Hotel Le Fontanelle

I hardly ever write reviews. While I rely on them extensively when planning our travels, I have probably written fewer than ten reviews over the past twenty years. Our stay at Hotel Le Fontanelle, however, was so extraordinary that I felt compelled to share our experience. My wife and I recently spent three weeks traveling throughout Spain and Italy, staying at a number of beautiful, high-end hotels and resorts. Of all the wonderful places we experienced, Hotel Le Fontanelle stands at the very top. This was our first visit to the Tuscan countryside, and I will admit that when we initially began driving through the region, I wondered whether Tuscany could possibly live up to the romantic images we had seen in movies and photographs. Then we arrived at Hotel Le Fontanelle. It exceeded every expectation. The property is simply breathtaking. Perched among the rolling hills of Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and seemingly endless countryside, the views are difficult to adequately describe. “Stunning” hardly does them justice. It is the kind of place where you find yourself stopping repeatedly just to take in the scenery and appreciate where you are. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had found somewhere special. We were warmly greeted by Anwar and Duccio, welcomed with wine and genuine Tuscan hospitality. There was an immediate sense that every detail mattered. Duccio personally escorted us to our villa while our car was taken and parked in the property’s underground parking facility. The level of service was gracious, attentive, and effortless throughout our entire stay. We stayed in Villa 39, which offered a spectacular panoramic view across the valley. Our suite was beautiful and spacious, with a large living room, bedroom, and two very generous bathrooms. Waiting for us were fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, and a complimentary bottle of wine from the estate — small touches that perfectly reflected the thoughtfulness and elegance of Le Fontanelle. One of the highlights of our stay was dinner at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Visibilio. The restaurant serves only a very limited number of guests each evening, creating an extraordinarily intimate experience. On the evening we dined, seven chefs were serving just six guests. What followed was remarkable: a 22-course dinner lasting approximately three and a half hours. Every course was a work of art. The presentation, flavors, wine pairings, cutlery, serving pieces, and stemware changed throughout the evening, with extraordinary attention given to every detail. It wasn’t simply dinner — it was a culinary performance and one of the most memorable dining experiences my wife and I have ever had. We also participated in a three-and-a-half-hour private Italian cooking experience with Chef Kevin, where we learned to make our own pasta, gnocchi, and three distinctive and flavorful sauces. It was educational, entertaining, personal, and incredibly enjoyable — another first-class experience that we will always remember. And then there is the pool. Set against the magnificent Tuscan landscape, the pool may have one of the most beautiful views imaginable. Relaxing there in the afternoon with a freshly prepared cocktail or glass of wine, looking across the rolling countryside, was Tuscany exactly as we had dreamed it would be. I could continue describing the property, the food, the service, the scenery, and the countless thoughtful details, but perhaps the greatest compliment we can give Hotel Le Fontanelle came after we returned home. My wife and I talked about our three-week journey through Spain and Italy and asked each other which places had left the greatest impression on us — the destinations we would genuinely travel across the Atlantic to experience again. Hotel Le Fontanelle was at the very top of that list. It didn’t simply give us a beautiful place to stay. It gave us some of the most memorable moments of our entire trip and completely transformed our appreciation for Tuscany. Without question, we plan to return next year. Five stars simply doesn’t seem like enough. Hotel Le Fontanelle is a truly exceptional property, and we cannot wait to return.

We truly enjoyed many aspects of our stay. The property is absolutely beautiful, with stunning Tuscan scenery and well-maintained grounds that create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Our room was one of the highlights of the trip. It was beautifully designed, cozy, exceptionally clean, and felt like the perfect Tuscan retreat. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the thoughtful décor made it feel both luxurious and inviting. Unfortunately, one experience left us disappointed and fell short of what we would expect from a five-star hotel. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a complimentary bottle of wine from the hotel's own winery, which we thought was a wonderful touch. Naturally, we assumed it was meant to be enjoyed during our stay, so we brought it with us to dinner at the hotel's restaurants. To our surprise, we were told there would be a €30 corkage fee to open and serve the very bottle the hotel had just gifted us. We completely understand that restaurants often charge corkage fees for outside wine. However, this wasn't an outside bottle, it was the hotel's own wine from their winery, given to us as a welcome gift only hours earlier. Charging guests to enjoy that complimentary bottle at the hotel's restaurant felt contradictory and took away from what should have been a thoughtful gesture. The issue wasn't the €30 itself; it was the principle and the missed opportunity to provide exceptional hospitality. At a five-star property with its own winery, we would have expected the corkage fee to be waived for the welcome bottle or, at the very least, for the policy to be clearly communicated when the gift was presented. Overall, we had a lovely stay and would still compliment the beautiful accommodations and the charm of the property. We simply hope management considers this policy, as a small gesture of flexibility or clearer communication would make the guest experience feel much more aligned with the level of hospitality expected from a luxury Michelin key hotel.

Amazing hospitality and beautiful every where you look!

Let me start by saying that this was a most pleasant stay. Location on top of a hill with amazing views. Geographical location although a few minutes away from Siena is a bit too far south in the Chianti region, suffice to say that Florence is 1 hour 20 minutes drive in winding roads. Having a car is a must and strongly recommended. Excellent underground parking provided. Reception on arrival was excellent with all the amenities toured and explained. The suite we were in was very spacious and perfectly clean. Minibar was completely free for the whole stay. Bulgari toiletries and super nice robes and towels in bathrooms. Turn down service provided. Breakfast was excellent in buffet style with an à la carte option at a charge. Grounds impeccable, very nice swimming pool area with amazing views, shower, toilet and a bar offering drinks and snacks. Well equipped indoor pool with separate Jacuzzi, bathrooms, changing rooms with showers and Turkish Sauna and Finnish Sauna. Excellent attention from all staff throughout especially breakfast and housekeeping. Price was steep but the resort is what it is, Value for money? Could be better for the reasons outlined below. Constructive criticism 1.Pool bar prices for drinks and snacks too expensive although the portions are generous. Asking for €38 for a club sandwich is way too high. 2.We should have been given a welcome aperitif on arrival. It was never offered. 3.Well stocked minibar but since I don’t drink beer I asked that it is exchanged for some sparkling water. This proved to be a big challenge, although it was eventually sorted. Price of sparkling water from the pool bar is €6 by the way. 4. Some of the roads around the resort are not paved with dust flying everywhere in the Tuscan dryness and heat. I simply asked that my car is hosed down with some water from a nearby hose to remove the dust. This was flatly refused or else I would be charged €50. Ridiculous. 5. I requested that I use their mountain bikes, seriously in need of attention by the way, reception immediately told me that the charge is €20 per hour. When I remarked that mountain bikes are free and the charge is only for the motorized version, according to their brochure, the lady said yes, they are free. Why was I not told this right from the start. I consider these minor shortcomings but one gets the impression that there is an effort to grab as much of your money as possible. After paying almost €4000 for a 5 night stay in a suite for 3 adults and 1 child this is the least you expect. Would I come here again, probably yes.

The landscape is breathtaking, the grounds were manicured and our room was comfortable. Hands down the best hotel I have ever stayed in with a wonderful breakfast buffet and they made our cappuccinos for us each morning. The restaurants on the property were great and we loved the opportunity to go to Il Visiblio. We tried a few of the hotel’s activities, notably the wine tour with a tasting and the horseback riding with a lunch. We loved everything. What a wonderful way to start our honeymoon. We will be back, hopefully with friends!