Short Review: One of the most amazing hotels in which I've…read morestayed in Italy, much less all of Europe. This hotel is one of the original historic monasteries that was converted to this 2025 Michelin award winning hotel. The service is impeccable. The food is outstanding. The property is more than worthy of a 5-star rating. Don't forget your bathing suit to take advantage of the spa. This is a must stay! Long Review: Cortona is one of the oldest cities in Italy, and this hotel is a tribute to all that history, of which the city's citizens are proud. When you arrive at the hotel, which is located atop the mountain within the walled off part of Cortona, you're greeted with a smile and invited to rest on one of the discreet lounge areas in the lobby. A welcome mocktail from their bar is soon brought to you and you're then taken on a tour of the hotel and introduced to its rich history and its restoration. They've preserved as much of the structure as possible and there are nods to the rituals of the monks and their faith everywhere, from monuments, statues, and paintings - all respectively woven into the modern decor of the hotel today. Then you're checked in and shown to your room by the front desk staff. Once inside, you are amazed by the well-stocked and appointed room. It's a very comfortable size, with its retained walls, windows and doors from the original structure - which means they are thick and do a very good job of keeping the noise out. I never heard any other guests or the chirping of birds when they woke in the morning. Also, the bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept in. I'd never slept better in a hotel! The bathroom is a nice size and has everything you need. The closet has enough room for two people to hang all their things and includes two bathrobes and slippers, as use of the spa is encouraged. There is a restaurant within the hotel - Osteria del Santo - which is a great way to start your first night there and get to know the amenities. The food is outstanding and the wait staff is there to serve your every need. The distinction here is that the staff takes the time to know you and your eating preferences because they are also your staff for breakfast. When they greet you in the morning for your complimentary made-to-order meal, you're welcomed in to your favorite coffee and the great service continues. I made an appointment to visit the spa. Its outstanding! First off, they limit the number of people who can use the spa in order to maximize each person's experience which is unheard of! Second, your visit is assigned in two hour blocks, so you really do get to experience the pool, the jacuzzis, the hot sauna, steam room, and relaxation room. There are two massage rooms and I'd highly recommend getting one. There are many services to choose from and my therapist was outstanding. If you want to relax and chill, a wading pool is in the garden outside and there are plenty of patio chairs and lounges to choose from. The view of the city and surrounding valley from the garden is impressive and the sunsets are stunning. Walking around the city is easy and your about a 4-minute walk to the City Center with lots of restaurants, shopping, museums and enotecos. It's such a quaint little town with such rich history and we ran into many Americans visiting the town. Clearly tourism is the main economy there and everyone is very accommodating and nice. Most people speak English so getting around is really easy. One thing to note is that this hotel being located at the top of the city means you need to walk up very steep hills to reach it. There are no taxis and the very narrow streets mean driving a car around is nearly impossible. So, if accessibility is an issue for you, you might want to consider a hotel closer to the main road in/out of town where it's relatively flat. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this establishment. You will not be disappointed!

We stayed one night at this gorgeous property after there was a problem with our booked hotel…read more Though our stay was short I really need to share that if you want time where all dreams of romantic Italy come true, this is your place. Magnificent.

Montepulciano is one of my husbands and my favorite places on earth. We have been traveling here…read moreover the years and have never had a disappointing stay. We have made friends and lasting memories. This stay was just spectacular and the exact kind of pampering and luxurious experience we were hoping for. We decided, this time, to stay at the Palazzo Carletti. The Palazzo Carletti is a gorgeous piece of historical elegance. We knew a little bit about the history of this building. For example, it was the communist headquarters during World War II. Interesting right? During that time many of the magnificent ceiling frescoes had been enclosed to conserve energy/heat. When the new owner broke through the ceiling barrier to expose these great frescoes, I can only imagine his excitement. The Palazzo Carletti is a boutique hotel nestled right up from the wonderful Cafe Polizziano, right in the heart of the highest mountain town in Tuscany, Montepulciano . This special hotel has only 5 rooms that are accessed off of the grand room that drips in history and beautiful frescos. The family that owns this gem are exemplary hosts and we felt like the most special people on earth during our stay. The concierge was just lovely. She was so elegant and composed in her position and ensured our stay here was a perfect 10. The breakfasts that are served in the grand room each morning were fantastic. We had the great fortune of staying in the Albany Suite and it was amazing. Ceiling frescoes, luxurious bedding, super modern bathroom, to die for, and a perfect Tuscan view from our balcony where we drank our cappuccino each morning...... The Dolce Vita!!

Il Borro is now one of my favorite hotels and I couldn't recommend it more!…read more My husband and I stayed here on our honeymoon and everything was just perfect. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the food was incredible (I had one of the best meals of my life at their main restaurant, the Osteria), and there were plenty of activities to keep anyone happy. We thoroughly enjoyed massages at the spa, horseback riding, tennis and the wine tasting/wine cellar tour. The food had to have been my highlight of our stay. They are an almost fully sustainable hotel so majority of the food/drink comes from the Il Borro/hotel property. Like I said earlier, I think I had the best meal of the life at the Il Borro Osteria! I am gluten free and dairy free, but I ate my fair share of gluten and dairy during my stay and had none of the symptoms that I normally would if I consumed these items in the states. Whether you are single, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you cannot go wrong by staying at Il Borro. I hope to make it back someday, but until then, I'll continue dreaming of our time at Il Borro!

My husband and I wanted to do Tuscany for 10 days. We were looking for a luxury hotel that had…read moreeither separate villas/apartments, but also have the facilities and amenities of a hotel which had restaurant, bar, spa and activities. We also needed a place that was dog friendly, but didn't have a high daily pet fee since we were staying for 10 days. When you put all of those requirements together there aren't that many places to choose from, but we were lucky to find Il Borro checked off all of our needs...and the property is owned by the Ferragamo family so you know it's going to be top notch. Location: Very central overall in Tuscany with Florence (50 mins away) and Siena (30 - 40 mins away). Arrival: To go to the main reception you drive up to these very grand gates. You drive along a tree lined dirt road with horse stables on both sides. You pass the stables, the winery and then you come to the main reception on the right. Bellman: The bellman greets you upon arrival. After check in he takes you to your room. Parking: We had parking for free in front of our farmhouse (Casa di Piano). Reception/Front Desk: Very friendly and thoughtful. They walked through everything we needed to know about the property and farmhouse. Lobby: The main reception lobby is small with the reception desk and three couches. This is not a lobby where you would sit and chill. Room/Apartment: We stayed in the farmhouse Casa Di Piano in the Alloro apartment. In the Casa di Piano farmhouse there are four apartments (two on the ground level and two on the 1st level). It had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and a kitchen. Outside space: There was a large garden, covered parking for 3 cars and other uncovered space for 2 others. There's also a play set with a slide and two swings. There was another building on the property next to the pool which had a large long communal table, kitchen and bathroom to entertain. There was a nice size swimming pool with chairs to sunbathe. Bedroom: Two good size bedrooms: one bedroom with a king bed and one bedroom with two twin beds. The beds were comfortable. There were also A/C units in the bedrooms. Bathroom: Two bathrooms: one with a bathtub and one with a stand up shower. Both had sinks, small mirrors and were a bit outdated. Hairdryers are located in the closet of the bedrooms. Products: All Ferragamo Tuscan Soul products - shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and shower gel are provided. Kitchen: The kitchen had all of the basic essentials such as plates, cups, silverware, small pots, one grill pan, cutting board, and cutting knives. There's a table in the middle of the kitchen to eat with four chairs. In the kitchen there was also a microwave, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. All functional, but a bit outdated. There is also a closet in the kitchen which has an iron, ironing board and drying rack for your clothes. Coffee Maker: Old school coffee maker that you brew on the stove. You need to buy coffee grounds. Minibar: You need to bring or buy all of your food and drinks to put into your refrigerator. Living room: There was a two person couch, two separate chairs, coffee table and TV. Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Sometimes the housekeeping would do a full clean and sometimes not. Wifi: Spotty out in the farmhouse. Dining: There are three dining spots on property: 1) Bistro: Yum! The bistro is traditional Italian food promoting local Tuscan products and ingredients, good and friendly service and overall great meals. It's also where the breakfast buffet was located. 2) Osteria (fine dining): Delicious! For the price and the quality of dishes you get is very reasonable. The service is top notch and very friendly. 3) Vin Cafe: It's a nice quiet spot to have a quick lunch or a glass of wine to watch the sunset. Spa: Good. We both got treatments and enjoyed the facility. Gym: Good for a hotel gym. They had everything you need and all high quality machines and gear. Pool: Since we had our own pool at the farmhouse we didn't use the main pool on property. The pool at the spa area was very nice. Concierge: Very helpful with all of our requests. Style: Classic Italian Service: Overall the service was fantastic from the front desk/concierge, Luca our chef who did our cooking class, to everyone in all of the eating outlets, to the spa. Other: I know the hotel can do nothing about this because it's due to the area, but the mosquitos are nasty and aggressive here. If you know mosquitoes like you then bring repellent and cream with you. Note: We stayed in August (summertime). Cooking class: Excellent! Wine Tour: Good! Dog Friendly? YES - Dogs are free and can go anywhere on property! They provided a bed and a bowl in the room. Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY even with the mosquitos. Next time we would like to experience being in one of the hotel rooms in the village.

