Location. Hotel Villa Casagrande is located in Figline Valdarno, a medieval town 25 kilometers from Florence, Italy, and within 40 kilometers of neighboring Siena and Arezzo.
Hotel Features. The hotel was constructed as a palace and villa in 1392 for the Serristori family. As a prominent meeting place, the villa hosted kings, queens and popes who attended lectures given there by the famous humanist, Marsilio Ficino. The 14th century hall and first floor guestrooms boast artwork, frescoes, sculptures and coats of arms. Complimentary buffet-style breakfasts are enjoyed in the ancient kitchen. The former weaponry room is now home to Antica Taverna, serving Tuscan fare both indoors and outdoors. An Italian garden surrounds the villa. A converted building within the castle walls now features a pool, sauna and gym. Massages and beauty treatments are available upon request. The villa hosts tours of the grounds, pottery class, Tuscan cooking courses and Italian language tutelage.

Guestrooms. Individually decorated guestrooms are equipped with satellite television, dial-up Internet access and direct-dial telephones. Select rooms offer air-conditioning.

Expert Tip. Exploring the villa will uncover a history that included wine cellars, a farm, spinning mills and a glass factory. A more recent addition is an on-site day clinic for plastic surgery.