We were greeted first by a bat-eared and wire-haired young thing called Marta, who met us in the courtyard and we followed her into reception, where a young lady took over the formalities from this otherwise perfectly hospitable little dog. She had something of the theatre about her, this girl: when she showed us to our room she paused for a moment outside the unlocked door and said "Are you ready?", as though we should prepare ourselves for some life changing experience waiting on the other side of the door.
Life changing, no; but life enhancing, yes. Large room, parquet floors, comfortable bed, dressing area and thoughtful touches like a kettle and some tea and coffee. And a good value mini bar. A large bathroom and a huge shower. Every comfort. From our window we looked over a scene of leafy suburban Florence, and a few steps from the hotel the quiet Piazza della Vittoria went about its gentle daily business. A buffet of cheese and hams, bread and pastries in the first floor breakfast room set us up for our own gentle daily business of wandering and exploring the relaxed and sunny streets.
In two days we got to know the routes from the hotel into the main parts of the city and across the river: nowhere was more than a pleasant fifteen minute walk. In the end we didn't even need to look at the map. I always like it when you no longer have to look at the map: it either means you've settled in, or it's time to move on.
Relais Villa Antea, Via Puccinotti 46, 50129 Firenze
Tel 055 484 106
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