For a quiet retreat in a grand old mansion amongst the olive trees in the hills outside Prato we recommend VIlla Rucellai. Our room was quiet and spacious with basic room services. There was no aircon but the room did cool sufficiently at night for sleeping. We loved the natural spring swimming pool which was a delight in the extreme... More

The Villa Rucellai was one of the highlights of our 16-day trip to Italy, and our best accommodations. We spent 6 nights there. We attended as students in a college class studying Art Appreciation and Environmental Biology in Italy, and the hosts made extra accommodations for us since our group filled up all the rooms. They invited local college professors... More

We stayed at the Villa Rucellai while visiting Florence, which is about 45 minutes away by train, and had an absolutely lovely time. The Villa Rucellai is like staying at grandma’s house. But grandma lives in a Tuscan Villa that was updated in the 1500’s. The rooms are pleasant, air conditioned and furnished with antiques that show some wear. The... More

We absolutely fell in love with Villa Rucellai upon our arrival; a lovely (at times nerve-testing) drive from Prato through the hills to the villa. Paolo, Francesca, and Frank could not have been more hospitalble. We loved the unique, spacious rooms--very clean. We only stayed two nights and particularly enjoyed our evening in the living room with Frank (and some... More

I only left the villa this morning, and I wanted to be sure to quickly recommend it to anyone who can appreciate history, cleanliness and hospitality. We were greeted by Vanessa and shown to our rooms. Mine had been a priest's cell, but it didn't feel very spartan to me. The bed was comfortable and large, and although there is... More

We loved the Villa! This is an incredible place to stay. Our family of 7 (5 teenagers) loved the villa. Large rooms, nice cool pool to come home to, good breakfast and beautiful surroundings. Would recommend this to just about anyone. The family is incredibly nice, the location beautiful, and the train station a short drive away. We will be... More

The Villa Rucellai is the "real thing" - a 15th century Tuscan villa that has been in the same family for more than 400 years. Moreover, the latest generation of family members still live in part of the villa. The 80-year old patriarch of the family (his deceased wife was a Rucellai) greeted us on our arrival and carried our... More