Costanza the hostess is a passionate and articulate advocate for the history and culture of her home. The 10 acre estate is a wonderful haven in the fringe of an urban area, handy to Florence and the motorway. It does take a good 15 minutes to walk to the station, and then another 15 minutes on the train to Florence. The apartment we stayed in (Melangrano) is spacious, beautifully appointed, and comprehensively equipped (especially in the kitchen). Our cooking lesson with Costanza included a leisurely tour of the estate, discussing the history of the property as well as the produce. Then we had a hands-on session in her huge and magnificent kitchen cooking dishes we had helped to select. Finally the food was served to us with wines - 8 hours all up but what an experience!

The Filippi family have created an oasis, a veritable Eden for savvy travelers who wish to be super close to Florence without having the consternation of being in the middle of what has become a very crowded and touristy city. As others have stated, the gardens and orchards are beyond beautiful. The suites, each unique, are comfortable, fully equipped and delightful. But beyond all else, it is a privilege to spend time with this wonderful family. Costanza's meals are the real deal, Italian style. To dine in the venerable family home enjoying a five star qualityard meal with fellow lodgers is an experience not to be missed. Her sister Serena (who could be a model were she not a hoteliere) is extremely friendly and helpful. The entire family makes certain everyone enjoys their holiday. This was our third time staying here, and we shall return at our earliest opportunity. I could go on and on, but it doesn't seem necessary as everyone agrees with me! One tip: If Costanza or Serena can find time for you with their good friend and Tuscan guide extraordinaire, Michaelangelo be sure to take the opportunity! He is wonderful, and P.S. Costanza often gives cooking classes.

When we first pulled up to Villa Paradisino, I thought the cab driver had it all wrong. I was expecting a Villa out in the countryside. In fact, we were in a busy, but small suburb. The magic of this place is that it is so close to Florence, but once you enter the gates of Villa Paradisino, you are in the countryside with everything you've dreamed of, but just a 15 minute train ride to downtown Florence. The Villa has been owned by Costanza and Serena's family since the early 1800's and it is perfect. The rooms are filled with antique furniture, yet still have the modern conveniences that you need (wi-fi in all of the rooms, hair dryers, great showers, bath tubs with whirlpools, and kitchens with the stoves that Americans pay thousands of dollars for! ) You can do your own cooking, if your room has a kitchen, as ours did, but we chose to eat out. The first night, Costanza cooked a wonderful dinner for us. It was so delicious! Every morning we had a beautiful breakfast at the villa consisting of cappuccino, cheese and honey, fruits, breads, ham and eggs. The ground of the villa were so beautiful. We strolled through olive trees, pomegranate trees, grape vines, tomato vines, and a huge garden. We rented a car, and because of the central location, every place that we wanted to visit was less 1.5 hours by car.

I am saving the best part of this review for last: Costanza and Serena! These two beautiful women will do EVERYTHING that they can possibly do to make your stay the best ever. Unlike a pricey city hotel, the hosts of Villa Il Paradisino are truly genuine. They remind me of my mom (who is also Italian) cooking for a holiday meal. The only motive that they have is to make you happy and to allow you to have the very best vacation of your life. Costanza seemed like a long time friend even in our Email correspondence before our trip!

I would stay here again in a heart beat!

It is difficult to add to all the other glowing reviews but here goes. We stayed at Villa Il Paradasino for 2 weeks at the end of August/beginning September and had a wonderful time. It was super to have our own excellent accommodation, with a really comfortable bed (Il Giuggiolo), while having the services of a 5 star hotel, with the added benefit of being made to feel one of the family. We felt so at home and relaxed that we did very little of the sight-seeing that we had planned. We had 2 dinners (one following our amazing cooking class) in the manor house and the food was fantastic. On our last night we ate on our own terrace and Costanza and Serena served us Pollo del Paradasino cooked by their father which was brilliant. Most lunchtimes we ate tomatoes which we picked, and were still warm from the sun, together with the fresh herbs growing in the garden.

Costanza and Serena do not provide fantastic customer service because they feel they have to, they do because they want to, and they genuinely want all guests to have a wonderful and special time - which they do!