La Fornace Di Racciano

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Fornace Di Racciano? It’s actually tucked away in this tiny hamlet called Racciano, about a 10-minute drive from San Gimignano’s famous towers – close enough that you can see them from certain spots on the property, but far enough that you escape the tourist crowds completely. I mean, the location is sort of perfect if you want that authentic Tuscan countryside experience without feeling totally isolated. The building itself has this rustic charm that feels genuine rather than manufactured – it’s housed in what used to be a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, and honestly, they’ve done a beautiful job preserving the original stone walls and terracotta floors while adding modern comforts that actually work.

The rooms have character in all the right ways – exposed wooden beams, those thick stone walls that keep everything cool even in July, and windows that frame the rolling hills like living paintings. What I really appreciated was the attention to details that matter: the beds are legitimately comfortable (not always a given in converted historic buildings), the bathrooms have proper water pressure, and there’s reliable WiFi throughout. The staff genuinely knows the area – they’ll point you toward the best hiking trails through the vineyards or suggest which restaurants in San Gimignano are worth your time versus the obvious tourist traps. During my stay, they recommended this tiny enoteca on Via San Matteo that I never would have found otherwise.

The breakfast situation is actually impressive – they source a lot from local producers, so you’re getting real Pecorino di Pienza, fresh bread from the village baker, and honey from hives practically next door. The outdoor terrace where they serve it overlooks these incredible olive groves, and if you’re an early riser like me, watching the sunrise paint the Tuscan hills is worth the 6:30 AM wake-up call. Parking is straightforward (thank god, because navigating rental cars through San Gimignano’s narrow streets is a nightmare), and the whole place has this peaceful quality – you hear church bells from the nearby village, maybe some distant farm sounds, but no traffic noise or construction. The pool area is well-maintained without being overly manicured, and it’s positioned to catch the afternoon sun perfectly. With a 9.3 rating, it’s clearly hitting the mark for most people, and I can see why – it strikes that sweet spot between authentic character and modern functionality that’s surprisingly hard to find in Tuscany these days.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $135. One-Bedroom Apartment (2 Adults) with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $141. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $164. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $193. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $199. Quadruple Room with Private Bathroom with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Lovely hotel handy for the town by car facilities and staff were great – Tony from United Kingdom – 12 July 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely location, service and staff were great
  
  What could be improved: Noisy fellow visitors!

• Beautiful location, friendly family run. Comfy cool room with the best breakfast you could wish for. – L from United Kingdom – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  WOW. What a beautiful place with a stunning backdrop of San Gimignano. Family run place who will tell you of all the best restaurants. The restaurant just up the track is fine. We didn't walk into San Gimignano as it looked like the only route was via the road. I maybe wrong? Nice to dip our legs in the pool in the evening after exploring San Gimignano in 35 degrees heat. Breakfast was best we've ever had. Never had so much choice

• Exceptional – Aidan from Ireland – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful property with fantastic views.
  
  What could be improved: Not a problem for us but there is no other option than to drive into town. Too far to walk and road not safe to walk along.. No local taxis it seems.

• Wonderful stay – highly recommend – Emma from Australia – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast, the property, the location – everything was beautiful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent stay in the heart of Tuscany. – Sachin from United States – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very well kept, secluded, and very close to San Gimignano. The daily breakfast was also excellent.

• Superb – Richard from United States – 3 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff. Beautiful location. Excellent breakfast. Friendly.

• I rate this stay 10/10. Everything was perfect, from the minute we walked into the reception. The rooms were spotles – James from Australia – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  The property was so pretty. Garden with lawn areas to sit on and enjoy the view of Tuscany. The pool was beautiful to come back too after a hot day of exploring
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all

• A beautiful and relaxing holiday – Emily from United Kingdom – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  The grounds, staff, rooms, pool, dogs, breakfast, wine and aperitivo were all phenomenal. La Fornace Di Racciano was a dream, and we’d love to return someday.

• Perfect stay in Toscana – Maiara from Brazil – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was just perfect. We were positively surprised the whole stay. I recommend it for sure

• The room, the staff, the pool, the breakfast, the town was all fantastic. Our only complaint was why did we not have mor – Narelle from Australia – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  OMG This place was amazing from the time we arrived to the time we left.
  
  What could be improved: A very small shower but the water was hot and it was a very minor thing.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities