold, gold everywhere. I picture myself living in a fairytale… until I see the prices. Wander along the Arno River and enjoy the beauty of the city. I pause to watch the river flow. I get a sudden wave of melancholy. Maybe the gelato wore off.
- Evening: Pizza! Or, A Pizza Disaster: I try to find a real pizza place. The place I thought I had found had closed their oven. The pizza place I finally found was not the best. I was not impressed with Florence Pizza.
Day 3: Art Attack, Aperitivo, and a Potential Existential Crisis
- Morning: Uffizi Gallery - The Da Vinci Debacle: The Uffizi Gallery. Prepare for crowds. I'm there before the doors even open, and still, shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow art lovers. The Botticelli? Incredible. Michelangelo's David? (Yes, I'm cheating, I know. The real David is in the Galleria dell'Accademia). Stunning. I feel slightly inadequate in the presence of such genius.
- Mid-day: Stroll along the garden: A stroll across the Boboli Gardens, a gorgeous green oasis, provides a much-needed respite from the art overload. I get lost among the sculptures and fountains. It's both peaceful and overwhelming.
- Late Afternoon: Aperitivo Hour - The Art of the Italian Happy Hour: Aperitivo time! I find a stylish little bar, order a Spritz, and snack on little bites of heaven (olives, mini-sandwiches, the works). I swear the Italians invented the art of living.
- Evening: Dinner at Trattoria Mario. Again! I'm going back to the Trattoria Mario restaurant! This is were I ate the divine pasta on day 1. I just have to! I'm just not going to risk trying other places!
Day 4: Day Trip (Pisa? Siena? The Great Debate!)
- Morning: The Great Day Trip Decision: Should I go to Pisa? Siena? Or just collapse on the balcony, soaking up the sun and judging the pigeons? The decision is agonizing. I want to see everything. I decide to go to Pisa… and I am regretting this decision. It's still pretty! But the crowds! Oh, the crowds.
- Afternoon: The Leaning Tower and the Selfie Struggle: I attempt a cheesy "holding up the Leaning Tower" photo. I fail miserably. I'm clearly not coordinated enough. Still, it's impressive. And I might have purchased a tiny, plastic replica as a souvenir. Don't judge.
- Evening: Back in Florence, Pizza, and Reflecting? Back in Florence after a long day, and feeling completely drained. I get a pizza and I feel slightly better. I begin to reflect on my trip, the good, the bad, and the ugly. All the amazing things I've experienced in the past few days. The beauty of Florence.
Day 5: Departure - And the Longing to Return
- Morning: Last Gelato, Last Glimpse: One last gelato (probably the same flavor as day one, because, hey, consistency!), a final stroll through a favorite alleyway, absorbing every last ounce of beauty.
- Afternoon: Departure - Ciao, Firenze!: Back to the airport, through the train, with a heart full of gelato and memories. Florence, you were a dream (mostly). Until next time!
This, my friends, is the real itinerary. No promises of perfection, only a guarantee of adventure, a bit of chaos, and the unwavering pursuit of carbs and gelato. So, go! Explore! Get a little lost! And, most importantly, enjoy it.
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Florence's Hidden Gem: Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici - The Real Deal (Or Is It?)
So, is Belvilla by OYO Dei Medici actually a "hidden gem"? Or is it just marketing fluff? Spill the tea!
The location, you mentioned it. How *good* is it REALLY? Like, honest-to-god, how frustrating is it to get around?
Let's talk practicalities. The apartment itself... Was it clean? Did the air conditioning work? Because, you know, Italian summers are *brutal*.
What about the staff? Were they helpful? Or did they just leave you to your own devices? (Which, let's be honest, is sometimes preferable.)
Anything you *didn't* love? Be honest, even if it's petty.
The vibe... What was the overall *feeling* of the place? Cozy? Luxurious? Stuffy?
Okay, okay, but the *price*! Was it worth the splurge? Because "luxurious" often comes at a cost.
Would you go back? And if so, when can I come with you?