This bed and breakfast is absolutely heaven on earth. We went there for a few days in early May…read morethis year, and we wish we had come here for our whole honeymoon. It is a tiny village on the top of a hill in the heart of Tuscany, about 25 minutes from Siena and in the middle of everything fun you'd want to do in Tuscany. The actual B&B has amazing views, private residences, old charm but modern conveniences like full kitchens, washing machines, swimming pool, outdoor grills, wifi and sattelite. They have bicycles you can just borrow and ride around the hills with, they have their own olive oil production and vinyards, and the actual villas have been in the family for 500 years. The B&B owners Gisela and Fortunato are charming, warm, so kind, and will tell you their history and even give you a tour of the original villa and wine cellar if you have time while you're there. And it's affordable. Very affordable! Book early b/c i'ts almost always full (no surprise here) and book for 3 days or more because there is just SO much to do. You will fall in love with Tuscany just like we did. I can't recommend Borgo Rapale enough.

Spectacular! If you are looking for a very special experience, Sant' Antonio is the place to spend…read moreyour holiday. Located just outside the Tuscan town of Montepulciano it is unique, quiet and very charming not to say breathtakingly beautiful. The accommodations are well appointed and beautifully furnished. You can visit many special Tuscan towns in close proximity and Montepulciano is extremely special with wonderful shopping and dining. A visit to the website will start your adventure. www.santantonio.it/ This converted monastery in the heart of Tuscany is an adventure not to be missed if you are looking for a unique, peaceful holiday where you go at your own pace and tour, or to simply relax around the pool overlooking olive orchards and vineyards. Most important, the owner Nico Pannevis and his wife Elena are very special hosts and charming people, always willing to be helpful in any way possible. Would give more stars if possible. Highly recommend you consider this special place.

One of the best places to spend your holidays. Relaxation…read moreand enjoying are the key-words here. Close to Montepulciano but outside the busy crouds of tourists. The owner (Nico Pannevis) is very warm and nice. Great place!

What's not to love about this hotel? It's historic, beautiful, clean, and steps away from the…read morecenter of town. We were able to walk quickly into the heart of Cortona and enjoy a glass of wine or a cappuccino. We stayed here four nights and used this location as a base to visit other small quaint towns in the Tuscany region. Cortona is old with very narrow cobblestone streets and great views. Our room was spacious and quiet and everything worked to perfection. Housekeeping kept our room well stocked with supplies. A scrumptious breakfast was offered each morning which did not disappoint. Plenty of options with hot drinks. The staff was very friendly and helpful and assisted on a few occasions in making dinner reservations for us. The price of the hotel was very reasonable. I'm not sure where you would park a car if you drove a car here. Staying in a hotel that is hundreds of years old is truly amazing.

