Palazzo Malaspina B&B

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Palazzo Malaspina – honestly, the name sounds a bit intimidating, like you need fancy clothes just to walk through the door. But this little B&B on Via del Giglio completely surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked into this quiet street in Tavarnelle that feels authentically Tuscan without trying too hard, if that makes sense. The building itself has that weathered stone look that screams “I’ve been here longer than your great-grandmother,” but inside it’s been restored with this perfect balance of old-world charm and actual comfort.

The hosts here – and I mean this – actually seem to enjoy having guests around, which isn’t always a given at smaller places. They’ll sit with you over breakfast (and what a breakfast, honestly) and tell you which vineyards are worth the drive versus which ones are just tourist traps. Speaking of breakfast, forget those sad continental spreads you get at chain hotels. We’re talking local cheeses, fresh pastries that someone actually baked that morning, and coffee that doesn’t taste like it came from a packet. The dining area opens onto this little courtyard where you can hear the church bells from the center of town – it’s one of those details that sounds cheesy until you’re sitting there with your cappuccino thinking, “Yeah, this is exactly why I came to Italy.”

What really sold me on this place, though, is how it sits in Tavarnelle itself. You’re not stuck in some isolated agriturismo where you need to drive twenty minutes just to find a decent restaurant. The main piazza is maybe a three-minute walk, and there’s this little alimentari around the corner where locals actually shop – not some tourist-focused market with inflated prices. If you’re planning to explore the Chianti region (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), Palazzo Malaspina works as a perfect base. Florence is about thirty minutes by car, but more importantly, you’re surrounded by some seriously good wineries that most visitors never hear about because they’re too busy fighting crowds in San Gimignano. The parking situation is actually manageable too, which anyone who’s driven in Tuscany will appreciate. It’s not luxury in the marble-and-gold sense, but it’s that kind of understated elegance that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special rather than just booked another hotel room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $133. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $147. King with Garden view with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $147. King Room with Spa Bath with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely to be right in the middle of a small community. Very relaxing – John from United Kingdom – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  We were last here in 2017 so it was nice to come back and without planning we had exactly the same room. Matteo was excellent in communicating pre-visit and it was everything we remember – very well located, good breakfasts and a couple of restaurants and bars nearby. Quiet but not too quiet. You have to have a car but that's fine, we like to travel out into the surrounding area
  
  What could be improved: We had a small balcony and would have preferred a bigger garden or pool area but we knew it wasn't an option when we booked. As long as you're not looking for those things this is very very good

• The location, the friendly staff, the attentiveness and flexibility shown by the staff, the facilities and the decor – j – Joanna from United Kingdom – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  Everything!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Bergamin from Canada – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful palazzo in the heart of San Donato’s old town. Great staff that were extremely helpful, as we were traveling with our 7 month daughter. Mery made sure that every breakfast was well presented with an excellent selection of home cooked foods.
  
  What could be improved: All was great!

• Great property, great location in peaceful village. – Cormac from Ireland – 15 August 2024 (10/10)

  Very old, but fantastically preserved historic property.
  
  Amazing staff. Breakfasts by Mary (especially the quiche) were fantastic. Matteo, the host, was amazing and was on hand to answer any questions, no matter what time of the day!
  
  Central location beside the square.
  
  What could be improved: More a recommendation – It would be good to have water to purchase or a refillable water dispenser, as all the local shops close in the middle of the day.
  
  Being from abroad where it’s not the norm for shops to close, we forget that shops close in the middle of the day in Italy. (I do think it’s great that they close – but I’m just not used to it!) 😅

• Truly wonderful – Shannon from United States – 15 June 2024 (10/10)

  The history, cleanliness, spacious, personal touch and the location to Florence, Pisa, and Lucca for day trips! Highly recommend! Staff was so responsive and accommodating 🩷🩷🩷 Wonderful experience

• Perfect central location to visit different places – Luisa from Portugal – 28 April 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful family house with a very comfortable rooms.
  The staff was very friendly and the location is perfect for those who want to visit others cities.
  
  What could be improved: No common area besides the breakfast area. The garden could be more well kept…

• Amazing, super, beautiful – perfect! – Lorenzo from United Kingdom – 19 December 2023 (10/10)

  Exactly as shown in the photos; a lovely historic building, converted with great taste into a b&b, lovely hosts, great breakfast, super comfy bed, amazing view from the room / balcony and location is unbeatable to explore the chianti area as well as to go into Florence or Siena for the day.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Absolutely lovely!! – Mabel from United States – 7 November 2023 (10/10)

  We absolutely loved everything about this property. From the amazing service to the extremely helpful and friendly staff, to the beautiful property. Absolutely recommend this place and will definitely be back in the future
  
  What could be improved: There is absolutely nothing bad to say about Palazzo Malaspina!

• Superb – Rod from United Kingdom – 1 November 2023 (9/10)

  The property, the location and the staff were all excellent as were the breakfast and the dinner.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Miguel from Spain – 22 September 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect. Staff was awesome and the place is literally fantastic. We will repeat for sure.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities