We stay here for two nights on our Trafalgar tour of Italy. The hotel is a large villa outside of Florence and set in beautiful grounds. We were taken in to Florence each day in the tour coach so the location was fine for us. We had a beautiful large room, nicely furnished, with tiled floor and doors opening out on to a small patio. The bathroom was spotless. We loved it, the atmosphere was pure Italian. Good breakfast.

This place was very disappointing. It was Dark, not clean, isolated, and not a friendly staff. We only stayed a matter of hours. Our reservation was not correct and were told by the not so friendly lady @ the desk that we only reserved for 4 not 5. Well of course we know how many children we have so I am sure it was not our mistake, she said they were completely full and nothing could be done so they would have to push the beds together! Two are teenagers and one 11. Entering our smoky smelling rooms was unpleasant at best, she informed us they were non smoking and made no comment when I asked about the cigarette burn in our bedspread. Yuck, we overlooked the towel/trash area where a staff member was throwing out "water" by the barrel full. Determined to try and make the best of this we ventured to the pool, it was closed down and some city type officials were there evaluating it. I don't think it had been opened in a while. While the buses (2) rolled in we discussed our options. It was around 7 pm and we were tired from traveling from Sorrento. We chose to take our chances and move on. The smell and dark rooms, the unfriendly staff and the overall feeling of the place was not good. We wanted to visit the Certosa, the gates were locked and there was trash and construction around the area by our hotel. The wonderful driver who was so friendly drove us back into Florence where we found excellent accomodations that were clean and friendly. We were dissapointed because we chose this hotel so we could be in the "country" enjoy a pool and a little relaxing while visiting nearby towns and Florence. Don't do it stay somewhere else. You will be glad you did. There is much else to report but I think this says enough.

My partners parents had visited this hotel in 1999, and because they experience such great levels of service, in a wonderful location, near to Florence, when we planned a trip to Florence, they were very excited to take my partner & I back to the hotel. However, we were all bitterly dissapointed.

The hotel is set in a great location, especially if you are driving to Florence for a break, as it is just off the Autoroute. The surroundings are beautiful, with a grand entrance to the drive of the hotel & car park. However from that point onwards it is down hill.

The hotel is extremly 'tired' and has not been updated since my in-laws last trip in 1999, apart from new showers.

The rooms were spacious, however not particularly clean, with dusty floors, and were quite dark. The bathrooms had been updated with a nice spacious shower, however the rest of the bathroom was very small. The beds were very hard, with the usual sheets & blankets.

Unfortunately were not the only guests in our room, as we shared our bathroom with a family of Ants......

Breakfast was very poor, with the coffee machine not working properly, & us having to ask the staff member to replace juice.

The WIFI is not complimentry, and only works in the reception/lobby area, and the swimming pool does not open till June, despite it being advertised as being heated.

Having travelled extensively, I cannot believe that this hotel has a 4* rating, however still continues to charge 4/5* prices.

The Hotel Relais Certosa is a place we would like to stay at again if and when we return to Florence. Its location outside the city center but a short shuttle ride away made for a relaxing stay. The shuttle drive was a real gentleman. The morning staff in the restaurant was very attentive. This is a classic hotel of a time past keeping its character and charm. If you want a modern hotel this may not be whats you are looking for. But if you want understated class you found it.