Disappointed. Room was not what I paid. I'd recommend…read morelooking elsewhere. It's also a bit far from center

We stayed here in 2010 and again this June and the experience has been just wonderful both times…read more The rooms are each a delight, displaying the finest Tuscan craftsmanship in centuries old structures displaying exposed timber beams and brick vaulted ceilings that create a richness for the senses not typically found in a hotel stay. The common eating areas and the bedrooms are spotlessly clean with a consistent attention to detail wherever you look. We've stayed in the large barn building with four wonderful double rooms adjoining a large common area that manages to like it's only or you. Outside, the view from atop the brick staircase is of classic Tuscan rolling fields and spired cypress trees. Tucked among a variety of manored hedges are a series of cottages each with their own yard areas that create intimacy and great variety to the common spaces. The effect is a green, manicured oasis surrounding an inviting and beautiful pool with some of the finest landscaping we'd seen to date in Italy The kids just love hanging out here all day and we have to really get motivated to see some of the rest of Tuscany. All the rooms are air conditioned, and wi fi is provided as well. Gianluca is the heart of the place and provides a personal charm and touch that made us feel more like family than guests. Breakfast is one of the best we'd had in Italy and Gianluca enjoys just hanging out and chatting if you're more sociable. There are a variety of ways to stay here; as a single family/couple over a few nights, with breakfast or as a group of 4-22 for a solid week with Gianluca arranging barbeques, dinners, wine tours, massages, yoga classes or just about anything else your group may want to do. They also host weddings and/or other special gatherings as you may need I haven't mentioned the actual location that this paradise; let's say it's about as well located as can be in Toscana; you're in Chianti country, 20 minutes to Multepulciano, near to Pienza, Montalcino and the thermal baths of Rapolano Terme (beautiful mud mineral baths), go at night when it's illuminated, it's magical. Cortona, Siena and Florence are 30-60 minutes away and the local towns offer a great variety of restaurants that Gianluca will recommend and personally guide you to if needed. In any case, need I say more, if you want to visit Tuscany and really want to experience a wonderful setting and personalized service, call Gianluca and make this a must see/experience when in Italy. Ciao

This site is the former hunting lodge of a Cardinal with ties to the Medici family. This beautiful…read moreproperty is now a hotel (Small Luxury Hotels of America) with a lovely restaurant that sits on the Umbria side near Cortona in Tuscany. The property is stunning, and "Insta worthy". We only had dinner here for a special occasion. Great service, was able to eat outdoors under covered awning. If not staying at the property, reservations are recommended. They have a few themed tasting menus 3 or 5 course with optional wine pairings as well as ala carte. If doing 5 course tasting menu everyone at table must order from same page. The duck and crispy pig were my favorite dishes. Take some time to enjoy the sunset, walk the hidden vegetable garden, take a peek inside, it's beautiful.

Don't let the beautiful pictures from the website draw you to this sub par hotel and restaurant…read more Nothing special here. Definitely not worth the price for accommodations or their well acclaimed restaurant. Very common and not sufficient for even 2-3 stars. 1200.00 per night rooms are not appointed well. "Sweeping Views" non existent from the cave feeling ill appointed rooms with low doorways and a hallway bench as a sofa in the room. Grounds are small and pool area with unheated pool disappointing. Service level is extremely low, no outdoor service, drinks, etc. Dined at their acclaimed restaurant was anything but special... could eat better food anywhere in the vicinity. Odd menu, tough florentine steak, barely any vegetables and they basically asked us to leave because it was late. Hotel called our room because our two guests who dined with us apparently were not allowed to visit us in our room. I asked for a different room after we checked in, couldn't accommodate. Unfortunately we prebooked three nights and have 2 more nights that cannot be cancelled. Would stay away from this hotel and restaurant - many many many better places nearby and much better staff, service, and accommodations.