Le Terrazze, restaurant hotel with a terrace near Florence
Le Terrazze is a hotel with a restaurant, bar and terrace in Montorsoli, in the Florence area of Tuscany. Its air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, and parking and WiFi are free. I see it as a practical base for anyone visiting Florence by car who is not looking for luxury, but it is worth knowing that opinions are divided.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Le Terrazze.
Where Le Terrazze is and how to get there from Florence
Le Terrazze is in Montorsoli, in the province of Florence, in Tuscany, on Via Montorsoli. It sits outside the historic centre, in a hilly area, and this changes the kind of stay. It is not the hotel to choose if you want to stroll between the squares, but a base for those who get around by car.
According to the property's description, Florence's main sights are a few kilometres away, including the Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo Vecchio and Santa Maria Novella. Those arriving by plane can use Florence Peretola airport. The free private parking is the real advantage over many city centre hotels, where leaving the car is a problem.
What the rooms and services at Le Terrazze are like
The property presents itself as simple but well kept. The rooms are air-conditioned, have private bathrooms, a TV and toiletries, and there is free WiFi.
- Breakfast. It is served in a continental or Italian style.
- The restaurant and bar. They are inside the building, handy for dinner without getting back in the car.
- The terrace. An outdoor space to relax after a day of sightseeing. Some guests find it cool in summer and with a lovely view.
An honest warning. Almost all the reviews talk about the restaurant rather than the rooms, and one person writes that they cannot judge the accommodation because they only had dinner there. For this reason I have few details on the comfort of the rooms: I would suggest asking the property before booking.
What guests say about Le Terrazze
On Google, Le Terrazze has 3.9 out of 5 from 738 reviews, and opinions vary widely. It clearly divides people, and it is worth understanding why.
- The food. Many praise generous portions, good dishes and a value for money that is hard to beat. Fish, tortelli and tagliata are mentioned.
- A guest with coeliac disease says they found the staff careful and attentive when preparing the dishes.
- Several guests talk about an old-fashioned, family atmosphere, with kind waiters.
- For those who recommend it, it is worth booking ahead, as the place fills up.
In short, those who are happy are mainly pleased with the food and the price. Those who are less happy talk about service and atmosphere, and we see this more clearly below.
What to know before booking
The weak points are clear and keep coming up. It is best to put them on the table before choosing, because for some people they may weigh more than the advantages.
| What people like | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Generous portions and prices seen as fair | Slow service, with long waits when it is full |
| Terrace with a view, cool in summer | Parking and outside areas described as neglected by some |
| Free private parking | Dated building according to some guests |
| Restaurant and bar in the same place | Some very negative reviews on the kitchen and the staff's attitude |
The service. Several people, including some who are satisfied, write that you wait quite a while and that it needs better organisation. One customer talks about dishes arriving at different times and a rather unfriendly tone.
The outside. Some guests notice a car park with rubbish and abandoned caravans, and an old building. If appearance matters a lot to you, keep this in mind.
Who Le Terrazze suits
I see it suiting those who visit Florence by car, want to spend the right amount and are not looking for a design hotel. It works well as a practical stop, perhaps with a generous dinner in company. If you enjoy simple, generous food and have patience at the table, you can do well here.
I would not choose it for a honeymoon or for anyone who wants a stay looked after in every detail, nor for someone short of time who cannot stand waiting. If you have intolerances, check the options first: some guests report problems with lactose-free requests, others positive experiences with coeliac diets.
What to do around Montorsoli
The obvious plan is Florence, with Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella and the Fortezza da Basso, all cited by the description as nearby. After a day in the city, the terrace is the place to unwind.
If you are considering other bases in Tuscany, have a look at Hotel Locanda degli Artisti in Borgo San Lorenzo, Agriturismo Gli Arancini in Montorio or Agriturismo Crocino in Chianti, in Lecchi in Chianti.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
