Antico Podere San Francesco

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Antico Podere San Francesco – I mean, it’s tucked away on this narrow street called Stradone Del Lupo in Vada, which honestly sounds more intimidating than it actually is. The whole area has this quiet, almost forgotten feeling that I really loved. You’re about ten minutes from the main drag, but it feels like you’ve stumbled onto some family secret.

The place itself is one of those converted farmhouses that actually feels authentic, not like someone just slapped “rustic” furniture into a regular hotel. The stone walls have that weathered look that you can’t fake, and there’s this subtle smell of old wood and lavender that hits you right when you walk in. What really got me was how the staff – I think the owner’s family runs it – remembered my name after day one and would ask about my plans for the beach. Speaking of which, you’re maybe a fifteen-minute walk to the water, which is perfect because you can hear the waves at night but you’re not dealing with the tourist chaos right on the seafront.

The rooms are bigger than I expected, honestly. Mine had these thick stone walls that kept everything cool even in July, and the bathroom – well, it’s not huge but the shower pressure was actually decent (you’d be surprised how rare that is in these old Italian places). The breakfast spread won’t blow your mind, but they do this incredible local honey and the coffee is strong enough to wake the dead. I kept finding myself lingering on the terrace in the mornings, watching the mist roll off the hills while planning my day. There’s something about the light there that makes everything feel more relaxed.

What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – no traffic noise, just crickets and the occasional distant sound of someone’s vespa puttering home. The WiFi worked fine in the main areas, though it got a bit spotty in some of the rooms (mine was okay). Parking is easy, which is a blessing because trying to navigate those narrow Italian streets with a rental car can be… well, let’s just say it’s character building. The whole Vada area is still pretty under-the-radar compared to places like Cinque Terre, so you get that authentic Tuscan coast experience without fighting crowds for a decent dinner reservation.

I’d definitely go back – there’s something addictive about the pace of life there, and the fact that you can walk to actual local spots instead of just tourist traps. Plus, that 9.1 rating isn’t just numbers; you can feel why people love this place once you settle in for a day or two.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $114. Studio Apartment with 1 bunk bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $119. Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. One-Bedroom Apartment – First Floor (4 Adults) with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. One-Bedroom Apartment – Ground Floor (4 Adults) with 2 bunk beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $209. Deluxe Studio with 1 bunk bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $185. One-Bedroom Apartment (6 Adults) with 2 bunk beds, 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Very good – Nicolas from Italy – 13 July 2025 (8/10)

  Very nice facilities : breakfast lounge, swimming pool, outdoor areas and well equipped&comfortable rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Very, very, very strict policies, where anything unexpected will be charged: swimming pool towel was 5 eur, doog will be charged extra per day (10Eur) AND for the last days cleaning (25eur). Beyond checkout time; swimming pool access will be limited or charged extra.
  Better to check very carefully all the conditions ar booking to prevent from bad surprises.
  Ah also, schedules are rather tight: 2 hours for breakfast (8-10), 10h of swimming pool per day (9-19), and honesty bar closes at 20.00.

• Perfect, relaxing holidays! – Sonja from Slovenia – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location is very good, staff is friendly, temperature of the pool is always perfect, everything is clean!

• Spacious apartments and heated pool – Karlina from Latvia – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Room was spacious, We arrived after pool was closed and staff offered that we can stay next day after check out to enjoy heated pool. Breakfast was super good, could try also locally made olive oil (can purchase at hotel), mozzarella, vegetables, breads, cheeses, meats, cakes, coffee, juices etc. They have shop where they sell locally made perfumes and olive oil so beware – they are super good and you might want to leave all your money there. It is super kid friendly so take that into consideration (they have shallow pool for kids).
  
  What could be improved: Communication over booking.com was taking more time that would want to. Next morning after check out, staff said that using pool is at extra cost of 20Eur that previous evening check-in staff did not mention to us. We were okay to pay, but would be nice to disclose that immediately when mentioning this option.

• Superb – Linda from United Kingdom – 27 April 2025 (9/10)

  Welcoming at reception with good information provided. The unit was clean and although we didn't use the kitchen facilities it was well equipped. Private outside seating area. Good size pool. Good parking and the resort had plenty of space where you could walk your dog, both in the grounds and outside the resort . Vada itself is a nice location for visiting both the local and wider area. We stopped off for 1 night en route to France but would come back again for a longer stay.
  
  What could be improved: We didn't book the breakfast due to the price but we saw that there was a good selection of food, well presented and fresh.

• Exceptional – Raimondas from Lithuania – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  An amazing place! My family loved it, and the time just flew by incredibly fast. The heated pool was wonderful, especially for the kids — they absolutely loved it. I’m sure we’ll be coming back more than once!

• The hotel provide you the of Great Tuscany feeling – Gölcük from Turkey – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  The breakfast was in good quality and the lady was so nice to help us.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• quite area near Italy shore – Aqil from Oman – 1 March 2025 (8/10)

  the property is located in very quite and beautiful place landscape area, far from the city.
  i have booked a two bedroom apartment and the room were very clean and in chalet style.
  there is a nice seating and BBQ area outside the apartment , great for family gathering.
  
  What could be improved: the property is far from the center around 7 km and also we didnt feel quite safe walking around the beach. for me i had limited food option and there are better shore locations in italy.
  also the apartment had 1 bathroom only and the 2nd bedroom the roof was very low in level and can hit your head easily.

• Totally excellent definitely recommend. – Simon from United Kingdom – 23 October 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely excellent, all you could need in an apartment. The facilities are beautiful and superb swimming pool. Breakfast is amazing and the staff are all brilliant and so helpful. 100% recommend. Really easy to find and easy access to all roads. Brilliant for families.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Exceptional – Celeste from United States – 20 September 2024 (10/10)

  We loved how friendly the staff was, how comfy the bed and room was & the fact that we were able to do our laundry with their self service washer and dryer!!!
  
  What could be improved: Without a car its really hard to get into the nearby town to explore and a taxi is a bit difficult to get to go into the town.

• Very clean and comfortable apartment with huge sun deck outside. – Katarina from Slovenia – 6 September 2024 (10/10)

  Big and comfortable bed, bright and very clean. Big sunny deck just outside, ideal for having dinner and watching sunsets. Kind stuff and nice swimming pool in perfect ambient.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities