Fattoria San Donato

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Fattoria San Donato? I was expecting just another agriturismo conversion, but this place actually feels like someone’s family estate that happens to welcome guests. It’s tucked away in Località San Donato – honestly, you’ll miss the turnoff if you’re not watching for it – about ten minutes outside San Gimignano’s main gates. The drive up is through proper Tuscan countryside, not the touristy stuff, and when you pull up to this honey-colored stone farmhouse, you get that “oh, this is why people move to Italy” feeling.

The rooms have that perfect balance of rustic charm without making you feel like you’re roughing it. I mean, the beams are original (you can tell because they’re actually weathered, not that fake distressed look), but the bathroom was completely modern with excellent water pressure – which, trust me, isn’t a given in these old properties. What really sold me was the attention to details that most places skip: proper reading lights, enough outlets, and windows that actually open wide enough to let in those incredible morning sounds from the valley. The 9.2 rating makes sense when you realize they’ve thought about stuff like having a small fridge that doesn’t hum all night and blackout curtains that actually block the sunrise if you want to sleep in.

But honestly, the real magic happens outside your room. The pool area overlooks vineyards that stretch toward San Gimignano’s towers – you can see them perfectly from the loungers, especially around sunset when the light hits just right. The family that runs it (I think they’re third generation) doesn’t hover, but they’re around if you need restaurant recommendations that aren’t in every guidebook. They pointed me toward this little osteria in Castel San Gimignano that I never would’ve found otherwise. Breakfast is served on the terrace with their own olive oil and what I’m pretty sure were eggs from chickens I could hear in the morning. It’s that kind of place where you end up lingering over coffee way longer than planned because, well, where else do you need to be?

The location is actually perfect if you want to explore but avoid the crowds. San Gimignano gets absolutely mobbed during the day, but staying out here means you can drive in for dinner when the tour buses leave, or hit the morning market before the chaos starts. Plus, you’re positioned really well for day trips – Siena’s maybe 45 minutes, and some of the best Chianti towns are even closer. Fair warning though: you’ll definitely need a car, and the last bit of the road is gravel, so maybe not ideal if you’re dragging massive suitcases. But for anyone wanting that authentic Tuscan experience without the tourist trap feel, this place delivers in ways that honestly surprised me.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $149. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $160. Apartment (2 Adults) with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $204. Family Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $248. Apartment (4 Adults) with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $281. Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Glorious! – Anna from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  We loved our stay at San Donato and it definitely exceeded expectations. We felt so welcomed by the family and their staff, and so at home in their beautiful Tuscan farm. It’s a peaceful and relaxing retreat away from the busy nearby towns, the food is incredible and you must must must do the family dinner and steak night. A stay to remember, we’ll be back!

• Exceptional – Kasia from Poland – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing place !

• Enjoyable, comfortable, fantastic. Had a great time – Ira from United States – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Easy to get around, beautiful surroundings, staff (family) were very friendly, pleasant, and best of all fantastic cooks, and wine was marvelous. Lived our stay
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was amazing

• Amazing stay. – Derek from Canada – 8 June 2025 (8/10)

  Beautiful surroundings.
  Amazing and welcoming hosts.
  Very close to San Gigmignano

• “Frateria San Donato was simply stunning — exceptional service and a breathtaking setting.” – Burhin from Belgium – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property is just amazing!😍
  
  What could be improved: Nothing 😉

• 3xcellent stay …friendly owners…beautiful scenery…except poor breakfast – Anne from Ireland – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  The breakfast was the only thing that was not up to standard….The tea and coffee were not hot enough….there was no choice of cappuncino…we had ate breakfast in a lucca hotel…the day before and it was much better quality, so we only had it once while staying there.

• Exceptional – Hanan from United Kingdom – 5 April 2025 (10/10)

  Mr Umberto and the Staffs were wonderful and helpful in guiding us to the best places to visit. Very warm welcome and kind goodbye. The location is spectacular and allows us to explore various areas with ease.

• Amazing hosts! – Madeline from Ireland – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing hosts and the place is gorgeous! Staff are very accommodating and recommended places that we can visit around Tuscany. The room was also clean and comfortable.

• The true Tuscan experience hosted by a lovely husband and wife on their beautiful property. Amazing wine, great food! – Bréa from Italy – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  Stunning property with magnificent views.

• Gorgeous location, wine, food and pool area. – Claire from New Zealand – 27 November 2024 (8/10)

  Superb homely location, family are incredibly welcoming..
  
  What could be improved: A quick daily clean of rooms would be nice or cleaning products provided.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities