Pensione Bencistà

Stayed with a friend who had been recommending that I visited for several years… I now know exactly why! Bencista is quite simply a unique place with real character that simply oozes charm. From the wonderfully welcoming reception staff and the tastefully decorated rooms to the awe inspiring views of the valley and Florence beyond, the stay was unforgettable. A special mention must be made of the exceptionally imaginative seasonal food, the extensive and thoughtful wine list, great cocktail barman and superbly attentive and knowledgable service. Highly recommended!

Very nice hotel outside Florence with a stunning view. The hotel in itself is basic but definitely adequate, but you should stay here for the stunning view of Florence and a brilliant cuisine that is worth travelling for. The place is highly recommended.

There is magic in this wonderful pensione. It is a composition of beauty, history and hospitality. It is a rare pleasure to stay in a place where people choose to fill the inviting public spaces rather than stay in their rooms watching videos and scrolling through their cellphones. This is a place of engagement on all levels - with the landscape and the city of Florence beyond; with the arts of the pensione and those who stay and those who staff it; with the history of a place that has seen much. In this pensione, you can dream. You can step away from the mundaneness of travel accommodations and go to a place of your senses. I did not want to leave and head to the airport where I would land into a practical world of communication and transportation - a place where I had to be in the present moment. I wanted to soak in the timeless Bencista. I wanted to read some more. I wanted to be in natures’ silence. It should not be missed….And I caution you, don’t leave.

Magnificent views from the majestic gardens. The hospitality was superb…service and respect was aplenty. The room was very clean, hot shower excellent and the mattress was new. There is an elevator which is a plus with luggage. Taking drinks on the terrace and continuing with dinner in their restaurant is an ideal relaxing evening. The restaurant has the view of The Duomo and downtown all lit up! Easy to get to downtown Florence with a car. Also sufficient parking on the grounds

After two weeks in bustling Florence, it was nice to get out of town for a relaxing stay. In between the afternoon rainstorms, we enjoyed having drinks on the terrace and dinners in the dining room. Breakfasts had a good variety of choices, and we particularly liked the melon as our Florence hotel didn’t offer that. The staff were very nice.

This place delivers exactly what it advertises. Authentic Tuscan experience, charming rooms, unbelieveable views, professional service. It's like staying in a medieval castle with breakfast service. The bus route is within a 10 minute walk and it's much easier to get into Florence than we expected. I wish someone had encouraged us to spend more time in the town of Fiesole itself as it's charming and offers its own restaurants/bars away from the crowds of Florence. One note - sounds carry through a medieval castle and we could hear any and all activity in the hallway/lobby/kitchen as well as the people staying above us. Not sure I would recommend for light sleepers. :(