Il Casale Del Cotone

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Il Casale Del Cotone? The silence. I mean, you’re still technically in San Gimignano territory, but this place feels like it exists in its own little bubble about 10 minutes outside the main town. The hotel sits in this restored farmhouse that’s got that perfect Tuscan thing going on – weathered stone walls, cypress trees lining the drive, and honestly, the kind of view that makes you understand why people move to Italy and never leave. When you’re checking in, you can actually see San Gimignano’s famous towers in the distance, which is pretty magical at sunset (though I’d skip the morning view if you’re not an early person – the light’s just harsh).

The rooms are what you’d expect from a place that earned its 4 stars the right way – not flashy, but everything works and feels intentional. Mine had these thick wooden beams overhead and windows that opened onto olive groves, and the bed was actually comfortable, which… well, that’s not always a given in these historic properties. The bathroom was modern enough without feeling out of place, though the shower pressure could be better – typical for older buildings, I suppose. What really gets me is how quiet it is at night. Coming from the tourist chaos of central San Gimignano (especially during summer when the day-trippers are out in force), the peace here is almost startling. You’ll hear cicadas and maybe some distant farm sounds, but that’s it.

The real genius of staying here is the location strategy. You’re close enough to walk into San Gimignano proper when you want that medieval atmosphere and the good restaurants along Via San Giovanni, but you can escape back to Il Casale when the crowds get overwhelming – which they will, trust me. The staff actually knows the area well enough to point you toward the less obvious hiking trails and can tell you which local wineries are worth visiting versus the tourist traps. There’s parking on-site too, which is huge since driving into San Gimignano itself is basically a nightmare of narrow streets and limited spaces. I’d definitely recommend having a car if you stay here though – it opens up day trips to places like Volterra or Siena, and you’ll want that flexibility. The hotel serves breakfast with local ingredients, and while it’s not elaborate, the coffee is proper Italian strong and the pastries come from a bakery in town. Honestly, for the price point and that 9-star rating, it delivers exactly what it promises – a genuine Tuscan experience without the tourist hotel feel.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $265. Basic Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $284. Standard Double/Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $303. Superior Double Room with 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $322. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $341. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $379. Quadruple Room with 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $530. Deluxe Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Jayme from Monaco – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very good dinner and staff

• Stunning location, great facilities and friendly host (Alessandro); we couldn’t have asked for more! – Catherine from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  The property was in a beautiful well kept setting. The room was spacious and immaculately clean. The pool area was beautiful with great choice of seating/ sun beds with or without shade.
  The host was amazing , very friendly and helpful and the food and drinks were amazing. We had a great time and will certainly visit again!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Best host/owner ever, best location and setup ever seen in Tuscany. – Marco from Switzerland – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Best stay in Tuscany ever.
  Amazing host/owner, The setup of this place is amazing. I have never experienced a host paying soo much attention to details. The plants, the garden, the pool and the small park in front of the main building are soo nice. The food/diner which he prepares all by himselfs is excellent. I can only recomend this place to anyone how wants to experience Tuscany at is max.

• Alessandro is an incredible host. It is a cozy place that feels like a friends home in one of the most beautiful places – Cesar from Mexico – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  The overall vibe that Alessandro creates here is on its own worth the visit and the dinner service when available is better than anything we experienced in Italy.
  
  The location has incredible views all around and an amazing pool.
  
  The location is great and it’s a great option if you’d like to visit San Gimignano, Siena and surrounding towns.
  
  What could be improved: You have to know what to expect and you should come to think of it as staying at friend’s house. It’s a great place to make connections with other people while experiencing an amazing part of Tuscany but if you come expecting it to be a 5 star hotel where you are catered to on every whim it’s likely not the best place for you.

• Lovely location just a bit of shade needed after a swim. – Tracy from United Kingdom – 20 June 2025 (8/10)

  The position was perfect for our needs. The grounds were stunning and very well kept.
  
  What could be improved: Although there was plenty of shade on the grass by the pool and under the trees you weren’t allowed to sit there. This was a huge problem when it was 33 degrees. The umbrellas didn’t tilt to give shade either.

• Beautiful location, super friendly staff and a lovely hotel ☺️ – Abi from United Kingdom – 19 June 2025 (8/10)

  Alessandro was a delight (along with all of the other staff!) and made us feel very welcome. He was always on hand to offer advice and not far away if you needed to order a drink to cool down! The seating areas were plentiful and the pool area was perfect for chilling out during the day. We had a really lovely stay ☺️
  
  What could be improved: Not much to be honest! Nothing to do with the hotel, more the transport – it's slightly out of town so you need to drive everywhere to eat during the day. Alessandro cooks dinner some evenings so this was good that we didn't need to drive outside the hotel for dinner on some evenings.

• Exceptional – Damir from Croatia – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  Since I was traveling by car, it was important for me to have secured parking. Top class accommodation for sure. Property is placed on perfect position. From one side, the silence of nature at the property, but literally a few minutes drive through the beautiful countryside to the center of San Gimignano. In addition, the breakfast in this accommodation is really excellent. Everything is extra clean and tidy. Signore Martelli was an excellent host. For recommendation.

• Just Wonderful ❤️ – Kelly from Canada – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Location.
  The Gorgeous landscaped garden.
  Cleanliness.
  But the best part about our stay was the Host, Alessandro made us feel welcome in his home.
  His attention to detail was evident everywhere on the property.
  We dined two evenings on the gourmet meals that Chef Alessandro prepared ❤️
  We highly recommend this beautiful place.
  Thank you Alessandro 🙏❤️
  Kelly and Glenn Vancouver , Canada 🇨🇦
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Great stop on a wine tour – Benjamin from United Kingdom – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely rural setting very picturesque
  The dinner was really nice and the breakfast varied and fab
  Great pool area
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great – the walk to San Gimignano is doable – about 30 mins but the first 1 mile on the road with no pavements – just need to be careful – only an issue if you decide to walk

• Stunning place near San-Gimignano – Viktoriia from Belgium – 19 April 2025 (10/10)

  The villa is beautifully located, offering magnificent views of the Tuscan hills, has a cosy beautiful garden. Parking is easy.
  The room has everything for comfortable stay, spotlessly clean. I’ve honestly never seen such impeccably white sheets and towels
  Breakfast was excellent, with a good selection and everything tasting delicious. The hospitable owner made us feel very welcome, personally preparing coffee and hot chocolate for our son.
  If we return to Tuscany, we will definitely stay here again. Highly recommended!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities