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Customer Reviews

Overall:
The villa worked great for 4 couples. It easily could have accommodated another couple.
Enjoyed Most:
The accessibility to the bus (10 minutes to the heart of Florence). The 3 sitting areas let us spread out. The view of the duomo. The villa was easy to find.
Enjoyed Least:
The firm beds and the extra charge for gas and electric. We didn't know how much of both we were using so we were concerned about the cost. It turned out we used virtually nothing even though we cooked most nights and did several washes, but we were chilly at night.
Surrounding Area:
Florence is spectacular. We did day trips to Siena, Pisa and Lucca. Several in our party traveled by train from Rome and had no problem getting to the villa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yes, we walked there.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant in the hotel up the hill from the villa was further than 200 meters, but was fabulous.
Directions:
We used our GPS. We had coordinates but didn't need them.

Richard, November, 2012

Overall:
It was a wonderful month. Easy access to the bus into Florence.
Enjoyed Most:
The size and the view.
Enjoyed Least:
Some of the furniture is worn.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The house was in La Lastra, a part of Firenze. We loved the little grocer and the tabacchi there. Very convenient to the house.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring your own pillow and be sure to shop at the Mercato Centrale for your groceries before you go to the super market. Great restaurant very close to the Mercato is ZaZa's patio. The lamb cutlets are the best ever. Also, in Settignano go to the little sidwalk cafe on the piazza, and La Reggia in Fiesole.
Directions:
We used a limo service. I would recommend Gioia to everyone. Gioia and her drivers are absolutely punctual, very informative and pleasant. They were very flexible; we called them on very short notice and were accommodated. Short or day trips were all good.
Check In Out:
Lorenzo is a very nice man. He went through the house and explained everything on the first day and then came by the second week or so to make sure everything was all right. The last evening, he came to return my security deposit and stayed to talk with us for an hour or so.

Carol , October, 2012

Overall:
Good property, good location, great view, helpful and friendly owner.
Enjoyed Most:
Spaciousness, with multiple outdoor seating areas.
Enjoyed Least:
There was almost no toilet paper upon arrival.
Surrounding Area:
Peaceful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra village is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Purchase toilet paper before you arrive at the villa.
Directions:
It's a fairly steep uphill hike from the bus stop to the villa, but only about 12-minutes long. Could be a hassle if you're dragging too much luggage.
Check In Out:
Owner was very helpful.

Randy, September, 2012

Overall:
Florence was beautiful. We had a gorgeous villa with more than enough room for 8-10 people. The pool area was a great place to sit outside in the evening and the flowers and garden were beautifully maintained. The owner Lorenzo was very helpful. He was always available to answer questions and both he and his wife prepared our dinner the last evening of our trip. He also arranged for taxi service the day of departure. Many bathrooms, plus a washing machine and dryer. Only a short walk down the hill to take a bus into Florence. We took a cooking class in Florence and made ravioli and tiramisu. We also went to Siena and then a winery in the Chianti region for lunch. A day trip to Cinque Terre was breathtaking.
Enjoyed Most:
Well-maintained both inside and outside. The pool and gardens were beautiful. We also had enough space when we needed it with 8 women.
Enjoyed Least:
In the early morning it was noisy because the property is situated above a street that the local buses service.
Surrounding Area:
The views were spectacular. The bedrooms had balconies and there is a roof area, as well. Took a walk up the hill to look at some olive trees.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We walked many miles. One of the women had a pedometer. Approximately 35 miles by Thursday. We now know why the people are thin.

Pat, September, 2012

Overall:
Pleasant.
Enjoyed Most:
The location and proximity to bus services.
Enjoyed Least:
Difficult access by car.
Surrounding Area:
Enjoyed the views surrounding the villa. The local tabacchi was helpful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra
Tips or Restaurants:
We found the pots and utensils were not really sufficient for cooking meals for 10 people.
Check In Out:
Lorenzo was very helpful and friendly.

