Drogheria e Locanda Franci

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Drogheria e Locanda Franci – honestly, the name alone had me confused (drogheria means grocery store, for those wondering). But then you walk into this place on Piazzale Fortezza and it all clicks. They’ve actually converted an old pharmacy and grocery shop into this incredibly charming little hotel, and somehow it works perfectly. The location is just… well, you’re literally steps from Montalcino’s main fortress, which means you can stumble out for morning coffee and find yourself looking out over the Val d’Orcia before you’re even properly awake. The piazzale itself gets busy during the day with tour groups heading to the fortress, but by evening it’s quiet enough that you can hear the church bells from across town.

The rooms have this wonderful mix of old Tuscan bones – think exposed stone walls and wooden beams – but everything’s been updated thoughtfully. I mean, the bathroom in my room was tiny (this is a medieval building, after all), but the shower pressure was actually decent and the towels were thick. What really got me was how they’ve kept some of the original pharmacy fixtures as design elements – there are these beautiful old wooden cabinets and glass cases that just make you want to run your hands over them. The beds are comfortable enough, though if you’re a light sleeper, maybe pack earplugs since sound carries a bit through these old walls. The staff here genuinely knows their stuff too – they’ll point you toward the best wine shops on Via Mazzini or tell you which restaurants the locals actually eat at (spoiler: it’s not the ones right on the main square).

Here’s the thing about staying in Montalcino – everyone talks about the wine, and yes, the Brunello is incredible, but what makes this place special is that you’re staying in a real working hill town, not some tourist bubble. Franci gets that. They’ve got this little breakfast setup that feels more like visiting someone’s nonna than a hotel dining room, and the woman who runs the front desk will chat with you about which vineyards are worth the drive versus the ones you can easily walk to. The pricing feels fair for what you get – I’ve stayed in way more expensive places in Tuscany that had half the character. Just know that parking can be a bit of a puzzle (welcome to medieval Italy), but they’ll help you figure it out. If you’re planning to visit in September during harvest season, book way ahead – this place fills up with wine enthusiasts who return year after year, and honestly, once you stay here, you’ll understand why.

Rooms

• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Villa La Fortezza with private jacuzzi with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 2 children
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Apartment – Annex with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with Castle View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with Castle View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with Castle View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with Castle View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Queen Room – Disability Access with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Dean from Slovenia (10/10)

  Beautiful cosy little hotel at the edge of the old city ner the Fortezza parking. Actually I wanted to book in Montepulciano but there are no properties that come even close to this one in Montalcino.
  Very friendly staff immediately meets every wish, very good breakfast.

• Roman from Czech Republic (10/10)

  Bathroom is top of the class. Actually better.

• Mark from Australia (10/10)

  We loved everything about hotel and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The breakfast was also excellent.

• Bruno from Brazil (8/10)

  Restaurant is amazing.

• Emma from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Lovely apartment, quite a walk from the main hotel and with its own entrance leading to a wide staircase up into the living area. Spacious with a good kitchen and bathroom and good quality products in the bathroom including a sewing kit and a shaving kit plus bathrobes and slippers. Even a washing machine. The bed was also made up each night for us. Great breakfast included by walking up to the hotel and we had dinner there and that was a great experience with a sommelier who recommended amazing wine. Staff all friendly and helpful. Lovely view from the kitchen looking out over the town and the countryside beyond. Also worth going up on battlements to see the views from the old castle. A pretty little town with a supermarket at the top and some interesting shops. Be aware it is on a hill and there are some quite steep slopes and steps in the town. Lots of white cats – we saw one in the drain and several others nearby. We didn't do a wine tasting but the option is there.

• Gerd-michael from Germany (10/10)

  The room we had was very beautiful, the decor is exquisite and the whole setup is unique. The reception by Sara, the support and attention she gave us preparing our visit was extraordinary and needs to be seen. We immediately felt at home and because of Sara’s great recommendations we spent memorable days in Montalcino. Many thanks to Sara and the great team in the restaurant.

• Ross from United States (10/10)

  Fantastic small property. Comfortable room and bed. Friendly staff. In the heart of the beautiful village of Montalcino!

• Peter from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The staff were fantastic, the room was very comfortable and the location was excellent.

• Peter from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Very nice traditional room. Breakfast included in their adjacent Bistro was excellent

• Armin from Sweden (8/10)

  Really nice little place on a great location in Montalcino. Just 300-400 metres there is a free parking (just make sure to find the address before you arrive). Sara was very helpful and professional. Wonderful breakfast! Rooms are clean and cosy.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities