COMO Castello Del Nero

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of fancy hotels in Tuscany, but COMO Castello Del Nero hits different – and I mean that in the best way possible. This isn’t some converted villa pretending to be a castle; it’s an actual 12th-century fortress that’s been transformed into something that honestly feels like luxury travel done right. The moment you wind up that cypress-lined drive on Strada Spicciano (which, fair warning, is narrow as hell but totally worth the white-knuckle moments), you get it. This place sits on a hill overlooking the Chianti countryside like it owns the whole valley – which, historically speaking, it kind of did.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep the medieval bones intact while making everything feel effortlessly modern. The rooms are carved into these ancient stone walls, so you’re sleeping where nobles probably plotted political schemes centuries ago, but you’ve got heated marble floors under your feet and these incredible views over vineyards that seem to roll on forever. The spa – honestly, this might be the best part – is built into the castle’s old cellars, so you’re getting massages in rooms with actual frescoed ceilings. It’s surreal in the most wonderful way. And you know what? The staff actually knows the area. Ask about dinner recommendations and they won’t just point you to the obvious tourist traps in San Gimignano (though those towers are pretty spectacular at sunset). They’ll tell you about that little osteria in Barberino that only locals know about, or which vineyard tours are worth your time versus the ones that are just overpriced selfie ops.

The food situation deserves its own paragraph because chef Daniele Sera is doing something special in that kitchen. I mean, this is Tuscany, so you expect good ingredients, but he’s elevating everything without losing that rustic soul that makes Italian food so damn satisfying. The restaurant overlooks the infinity pool, which sounds cheesy but actually creates this perfect evening vibe where you’re sipping Chianti Classico while watching the sun set over the same hills that inspired Renaissance painters. Breakfast on the terrace is where I’d park myself every morning if I lived here – fresh pastries, local honey, and coffee that puts your hotel room Nespresso to shame. The only minor gripe? WiFi can be spotty in some of the tower rooms (ancient stone walls, go figure), but honestly, that might be a blessing in disguise when you’re surrounded by this much beauty. If you’re planning to visit, book for late spring or early fall – summer gets crowded with wedding parties (gorgeous venue, but you know how that goes), and winter can be a bit too quiet unless you’re into that whole romantic isolation thing.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $1,079. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $967. Deluxe Double Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,267. Superior Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,267. Suite – Split Level with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,980. Deluxe Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Amazing place to relax and enjoy Tuscany in luxury – Tasos from United Kingdom – 11 November 2024 (10/10)

  All the details were well taken care of. Excellent service and stuff.
  Amazing view and overall great place to relax, unwind and enjoy the Tuscan scenery and food in luxury (the Michelin star restaurant within the hotel was amazing)

• Pretty AMAZING property, great location, love the shuttle service (did not use service though),support in activity/s – Anju from Australia – 15 September 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing property in a great location to see many of the villages in Tuscany. Room
  Sizing was great and views from the room were AMAZING.
  
  The spa services were great BUT very expensive (we travel very regularly).
  
  Staff in areas except for the reception were pretty amazing!
  Breakfast area – Gabrielle is one they need to keep! He is so amazing always happy to appease!
  Pool side – Jay was so great always preempting our requests and always happy!
  Day Spa – Eva is a talented masseuse!
  
  The La Torre restaurant wasn’t as great as i expected considering the high prices.
  
  What could be improved: Reception staff could be a little friendlier and more helpful in organising external activities. At this price point an accessible activities/services planning support would be helpful.
  
  We requested services to Florence and the reception were not very helpful (yes they offer a shuttle but the timing did not suit us). We needed options so that we can have a private drop and pickup vs taxi due to the fear of being unable to get one back to the property at night after dinner. The reception weren’t very helpful which was frustrating.
  
  Overall improvement should be made to support activity/stay planning upon checkin as we would have loved to know about the Hot Air Balloon option, that we only found out about our last day because we saw it during breakfast.
  
  Upon arrival we were greeted and shown around by a lovely lady who also runs the yoga on-site. She was so engaging and genuine (I cannot remember her name but upon she is the perfect selection for greeting new guests!
  
  The grape harvest activity was pretty great! The staff and organisation of the activity considered attention to detail. Improvement could be made in communication in terms of what to wear and what to expect on the day.
  
  We also had a private Vespa tour with Samuelle (our private tour guide who was AMAZING). It was an experience that we will never forget. I was a little nervous but Samuelle (who is young but more mature than his age!) was great at providing me the confidence I needed. The activity was super expensive but one we won’t regret or forget! Etched memory!

• Wonderful view from the terrace and restaurant. Excellent breakfast and restaurant view. – Cornel from Romania – 2 September 2024 (9/10)

  – nice welcome, with drinks and refreshing towels
  – the view in the vecinity of the pool and from the terrace and restaurant is wonderful
  – occasional complimentary fruits and refreshing towels while at the pool
  – a lot of kid-related welcome gifts
  
  What could be improved: – while they offer you a lot of kid-related welcome gifts, it's disappointing they don't allow children under 16 in the spa area. They promised they will call us when nobody is around to allow us in the spa area with children but they never contacted us during our stay
  – the castle feels too much redesigned, not feeling the vintage vibe anymore
  – very expensive daily activities (hundreds of euros for wine tasting / cooking classes / bike rides / etc)
  – barely any towels at the pool and also very muddy area / grass. Service is also quite limited

• Exceptional – Daria from Ukraine – 28 August 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing experience, really enjoyed.

• An excellent experience all around! – Ornela from Albania – 27 May 2024 (9/10)

  “The food was outstanding, the staff were incredibly attentive, and the view was simply breathtaking. Highly recommended!

• Beautiful our perfect weekend – Rodrigo from Denmark – 7 April 2024 (9/10)

  The location is beautiful and the hotel is also beautiful.
  For sure it has a 5* service and facilities. We definitely will go back.
  
  What could be improved: I believe the prices are above the market for what the hotel is. For 800 euros/night in low season you can stay at Ritz Paris or any hotel at this level.

• OMG I want to live here!!!! – Kellie from Australia – 5 January 2024 (10/10)

  The most amazing and enchanting property. We absolutely loved it our stay at Castello Del Nero. This is definitely a five star experience. The staff are incredible and their attention to their guests is quite unbelievable. Nothing was too much trouble and we felt like we were staying in a guest house. The food was also amazing!
  
  What could be improved: The food and beverage was a little over priced

• A unique luxury gateaway – ์nayada from Thailand – 3 January 2024 (9/10)

  The decoration and the atmosphere is perfect
  
  What could be improved: Less activity and mostly on retreat which i find it's too much

• I expected a much more historic hotel with the castle having a thousand years of histoey – Nolan from United States – 15 November 2023 (8/10)

  November being an unpredictable weather month the breakfast was served in a patio room with plastic screens not very cozy. With the rainy conditions it would have been better to serve in the indoor dining room
  
  What could be improved: The hotel really needs an indoor dining room which it has but is used only by the Michelin star restaurant

• Exceptional – Rodrigo from Brazil – 13 November 2023 (10/10)

  everything was wonderful! made our trip to Tuscany even more special. Great staff, nice rooms, good food and perfect views. will be back for sure.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities