Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Overview

You know what hits you first when you pull up the winding cypress-lined drive to Castello di Casole? It’s not just another converted castle hotel – I mean, Tuscany’s got plenty of those – but this place actually feels like you’re staying in someone’s incredibly well-appointed ancestral home. The original 10th-century structure sits on this sprawling 4,200-acre estate near Casole d’Elsa, and honestly, the approach alone makes you understand why Belmond chose this spot. The views roll on forever across the Val d’Elsa, with those classic Tuscan hills dotted with olive groves that look almost too perfect to be real.

What I love about this place is how they’ve managed to keep the authentic medieval bones while making everything feel genuinely luxurious – not stuffy, just… right. The suites are spread across the main castello and these beautifully restored farmhouses scattered around the property, so you’re not dealing with hotel corridor vibes at all. Each room feels completely different, with original frescoes, beamed ceilings, and these massive windows that frame the countryside like living paintings. The bathrooms are particularly well done – marble everywhere, but not in that cold, museum-y way some five-star places go overboard with. Check-in was refreshingly smooth too, no standing around a marble counter while they verify your reservation three times.

The real magic happens when you start exploring the grounds. There’s this incredible infinity pool that seems to disappear right into the valley (gets busy around 2 PM, but mornings are blissfully quiet), and the spa is built into these ancient stone cellars that somehow manage to feel both historic and completely modern. The restaurant sources everything from their own gardens and local farms – I had this incredible pici pasta with wild boar ragu that the chef told me was made with boar actually hunted on the property. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Casole d’Elsa proper if you want to grab a coffee at the local bar or pick up some pecorino, and you’re perfectly positioned for day trips to Siena (30 minutes) or San Gimignano (20 minutes) without feeling like you’re staying in a tourist hub. The staff seems to genuinely know the area too – they pointed me toward this tiny enoteca in Mensano that I never would have found otherwise. Fair warning though: you’ll want a car here, and the roads can be a bit narrow if you’re not used to Italian country driving. But honestly, that just adds to the feeling that you’ve discovered something special tucked away in the hills.

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Accommodations

Reviews of Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

• Exceptional – Marcelle from South Africa – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic location and beautiful Castello.
  Allegra and Andrea and teM were great and most welcoming.
  Chef is fabulous,dining experience really wonderful. Entertainment music lovely.a fantastic experience!
  
  What could be improved: Nothong

• Ideal – Mica from United States – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything!!!

• One of the best castles in Tuscany. Excellent value for money – Cornel from Romania – 4 September 2024 (10/10)

  – overstaffed, but in a good way, there's always someone everywhere to assist you in need, very professional all of them
  – great spa area for relaxing
  – big infinity pool with a nice view over the valley
  – nice view from the rooms
  – comprehensive breakfast, a lot of fruits, juices, cheese selection
  – a lot of free activities included (bike rides, focaccia / cocktail lessons, wine tasting) and various small complimentary gifts
  
  What could be improved: – pool water might be a bit cold
  – very short spa schedule (11:00-18:00), if you're somehow staying only 1 day then all you get is 2 hours probably

• Love this place definitely recommend and would go back!!! – Robert from United States – 1 August 2024 (10/10)

  Wow incredible views very luxurious

• Customer experience is the tip of the spear for every single employee here and it makes all the difference in the world – David from United States – 6 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything!!!
  
  What could be improved: This is a silly question for this place.

• Exceptional – Caroline from British Indian Ocean Territory – 26 June 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely stunning hotel .the landscape , food and drinks are all stunning .the staff are wonderful and very accommodating.

• Beautiful experience – May from Saudi Arabia – 27 May 2024 (10/10)

  The view, the scenery and the story behind it.
  Amazing food & service.

• Very beautiful property – Silvana from Romania – 3 May 2024 (9/10)

  Location, facilities, style, room.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast could have been more rich and a higher number of waiters is needed.

• Exceptional – Serrie from United Kingdom – 29 October 2023 (10/10)

  What's not to like? Beautiful hotel, fabulous facilities, friendly staff, great food…. one of the loveliest hotels in the world. I particularly loved the beautiful infinity pool. Great spa and gym too. Just go!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Exceptional – Never from Saudi Arabia – 8 October 2023 (10/10)

  Landscape , quick service, happy staff
  
  What could be improved: Nill

Surroundings

Facilities