This resort is beyond gorgeous and truly a magical spot in the Tuscan hills! We stayed in a 3…read morebedroom/2 bath apartment that was spacious, very clean, private/quite and full of windows overlooking the beautiful property and hillsides. Great shower and over-sized, jacuzzi tub which was appreciated after long days of sightseeing. We just spent 10 nights and wished we could have stayed another 10! The location is great and it is close to Florence - approx 40 minutes by car or best to take the light rail that had free parking. The resort is centrally location for visits to Chianti, Siena, and other small quaint Tuscan towns. A must is a car - no Uber in Italy. The beds are very comfortable, lots of storage space to unpack - all rooms had large closets and dressers. We had a full kitchen which was nice to have; we used the refrigerator, but didn't cook. We enjoyed their terrific breakfast everyday sitting outside, overlooking the hills. The breakfast selection is exceptional - eggs, meats, cheese, fruit, many selections of sweets, jams, breads. Great cappuccino and the perfect spot to enjoy it! The breakfast service was very good and our apartment was fully cleaned at day 5 - clean sheets, towels, etc. There is also laundry facilities nearby. The property has secure, ample parking for cars - easy in and out. We were very happy with the service - breakfast service, reception, getting directions/recommendations, and help with luggage. Our apartment was on the 3rd floor and there is no elevator, but our luggage was brought up and delivered to our car upon check out. This was a huge relief and was much appreciated! We love Italy and this was our 7th trip. We have been all over the country and normally stay in the city in at least a 4 or 5 star hotel. This property was a great choice for us and we feel this would be a great choice for anyone that wants to relax and enjoy the quite beauty of the countryside and does not mind planning some day trips. Great value and we will return.

great location for a base and fantastic elevated views of Tuscan countryside. Great buildings in…read morethis renovated castle and rooms have been refurbished well. Sadly the room was not the one in the brochure and I emailed the hotel requesting a private terrace. the reply said all rooms had furnished terraces, but ours did not. had to go out of room/building to get to the terraces, which were very nice, but not what we expected. the 2 suites at the front of the block had direct access to one terrace but the guests hung their clothes on the loungers so could not be used by anyone else. hotel did not have a bar or restaurant - a restaurant on site, but not owned by the hotel. Nothing like the photos, not sure what has happened to the interior since the photos were taken. Food OK, steak very tough. Hotel info said restaurant did pool service 12 - 5 but it did not offer this which was a shame as you could not get a drink or snack from 12.30 - 5. pool are lovely and not overcrowded even when busy but no lounger pads until last day - and not enough for all beds. being picky here: only given one small toilet roll per day and 2 sachets of shower gel given on 2 days then no more; peanuts were not replenished from mini bar one day so we were charged for them. only one euro so not point in complaining but the little things.....

When my significant other told me we were going on a bus tour, I pictured a slow, simple, and quite…read morerelaxing ride through the Tuscan countryside -- maybe some wine, some photos, and lots of air-conditioned comfort....... Something I've done before, the standard issue bus ride. You can imagine my surprise, and moreso, confusion, when we arrived to find Luca, our friendly tour guide, peeking around the corner greeting us with a very excitable, "Are you ready for your Vespa tour?!?" My eyes immediately widened. Did I hear him correctly? Was something lost in translation? I paused to process.....instinctively went outside for some fresh air.....and came back in after momentarily catching my breath. Still visibly choked-up, I struggled to speak during my waterfall of emotions......."Who's cutting onions in here?" This had all hit me, fast, all at once. I was beyond moved and thoroughly excited. Now, I've been riding for nearly 34 years -- from dirt bikes to adventure bikes to the high-speed track, and as an instructor -- but this experience was something entirely different. What started as a "bus tour" magically transformed (with a twist of the wrist) into one of, if not, the most profound and unforgettable rides of my life. The awesome team at Arianna & Friends made everything seamless, and our private guide, Luca, was nothing short of exceptional -- professional, kind, and deeply passionate about sharing the hidden beauty of his piece of Tuscany. He led us through rolling hills, olive groves, and charming villages, while stopping at breathtaking viewpoints that perfectly captured the magic of the region. This was our ride, Luca included, not just mine. Even with all my years on two wheels, this day reminded me why I fell in love with riding in the first place -- the freedom, the connection, and the pure joy of the open road. I have seriously struggled to find the words (strong enough) to thank Arianna & Friends, Luca, and my significant other, for turning a "bus tour" into a bucket list experience checked off in the most meaningful way. This adventure was exhilarating, enriching for the soul, and unforgettable..... I found peace. Andiamo!

Prior to our visit to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at Borgo Alle Vigne in rural Selvatelle south…read moreof Pisa, Italy, we contacted Arianna & Friends on line to arrange for a private cooking class for 4 at Rita's Farm in rural Tuscany. The five hour hands on 4-course food preparation session was the best and most rewarding experience of our trip to Italy. Massimo was an excellent guide and teacher. We were impressed by his vast knowledge of subjects which he presented in an interesting way. Silvia the cook was patient and supportive. Her warm, sweet personality showed through language barrier. We really had fun learning to cook and appreciate Italian food and wine.

What a delightful hotel…read more Starting with the service, it could not have been better. All the staff was helpful, friendly and spoke great English. There was some confusion over my reservation (I did not receive and email they sent) and they fixed it right away when it really was not their fault. The rooms and breakfast area were just delightful. Mine had a lovely little patio (not sure if they all do). Note that the only thing I would have changed would be a softer bed (hard beds seem to be the norm in Italy) and the AC rattled a bit, but I just used ear plugs. I could not hear noise from the other rooms. The location is also good. Very close to the train station (3 blocks) and about a 20 minute walk to the leaning tower. Pisa was a nice break from the hustle of Rome!

I stayed here for two nights as part of a tour group while visiting Florence. This hotel is not…read moreconveniently located to Florence and the cost of a taxi, one way, is over 100 euro. This is however a very clean hotel, extremely comfortable beds, and a highly attentive and professional staff. Breakfast was typical fare and met our needs. Dinner was the same, nothing fancy but also nutritious and and better than you might expect from most hotels. I would definitely stay here again.

We stayed here This Summer and it was such a beautiful place. A great base for exploring Tuscany or…read morefor just walking amongst the Mountains near Pisa. Sleepy towns straight out of a romantic Italian Film. Fabiola and Stefano are a wonderful couple and made us feel totally welcome, it was such a nice change from the usual tourist trail to be staying with a genuine Tuscan family in a fantastic old Mill (Just check out the website to see the rooms), we picked figs, hazelnuts and grapes off trees in the gardens and Fabiola Baked a fresh Peach Pie every morning to go with breakfast, it was the best Continental Breakfast I've ever had. They offer a very reasonable pick up and drop off service from Pisa Airport which is only 15 minutes away. Calci also has some great resaurants and take away Pizza and a homemade Gelateria (Ice Cream Shop) which was fantastic. But hey, don't listen to me go there and check it out! Founded as a mill on the Zambra brook, the ancient Molendino is set very close to the Calci Charterhouse, dated 1366, that from then up until 1972 sheltered the Carthusian order. Molendino stands in the impressive natural theatre of Calci, and is bordered by the wonderful stone walls of Nicosia abbey; it is very close to the towns of Pisa and Lucca, as well as the Tirrenian sea. A place isolated and protected by the Pisan mountains, easy to reach with cars and bikes An ideal bridge from where to start the discovery of many particular areas of Tuscany ( Florence can be reached in half an hour by train, and in a very short time it is possible to get to the wonderful beach in Marina di Vecchiano). Molendino is the perfect place for exploring walks and rides in the territory around, through streams and paths, to villages, mills, fortresses, churches, castles, with trails engaging and others, simple and easier . The olive trees field, the shady green garden, the large park more than twenty thousand square m meters around the house surround this enchanted place that keeps a secret and together revealed charm, out of the passing of time. In the simple and easy accommodation you will find the most pleasant and relaxing stay, filled of only the flow of your thoughts, of your comfort, in the quiet and silence.

After our 5 week tour around Europe, we came to the conclusion that our three day stay at ll…read moreMolendino bed and breakfast was one of the highlights of our trip. The old mill which was built back in the 1300's has been renovated into a beautiful B&B and the breakfast served every morning was wonderful. Fabulous Fabiola and her husband Stephon were very gracious hosts whom would attend to your every need. As an example they would contact the owners of the local winery or operators of the local monastery and set up tours and private tastings. Don't miss the opportunity to stay in a historic building of the area while in Tuscany.

This is where we had our wedding reception 9 years ago. Unfortunately, that was back in the dark…read moreages before Yelp so I couldn't write a review at the time. However I do recall the many, many courses of molto delicioso cibo. Irma, the proprietor, is such a wonderful hostess and chef. Every time we come back to visit, we stop here for a meal. Our last trip to Italy in July was 2 and a half weeks long and without question, our meal here was the best of the trip. I had a plate of spinach ravioli drenched in ricotta sauce with tartufo shavings that was absolutely rapturous. It was...glorious. How glorious was it you ask? It was SO glorious that as I'm writing this and trying to pay homage to its gloriousness, I'm starting to drool--I am NOT kidding. I mean...imagine you're eating a plate of the sexiest pasta you've ever had. As the olfactory/gustatory pleasure mounts, you can almost hear the cherubim and seraphim moaning at the pleasure of your pleasure in the background. Yeah. THAT glorious. The Huzby had some cinghiale pappardelle that also knocked it out of the park. He didn't mention anything about angels, but not a noodle was left behind. The tiramisu was divine in its own right. Thankfully, the grounds are equipped with a recovery bed and canopy to allow you to digest in full repose. Ahh.... Mille grazie and we'll see you again in a year or three, Irma.

After leaving Venice we drove toward Firenza (Florence) in the Tuscany region. We booked this…read moreproperty for a week instead of bouncing around various hotels and it was SO worth it! This is a family owned working vineyard which produces a wonderful Chianti as well as their own olive oil. They've got three buildings they've converted to "apartments" for tourist rental. Each apartment has a living room area with TV, fireplace, a full kitchen (stocked with dishes, cooking utensils, etc), a dining area, a bathroom and a small outdoor patio area. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=Bdbg61ItH_A6wCdWVYCDYg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=9N7YKzfx2X335EP3YNT_Hw The largest building has 4 apartments and most are 3 bedrooms. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=6927dBtfHFGpLTz-Ys4PBA The mid-size building has a 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom unit. We took both the 3 & 4 bedroom units in the mid-size building as we had 11 in our group. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=mnQBKHtwkXDBXmIJWhBOeA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=NLry2gOyytmCGXsDF5jrhg The smallest building is a one bedroom and perfect for a couple. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1LuajXJsCypM-UgtQjpUBg&userid=Jcbj338NjXtSiqvK3LYghQ Amenities include: Outdoor wood burning grilling area, 2 swimming pools (not heated), http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-scopa-montaione?select=4IcOQViQll2a0caRYfsN8g laundry facilities (a small washing machine) and absolutely breath taking views of the vinyard and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside! The "staff" was extremely friendly, accomodating, very pleasant to talk to and more then happy to show their very O-L-D S-C-H-O-O-L wine production facilities. La Scopa is located in Montaione, about 40 km Southwest of Florence. If you have the option of renting a villa like this instead of staying in hotels, I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! P.S... I found this video on Youtube showing the accommodations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUoaG8BR5WM

The best hotel I've ever stayed in. Period. My wife and I stayed here on our honeymoon and hardly a…read moreday goes by when I don't think about it. The grounds are beautiful, our room was enormous and the staff paid attention to every detail during our stay. My wife and I just renovated our house and we put in a pool and landscaping that borrows from the aesthetic of Castello del Nero's pool area. We are already planning to return for my 40th birthday...3 Years from now. We spent 3 weeks in Italy at 6 different hotels and this is the only one I think about and have to return to. The restaurants are both amazing and the breakfast is the best we had on our trip. If I could give 10 stars I would, so if you're even considering a stay at Castello del Nero I'd say look no further...it's time to book a reservation.

My husband and I stayed here 4 nights of a two-week trip to Italy to celebrate our 10 year wedding…read moreanniversary. This hotel is a really high-end boutique hotel that really goes above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience for all guests. The hotel is conveniently located in a small town about 30-40 minutes by car from Florence (between Florence and Siena). It is in the Chianti wine region of Tuscany. We stayed in a basic room, which was very nice. It was very large (one of the largest hotel rooms I have ever stayed in that wasn't a suite). There was a welcome bottle of champagne (already chilled for us) as well as a bottle of red wine and a huge basket of fresh fruit ready for us on our coffee table. There was a hand-written note to us that was a nice personal touch. The room had a beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside. The things that really stood out to me were: 1. Complimentary welcome champagne and wine 2. Abundant fruit basket that got replenished daily. 3. Complimentary bottled still and sparkling water replenished daily. 4. A pillow menu for guests! 5. Full breakfast every morning included with the room - there were 10 different kinds of milk out to suit everyone's preference (almond, soy, rice, goat, etc.) 5. The very nice spa 6. The setting of course! You literally couldn't ask for a more picturesque place! 7. Complimentary up to date movies on your TV 8. Great hiking trails right on the property My only (very small) complaints are that there was no dresser or shelves in the room - I had nowhere to unpack any of my folded clothes (there is only hanging space in the closet), and the mattress is very firm (this is just a personal issue though!). This hotel is very special and truly understands how to deliver a higher than 5-star experience to guests. I would highly recommend it for honeymooners, or anyone wanting a relaxing getaway in a beautiful place!