Castel Monastero

Staying here for four nights and days was like living in a dream. The resort is over 1,000 years old, evolving from a fortified medieval village to a castle and monastery before being transformed into a resort and spa. It is part of the Leading Hotels of the World, and a most worthy member, indeed. There are a number of separate structures scattered over the property that contain rooms. Ours, with entry from the central piazza, featured a beautiful and romantic fresco over our bed, a living room area, and a large bathroom with sizable walk-in shower. The breakfast buffet was superb – fresh fruits, juices and vegetables, homemade yogurt, numerous homemade pastries, meats, eggs, and more. There is the opportunity to order additional courses a la carte, but that hardly seemed necessary. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our splurge for the tasting menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant Contrada. The breads, preliminary bites, six main courses and desserts were superb – tasty, inventive and artfully presented, but not in a fussy, pretentious manner. The dining service was professional and very friendly, as was the service at the rest of the resort (especially the front desk staff). Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this resort is its exquisitely well-maintained property, including bounteous gardens of rosemary plants and lavender, as well as olive groves and cypress trees. The resort is isolated from anything commercial, near the top of a small rolling hill - guests are surrounded by quiet, peaceful Tuscan splendor. There are three pools adjacent to the spa, situated on three different levels, surrounded by well-tended gardens and including ample numbers of loungers. My wife and I were fortunate to enjoy crystal blue skies during our stay, and, amazingly, there were never more than four other guests at the pool area during our stay. We presume that everyone else (the hotel was fully booked) was touring the area, but we found it awfully difficult to leave! Finally, there is a charming small village, Castelnuovo Beradenga, that is reachable after a very pleasing twelve-minute drive. Guests may consider visiting this to walk around and perhaps enjoy a meal there.

I rarely write reviews, but I feel compelled to after my stay. We spent $800 per night expecting a 5-star experience — instead, our room had bugs. We had to repeatedly ask staff to clean and address the issue, only to be told that “it’s to be expected” because the bugs are “in season” and “not harmful.” Frankly, that’s not acceptable for a hotel at this price point. If this is a known, seasonal issue, guests should be clearly informed in advance so they can make an informed decision. I wouldn’t have booked here had I known. What made matters worse was the attitude of the staff. At checkout, I was met with condescending and dismissive responses, even from someone who identified themselves as the Front Desk Manager. I found this extremely disrespectful. After spending a significant amount on not just the room, but also the spa, food, and drinks, being offered a token discount of 100 euros was insulting. It’s clear that this property prioritizes profit over guest experience or reputation. I truly hope management takes this feedback seriously, because no guest paying this much should be told to “just deal with it.”

We booked a night to relax after a friends wedding in Tuscany and we loved it. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, they even upgraded our room free of charge without us asking. Everything was spot on - room, restaurants, spa etc. We came away really relaxed and refreshed

If you are looking for a spectacularly beautiful resort between Chianti and Brunello vineyards, this is the place. Gorgeous Tuscany setting with two great restaurants, fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and very comfortable rooms. My wife and I really enjoyed celebrating our 35 wedding anniversary at Castel Monastero!

Beautiful property - great location. Very clean - immaculate rooms. Everything from the breakfast buffet, the staff, the spa features…will def return!