Hotel San Michele

Hotel Description

You know how sometimes you stumble across a place that just gets it right? That’s Hotel San Michele in Cortona. I mean, the location alone – Via Guelfa 15 – puts you right in the thick of things without being on one of those tourist-trampled main drags where you can’t sleep past 7 AM because of the tour groups.

The thing about this place is it actually feels like someone who lives in Cortona designed it for people who want to experience the real deal. The building has that solid, lived-in Tuscan stone feel (you know, the kind that keeps rooms naturally cool even in August), and honestly, the staff knows the difference between someone who’s here for Instagram shots versus someone who wants to find that little enoteca where locals actually drink their evening wine. They’ll point you toward Piazza della Repubblica when you need your morning coffee fix, but they’ll also tell you which medieval alleys to wander when the afternoon light hits just right on the ancient walls.

What I really appreciated – and this might sound small, but it matters – is how they handle the whole “historic building meets modern needs” thing. The rooms have character without feeling like you’re sleeping in a museum, and the bathrooms actually work (you’d be surprised how many 4-star places in hill towns mess this up). There’s decent Wi-Fi, which is clutch if you’re trying to research whether that monastery you can see from your window is worth the hike, and the beds are comfortable enough that you won’t wake up feeling like you wrestled with medieval torture devices all night. The breakfast situation is solid too – proper Italian coffee, local pastries, and they don’t give you weird looks if you want to linger over your cappuccino while planning your day.

Here’s the thing though – Cortona gets busy, especially during truffle season and in summer, but Hotel San Michele sits in this sweet spot where you’re close enough to walk to everything (the Etruscan museum, those killer sunset views from the fortress, all the good restaurants) but far enough from the main square that you’re not dealing with constant foot traffic right outside your window. The parking situation is actually manageable too, which anyone who’s tried to navigate a car through these hill towns will tell you is basically a minor miracle.

Look, I’m not saying this place will change your life or anything, but it’s one of those hotels that doesn’t get in the way of why you came to Cortona in the first place. The staff genuinely wants you to have a good time, the rooms are comfortable and clean, and you’ll wake up feeling like you’re actually in Italy, not some sanitized version of it. Plus, that 9-star rating? Yeah, it’s earned. When you’re sipping wine on a terrace looking out over the Val di Chiana at sunset, you’ll get why people keep coming back to this place.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $119. Classic Double or Twin Room for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $132. Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $170. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $270. Suite with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $318. Apartment with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $190. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $270. Suite with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $209. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $266. Family Suite with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $88. Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• This is an excellent property and we’ll return. Awesome location & beautiful building. Book it! – Kevin from United States – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

  Location, character, staff and attention to detail. Building is amazing with a delight at every turn.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Luxury stay at a price that makes it a great value – Francis from Canada – 9 July 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location in the middle of an outstanding medieval village. Great spot.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Wonderful stay in center of Cortona, with excellent service from all staff. – Toni from United States – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location is around the corner from a main square. Excellent service from staff. We stayed an extra day. Good breakfast and large hotel room with wardrobes. And an elevator for you over packers. Have hotel arrange a taxi to pick u up at the train station before you arrive– a great recommendation I read in another review. Working air conditioning!
  
  What could be improved: I would have loved a bathtub! Bathroom was very spacious.

• Exceptional – Kay from United Kingdom – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Sia from United States – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Staff

• Excellent accommodation at a reasonable price – Allen from Australia – 21 June 2025 (9/10)

  Nice, spacious room. Excellent breakfast. Very helpful staff.

• You MUST stay here! You’ll never want to leave! – Alannah from Australia – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  Astounding on every level! I loved my stay so much I stayed an extra night. This gorgeous hotel has wonderful views. Gorgeous caring staff. Incredible breakfast. Superb antique furniture. The hotel was the highlight of my Italian trip and I’m going to cry when I have to leave today!
  
  What could be improved: The property is excellent on every level.

• Wonderful accomodation! Stay here if you can! – Lauren from United States – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

  Beautiful old property, very comfortable (beds, air conditioning in room), great location. Staff were wonderful, breakfast was amazing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Beautiful Hotel, friendly helpful staff – Kathleen from United States – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location is perfect, onsite parking for a fee
  Great breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect location to attend the medieval festival. – John from Canada – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location in Cortona. Room was quite spacious, good for a 3 day stay. Breakfast had varied selection, attentive staff. Good parking facilities.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities