Castello Banfi il Borgo

The Castello is an old castle, beautifully updated. The few rooms are large, modern and very comfortable. The views from the hilltop location are fabulous. The restaurants are excellent, including one which is Michelin starred. They have their own estate wine/boutique shop as well as an interesting glass museum. The views from the pool are nice as well. Staff are warm and welcoming. A good location for seeing Montalcino.

Amazing hilltop views! Can walk through adjacent vineyards & olive groves. E-bikes if you want to explore nearby countryside.

Castello Banfi is my family’s favorite hotel on earth. My wife and I have stayed here six times. We’ve brought my mother and my sister who also fell in love with the place. We divide our trips to Italy into those where we get to stay at Castello Banfi and those where we don’t. I like to exercise and be more active on vacation. Free mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes are available. The 7000 acre property has mapped trails, but I really enjoyed just going exploring the vineyards, orchards and forests of the Val d’Orcia without encountering any cars and only occasional agricultural equipment. My wife can read, enjoy the spa, and just relax, enjoying the spectacular views in peace and quiet. Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Pienza are all easily accessible from the hotel, but we tend not to leave except to go get lunch. Lol. Sant’ Angelo in Colle (population ~200) is a 15 minute drive away and has 2 excellent restaurants. The hotel’s Taverna restaurant has very well done typical Tuscan cuisine. The Michelin star restaurant Sala dei Grappoli frankly has been a bit more hit or miss. During our most recent day, we had one truly amazing meal there. The night before, I suspect that perhaps someone did not show up for work in the kitchen. A few of the dishes were served with some of their components cooler than ideal temperature and others at the correct temperature. That said, being able to dine outside on the terrace with a spectacular 180+ degree view of surrounding Tuscan countryside is my favorite part of dining at the Sala dei Grappoli. Do not count on being hotel guest getting you a table at either restaurant without a reservation. You will need a reservation for both lunch and dinner at either of these restaurants. There is a poolside Café and also Room service if you don’t have a reservation and do not wish to leave the hotel for lunch or dinner. The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with comfortable bedding, Nespresso machines, and a minibar stocked with complimentary Banfi wines. (The other mini bar items are not free). Twice daily housekeeping. Very pleasant and accommodating staff. You will not hear the word no often here. (Other than if you don’t have a reservation for lunch or dinner!) The hotel is very quiet other than occasional farm equipment or overflights by military aircraft. If you can’t relax here, it’s time to look inward. Lol

The staff was extremely helpful with every request we had. Our room was beautiful, spacious, quiet, and immaculate. Breakfasts were delicious and the staff remembered our preferences after the first morning. It made us feel very special. An amazing location with easy access to Montepuliciano and Montelcino.

Enjoyed our stay immensely. Breakfast was such a delight with fresh pastries and dairy overlooking the vineyards. We highly recommend to come and stay Castello Banfi to enjoy the beautiful views and to relax. Definitely 5 stars!