We enjoyed an arrival cappuccino and cake on the terrace while our rooms were finished—nearly four hours early. The concierge obtained dinner reservations at Terrazzo in Fiesole. We were delivered there in the free hotel shuttle and retrieved after an exquisite dinner under the stars. Pensione Benciste occupies a 15th century villa and boasts vintage furnishings, spacious airy rooms, and many leisure time rooms for reading, chess, music, or conversation. The grounds are planted with roses, lemons, apples, figs, herbs, and shaded by wisteria and jasmine, and surrounded by olive groves and Tuscan evergreens. From the terrace/bar, Florence, the Duomo, the Campanile and Baptistry, Santa Croce is visible. We were so enchanted by our rooms and the view, we relaxed, read, strolled, napped, and enjoyed this gem until dinner. The hotel staff was most gracious and accommodating.
