Fattoria di Maiano

The service staff and breakfast excellent.

We wanted to be close to Florence but away from the crazy summer crowds, and Fattoria di Maiano more than fit the bill. We stayed in the Camino Apar**ent, which is spacious enough for two families. Overall no big complaints, but the kitchen and living room furniture could definitely use some updating. Most importantly, the a/c worked great. The restaurant serves very good food, if a bit pricey. There is a small shop & bar area for drinks and desserts. The staff were helpful and courteous throughout. Don't just stay for a day or two. There is so much to see here, especially for animal lovers. We did many walks through the farm and trails. Book the sunset tour to see some of the property that is (literally) off the beaten path; it's worth the cost. The pool is a nice amenity, especially in warm weather. Our 10-year old son loved the nearby adventure park, which is only a little over a mile away by foot. Definitely make the trek up to Piazzale Leonardo if you are into hiking and views -- this is supposedly the place where Leonardo da Vinci test flew his flying machine. Maybe stay elsewhere if you are not into walking. The closest bus stops that run into central Florence are a 10-15 minute walk. Fiesole (the closest town) is another 10 minutes walk and worth a visit. The front desk is happy to hail a cab, but figure 35-40 euro per ride, so the rides adds up. Parking is available if you want to rent a car, but be advised that driving in Florence (especially during peak season) is not for the faint of heart. We would definitely stay here again when returning to Florence.