Castel Monastero

Wow! My family of 8 stayed for two nights and we could have stayed a week. The property is stunning and serene set in the Tuscan hills. Our rooms are we???re all different , some larger some smaller. All unique, clean, and comfortable. We opted to spend a day relaxing poolside which was a welcome respite for us after days of tours. The infinity edge pools were refreshing and the poolside bar was good and service was professional. We had dinner in the Cantina which was yet another unique experience and the food was delicious. The breakfast areas and plentiful buffet were lovely way to start the day! I would highly recommend Castel Monastero and I would stay again if I have the chance.

Amazing property, a one of a kind former monestary. Grounds are amazing, pools are great (not heated and cold FYI). Food very solid with best breakfast we had at hotels over two weeks and 7 different hotels. Property staff and and amenities are awesome. Restaurants on site are very solid. Picturesque and a luxury resort in Europe. Obviously its not a US luxury resort, but as close as you will get in terms of standards. Pool area amazing and staff waiting on you like a butler service. Rooms are comfortable. front desk staff is a concierge and available and always asking how they can help.

This fine hotel is set in the Tuscan hills some 30 kilometres east of Siena, and is a converted monastery. We drove from Florence which took about an hour and a half, half of which was getting out of central Florence. The hotel can arrange transport as required from Florence, its airport , or Siena. It is tucked away off the beaten track, but well worth finding. The front desk staff are fluent English speakers and could not be more helpful. They explain the history of the hotel whilst showing you around the facilities and then to the lovely rooms, all equipped with air con. By then your luggage has magically appeared! There are several buildings housing the rooms and we were fortunate enough to be by the main square, close to the Michelin starred Contrada restaurant, where luckily they also serve breakfast. As at their other restaurant, Cantina , you can eat outside and in June the weather was just perfect. The food in both is outstanding but of course Contrada under the guidance of chef Davide Canella is a real treat. Imaginative courses with fish and seafood, a wine pairing if you care to, and all served by the excellent team there. There are three pools to enjoy and an outstanding spa, with treatments available as well as the usual spa facilities - and an amazing flotation pool. Again the staff there could not be more helpful. The main building also houses a classy bar and library for pre and post prandial drinks. There are an array of activities that can be arranged including horse riding, but we went for a cookery lesson with the wonderful Davide Canella. A fabulous time learning the secret to making great cantucci, superb fresh pasta and a local salad all accompanied by a glass of wine and Davide???s patient tutoring. Perhaps the best thing is then sitting outside and eating these creations! This is a first class hotel and fully lives up to its reputation. One point that might make, or break, this for you, is that it is child friendly.