Jo, September, 2012

Overall:
Very relaxing, charming ambiance, very clean and well maintained. Spacious for up to 10 people.
Enjoyed Most:
Easy access to Florence via bus. The villa offers complete peace and quiet. Great pool for relaxing. Having dinner made for us in the villa was a great experience and we ate leftovers for 2 days.
Enjoyed Least:
Kitchen was a little small.
Surrounding Area:
What's not to enjoy in Florence? We rented a van with guide for 3 day trips to the countryside. This was a great idea.
Nearby Events or Locales:
No town within walking distance. There is a store close by for bus tickets, coffee, and sandwiches.
Tips or Restaurants:
Great restaurant just up the hill at a hotel.
Directions:
The cab driver had GPS. There is no off-street parking and the gate leading to the villa is on the street.

Mark, August, 2012

Overall:
It was good.
Enjoyed Most:
The location, the grounds, the living areas.
Enjoyed Least:
The kitchen.
Surrounding Area:
Proximity to Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Florence is the nearest town, but is not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Trash bags and paper towels.
Directions:
We used GPS but it could not locate the street listed on the voucher. Therefore, the villa could not be found by the GPS. Coordinates would have been better.

Kathy, July, 2012

Overall:
Very good.
Enjoyed Most:
We swam in the pool every afternoon.
Surrounding Area:
All the museums and churches.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Florence is nearby, but is not within walking distance.
Check In Out:
As stated in the description, there is a cleaning fee (200 Euros) due upon departure.

Bridget, June, 2012

Overall:
Great time.
Enjoyed Most:
Location, spaciousness, view, bus nearby.
Surrounding Area:
View; peaceful area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
You must have a GPS if you come by car. The owner is very nice; he will take you to a grocery store--you can get all you need there. We had the cook prepare a meal for us the first day and it was great.
Directions:
You should have a GPS--it helps.

Emily, June, 2012

Overall:
This was a wonderful experience. The Villa was beautiful, convenient to public transportation and roomy enough for 9 people. The night we had our group dinner (fabulous)there were fireworks over Florence. What more could we ask?!
Enjoyed Most:
Exactly like the pictures. No surprises. Very comfortable. Great view!!!!
Enjoyed Least:
Had a few problems with the electric gate, but the owner was working on it.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful views. Took a train to Lucca one day. Did a guided trip to Cinque Terre one day. Sat by the pool and relaxed.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We needed to take a bus to Fiesole, but it was an easy trip.
Tips or Restaurants:
Definitely get a meal prepared at the villa. Well worth the cost.
Directions:
Gave directions to taxi driver and we were there from the train station in a short time.
Check In Out:
Got there a little early, however, the gate was open, so we just sat by the pool until the owner arrived.

Peg, June, 2012

Overall:
Good. The owner is very welcoming and helpful.
Enjoyed Most:
The proximity to Florence, the ease of taking the bus there.
Enjoyed Least:
The size of the kitchen was not conducive to group cooking.
Surrounding Area:
The villa is in a great location for day trips to different cities in Tuscany.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra was the nearest small town and was within walking distance.
Directions:
We used a GPS.

Suzanne, May, 2012

Overall:
Excellent atmosphere and very comfortable for our group. Everyone loved the many sitting areas and the wisteria decked terraces. Charming and comfortable.
Enjoyed Most:
The views of Florence day and night were spectacular! The historic feeling of the house and its warmth were also lovely. Parking was easy. Bus to town was easy.
Enjoyed Least:
It is more comfortable for 10 adults than for 12.
Surrounding Area:
Walking down to the village, driving up into the Tuscan hills and buying fresh cheese from the factory, visiting the gardens at the NYU campus (better than the ones at the Pitti Palace), central market, and vintage clothing shops on the other side of the river.
Tips or Restaurants:
Cell phone, computer, GPS. The Ristorante Mario near the central market - great food and surprisingly inexpensive. Just remember, it is only open for lunch!
Directions:
I did not use a GPS and had no trouble by using Google directions. GPS worked well for the others.
Check In Out:
Lorenzo was great and very helpful.

Wendy, April, 2012

Overall:
It was wonderful. Relaxing, roomy, and homey. Lorenzo made us feel very welcome and was extremely helpful. My whole family loved talking to him. It was a real treat to have the pool still open.
Enjoyed Most:
Just about everything. WiFi was very popular with my two daughters who were working on projects. Bedrooms were all roomy with wonderful views. Kitchen and laundry came in very handy.
Enjoyed Least:
There was a little difficulty closing the door on the room with two twin beds. The food order was wonderful to have since our flight was late. We enjoyed everything but there was too much fruit.
Surrounding Area:
Postcard views everywhere. Wonderful walking and easy bus access. Central to other cities to visit.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra is nearby; it's within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Remember to stamp your train ticket before you get on the train. Medicines and first aid kit are also handy. I gave my notes on restaurants to a friend. On the whole we found places off the tourist path better. We used Google most places we went to, so we had good choices.
Directions:
Take a taxi. A car is not really needed because public transportation is good.
Check In Out:
We were two hours late and in flight so we could not connect with Lorenzo and he waited for us. He also let us come early and was kind about giving us an extra hour to check out.

naomi, October, 2011

Overall:
Overall, we were happy with the villa.
Enjoyed Most:
Proximity to the city, the view, and the grounds.
Enjoyed Least:
We found the kitchen and bathrooms to be small. There were mosquitoes and some traffic noise.
Surrounding Area:
Being able to explore Florence and Fiesole.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra - had a bar and alimentari. It was a less than 10 minute walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
We loved the Mercato Centrale. It was fun to buy food there to cook for dinner.
Directions:
We used our GPS to find our way there.

Lisa, July, 2011

Overall:
Le Terrazze was a wonderful place to visit. The house was comfortable. The views were great. The pool was refreshing after a day touring in the summer sun. Cooking over the grill was fun and with a house full of "foodies" we found the kitchen perfectly fine to work in.
Enjoyed Most:
We had a dinner catered by the owner and his wife which was amazing! The dessert was the outstanding "Cream Cheese Tart" that we are still talking about! What we also liked about the property was how easy it was to get in and out of Florence on the bus once we got the hang of it. We had 7-8 people staying with one car and everyone had different agendas so that having that access to and from the city was really great!
Enjoyed Least:
There was not a good restaurant in walking distance. There was a wonderful one at the end of the line in Florence, though...
Surrounding Area:
The view of the Duomo was amazing especially during the festival when there was one of the longest firework displays I have seen in a long time.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The small group of stores at the end of the road were walking distance and we could purchase bus tickets and some food items there if need be.
Tips or Restaurants:
Future renters 1. Even if only once you can arrange to have a meal catered by the owner, do it! Wonderful food and order the Cream Cheese Tart... 2. Rent a car with GPS. It was a little confusing the first time. There is plenty of parking and if you are looking to cook you will need to go to town. 3. At the end of the bus line, in San Marco Square in Florence, there is a restaurant called the Ristorante Accademia which is amazing, get there early it fills up fast... and, if three or four of you come really hungry get the best Steak Florentine in town. 4. We brought pool toys and had a blast!
Directions:
We did get a GPS and it was very helpful. Via Bolognese "Vecchia" means the old via Bolognese what we found confusing was there was a new Via Bolognese...
Check In Out:
Check in and Check out was really easy.

Megan, June, 2011

Overall:
Very good - we really enjoyed the Villa! The owners were also great and very helpful with places to visit, local information, and wonderful support in getting there!
Enjoyed Most:
Great Location, wonderful grounds, and a beautiful setting. Great old world charm but with d amenities throughout the villa! Also, the pool was nice to have! The villa is also on the bus route into Florence!
Enjoyed Least:
Parking on the street.
Surrounding Area:
Great loacation.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The town was about 1/2km away and Florence is only 2.5k away!
Tips or Restaurants:
Mosquito repellant is a must if much time is spent on the wonderful grounds and pool at the Villa.
Directions:
We used GPS to get to the villa and it is a must if coming to Florence for the first time and if you are driving there! If coming by taxi, it is very easy from the train station or the airport to get there!
Check In Out:
The owner was excellent and he allowed my kids, who came early on the day of our arrival, full access to the villa without us being there!

Dennis Or Gail, June, 2011

Overall:
I would recommend this villa to anyone looking for peaceful surroundings, stunning views, spectacular hospitality and everything in between. The owner was incredible. The views were spectacular. It is a 5-minute walk to the bus stop and a ten-twelve minute ride into the heart of Florence. I had studied abroad in Florence six years ago so chose a villa I thought would be close enough yet far enough away. This villa was more than perfect. There were 8 of us. Plenty of space. Clean towels and extra sheets were provided for each of us. Upon our arrival, the ownerher took us to the market to get whatever items we thought we'd need right off the bat. There is wifi and a telephone which allows you to make free local and calling card calls. Everything was perfect.

Stacy, July, 2010

Overall:
It's a conveniently located property if you plan to spend a lot of time in Florence. However, if you plan to visit the southern parts of Tuscany, be prepared for having to go through the web of Florence in order to get to the main roads.
Enjoyed Most:
The spectacular view of the hills and Florence lots of space in various common areas - living room, sitting room, sun room, dining room, etc. Close proximity to Florence and the availability of a bus for getting into the city.
Enjoyed Least:
The kitchen is small for a house of its size and not fully equipped with dishes for the number of people we had. We heard traffic on the main road all throughout the day and night. The house is located north of the city center, but there aren't easy ways to get to places without going through parts of Florence, where the traffic can be quite heavy and the roads difficult to navigate. We budgeted an extra 20-30 minutes just to get out of Florence for our excursions. Editor’s Note: This is an old review. Since then, the owner has made sure that the kitchen is well equipped. If anything is missing, just ask and he will get it! Also, there is a bus stop close to the villa for easy trips into Florence (see recent review above).
Surrounding Area:
The proximity to Florence made it incredibly easy to go in and out of the city at any time, yet experience the Tuscan hills at the same time. It's an easy drive to see the picturesque countryside.
Nearby Events or Locales:
I believe the house is technically in La Lastra, which has a couple of stores in the center, along with a gas station. This was also the location of the bus stop that is about a 5-minute walk from the house. Accessing Florence by bus is fairly quick and easy.
Tips or Restaurants:
Even in May, mosquitoes are already out and in the house. Bring insect repellent if you intend to spend time outdoors, and sleep under the mosquito net at night. The alimentari - a small deli-grocer by the bus stop - has some nice snacks, and the proprietor is very friendly and helpful to travellers.

Samantha, May, 2005

Overall:
The villa certainly provided our group with excellent accommodations during Thanksgiving week of 2004. We all felt as though our money was well spent. We were perfectly comfortable in every way, and we all want to return as soon as we can.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa is located on a hillside among other well-kept private villas in the midst of olive groves and vineyards. The route to Bologna from Florence passes in front of the property and that road also serves as bus routes 25, 25a, though passing traffic presented no noise problems during our stay. A gentle 15-20 degree incline led from our bus stop to the villa's front gate, such passage providing a little bit of healthy exercise and no problem at all for we 50-year-olds. The beds are excellent and we slept very well after each day's happy excursion. Though our November visit found temperatures in the fifty-to-forty degree range, summer visits will benefit by the presence of a swimming pool and surrounding deck with ample chairs and tables.
Enjoyed Least:
I guess the only complaint is the unfortunate interruption of kitchen hot water during the last day of our visit due to some unknown bugaboo in the downstairs hot-water system. Our bathrooms were not affected.
Surrounding Area:
Our whole group enjoyed visiting Fiesole one afternoon in time to catch sunset. That was a most enjoyable diversion from the daily rapture produced by a sheer concentration of Florentine Renaissance artwork, indoors and out. Three of our group spent a happy day visiting Siena and plan to return.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We took the 7 bus up to Fiesole and then walked the added distance up to its 14th century convent.
Tips or Restaurants:
Suggestions? Well, be sure to bring a small voltage converter with international plug adapters. It's not an expensive item, but the 220 volts will be found to suddenly have escaped your means without such a small appliance. It became quite useful to us for the recharging of cameras and laptop computers which would have become loss leaders without the gadget. As to restaurants, not enough can be said for the universal availability of superior food in Florence, if not for all of Italy. EVERYTHING edible in Florence was delicious beyond comparison... breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee and wine, dinner.
Directions:
One's best bet is to get a taxi at the airport or train station upon first arrival give the driver the correct address sit back and let the taxi take you there. It's not too expensive and one doesn't run the risk of getting lost. Then, after arrival simply walk down to the bus stop and catch that into town. It would certainly be to any traveler's advantage to buy bus tickets at the airport or train station, so there's no inconvenience later in the day.
Check In Out:
The landlord and his wife greeted us upon arrival and showed us around, explaining little intricacies of the house along the way. At checkout our security deposit was returned less final cleaning and telephone charges, of course and everyone parted on the best of terms.

Mary Ellen , November, 2004

Overall:
We had a wonderful stay. The owner, Senor Croci, is a very nice and honorable man. We would definitely return for another visit
Enjoyed Most:
The view is indescribable...the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio in the distance, olive groves across the street. Just incredible. The villa is also very spacious with a gorgeous garden area and beautiful wisteria arbor.
Enjoyed Least:
Some of the furnishings are a tad shabby. The slip covers, for example. The villa was also very hard to find upon arrival at night. No parking on the property, just on the street and it's narrow so not easy to turn around. Few windows in Italy have screens so bugs entered at will, but we were there in April so not a huge problem for us.
Surrounding Area:
Its proximity to Florence is great. We would park at the Parcheggi parterre near the Piazza della Liberta and then walk down Via Cavour, which brings you right to the Duomo. The area was also fairly quiet compared to other places in Italy we've been, although traffic noise at night could be considerable and disruptive.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town is, I believe, La Lastra, which is right down the street. It is within walking distance, but the hill is very steep so walking is cardio-exercise. Fiesole is a short drive away and it's lovely - don't miss it.
Tips or Restaurants:
Definitely visit Il Ghibellini restaurant in Florence - excellent food and a varied menu at a very reasonable price. Gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce will make you swoon. Don't miss Vivoli for the best gelato on the planet. It's right down the street from Ghibellini.

Pamela, April, 2004

Overall:
Villa Acacia was stupendous. Part of our group is talking of returning in 2006. We spent 13 days in Italy and we had the most fun basing our travels from this villa. Many thanks to Charity for pointing us to this property.
Enjoyed Most:
The views from the villa were incredible!!! The close location to the bus stop and store for buying the bus tickets were great for those who did not want to drive. If you climb to the top of the Duomo, you can see our villa in the distance!!!! Look for the tall, spiky trees. If you want to explore Florence at your leisure, the VERY frequent bus service every 15 minutes makes this villa an easy choice!!!
Enjoyed Least:
You are not within walking distance of a reasonably-priced restaurant. Warning There is a steep hill you must climb when the bus drops you off near your villa unless you want to stay on it for an additional 20 minutes for the bus to do a loop and drop you off further up the hill, a downhill walk to the villa. This hill is really only an issue for people with bad knees, bad backs, or failing stamina.
Surrounding Area:
It was fairly quiet. The views were stunning. The grounds were VERY well-maintained. Riccardo and Jean were very accomodating.
Nearby Events or Locales:
La Lastra is within walking distance. The bus drops you off and you walk the 250 meters up hill to the villa Pluses-bus tickets, gas station, and post office. Minuses - no restaurant.
Tips or Restaurants:
If travelling in cooler weather, bring warmer clothing to sleep in unless you want to pay additional for expensive heat. If you plan on driving, buy a VERY detailed map of Florence and one that includes Via Bolognese....the street upon which the villa is located . This map SAVED our bacon, as driving towards Siena and the Cinque Terre, and driving up from Rome, we heavily relied on its details. When we received the driving directions in our rental packet in the USA, we followed the path along the map. It made for a less stressful experience. If you plan on doing a lot of exploring south of Florence, and you DO not mind driving through and around Florence, then definitely stay at this property. However, if you are not a confident driver and plan your travels south of Florence, I'd recommend a location wherein you do not have to drive through Florence. Not as crazy as Rome....but still insane for the uninitiated.
Directions:
It's tricky to reach this property regardless of the directions. You come around a curve.....boom!! The sign for La Lastra and the AGIP gas station are right upon you. Most of our travellers had difficulty reaching the property.

Vicky, April, 2004