High points: Wonderful spa with world-class therapists. Beautiful views over the Tuscan countryside. The top suites are frescoed and coffered-ceiling wonders.

Low points: Low-quality mattress.

Going from a place like Castiglion del Bosco to a place like Castello del Nero is bit like going from an Aman resort to Le Meurice. Both are wonderful, but you’re going from informality to a certain degree of formality. Whereas the landscape architects and designers at Castiglion del Bosco have attempted to preserve a feeling of wild nature, the feel of Castello del Nero is one of formal cultivation in which terraces, fountains, and balustrades have created a sort of formal fantasy within the Tuscan landscape.


Again, both are wonderful, and Castello del Nero will definitely appeal to those who want a more traditional European high-end hotel experience in which the staff are formally attired, and the dining a bit more formal than otherwise.

This is not to say you can’t relax at Castello del Nero, as below the several tiers of terraces overlooking the Tuscan countryside, there is a pool terrace with lounge chairs positioned to take full advantage of the quintessential view of cypresses, olive groves, and vineyards. It is a great pleasure simply to spend a significant part of the day soaking up that Tuscan view, with occasional dips in the neighboring pool.

But the most remarkable aspect of Castello del Nero was the spa experience, which reminds you of just what a spa should be: nurturing, individualized, warm, caring, and generous. The staff were the most solicitous I have encountered at a spa in many months, sincerely wanting you to have a wonderful experience, and really taking the time to ensure you are familiar with the range of heat/wet experiences you can have prior to beginning your treatment. The quality of the massages Ms. Groombridge and I received were among the best we’ve ever had, and were such a refreshing change from the pro forma approach many therapists seem to now be taking (5 minutes on right leg, 5 minutes now on left leg, etc.) It is really a very, very good spa, with an excellent vitality pool, sauna/steam rooms, and comfortable relaxation rooms.

Food at Castello del Nero was very good, particularly the ample and extensive breakfast options, and service was proficient and smooth for the entire stay.

I’m not sure I would have loved the stay as much if we hadn’t selected one of the top-priced suites in the historic building with the original period features: the sensationally high, coffered and painted ceiling, the frescoed coat of arms, the deep window bays with ancient wooden shutters. The bedroom is one of the great hotel rooms I’ve experienced, with the only let-down being the quality of the mattress, which was not of sufficient quality to prevent the entire bed from moving whenever one person shifted sleeping positions – it definitely needs to be replaced.

Toiletries in the bathroom were Etro, and the bathroom, up a short flight of stairs and tucked beneath the wooden ceiling beams of the Castello, was well appointed.

Its location is absolutely perfect as it is a short drive from Florence (free shuttle service), from San Gimignano and from Sienna. All the staff (lobby, restaurant, spa, bedroom, reception... ) are professional, kind and helpful, speak excellent English, French and fulfilled every request. We stayed in an Executive Double which was spacious, beautifully equipped and had view on the countryside. Bathroom was comfortable and beautiful. No A/C unit noise at all. The hotel is splendid and quiet. The spa is unforgettable and the staff there is absolutely nice and efficient. Massages and heat experience are definitely worthwhile. Our piece of advice will be to avoid staying at night in Florence (where hotels are overrated) and use the shuttle to have the opportunity to enjoy the town at day and rest in impressive countryside at night.

A hidden gem just a 30 minute drive out of Florence - a cold front came in right as we arrived, so I cannot imagine how it would be if able to sit out by the gorgeous pool, etc!

We stayed 5 nights, on a Stay 5 Pay 4 package. The hotel, rooms, restaurant, grounds, pool, gym, bar, service, etc were all typical of a 5-6 star hotel. Our room had a high-ceiling, cute windows overlooking the spectacular view, huge bathroom and bathtub with a view. You could not fault this property, however you are paying for this and every detail that goes with it. Location is a bit remote, but we hired a car to see the sights of Tuscany, and regularly used the hotel shuttle to Florence.

Very close to Badia A Passignano an abbey, and the Osteria di Passignano fine dining restaurant where we did a wine tasting tour and had lunch - it was spectacular, and well worth the investment.