Relais dei Molini – Villa dei Molini

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Relais dei Molini? The name actually makes perfect sense once you’re there – you can still see remnants of the old mill structures that give this place its character. It’s tucked away on Via dei Molini in Castagneto Carducci, which honestly most people drive right through on their way to the coast, but that’s kind of the point. This isn’t some flashy resort trying to impress everyone on Instagram.

The villa itself has that lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake – I’m talking about thick stone walls that actually keep things cool in summer, and windows that frame the Tuscan hills like they were meant to be there for centuries. The restoration work is really well done, where they’ve kept the bones of the original structure but added modern touches that don’t feel forced. The rooms have this perfect balance of rustic charm and actual comfort (you know how some “authentic” places can be a bit too authentic with rock-hard beds and questionable plumbing). Here, you get beautiful terracotta floors and exposed beams, but also great water pressure and air conditioning that actually works.

What I love about staying here is how it puts you right in the heart of wine country without the tourist circus you get in some other parts of Tuscany. Castagneto Carducci is serious wine territory – we’re talking about the Bolgheri zone where they make some of Italy’s most respected reds. The staff actually knows the local wineries personally, not just from some tourism board pamphlet, and they’ll point you toward the smaller places that don’t get overrun with tour buses. The coastal areas around Marina di Castagneto are maybe fifteen minutes away, which is perfect for those days when you want to escape the inland heat.

Honestly, the 9.6 rating doesn’t surprise me at all. The service feels genuine rather than scripted – they remember your name, they’ll adjust breakfast timing if you want to get an early start wine tasting, and they’re not constantly trying to upsell you on spa treatments or excursions. The property itself is just the right size where you feel like you have space to breathe, but you’re not wandering around some massive complex trying to find the pool. Speaking of which, the pool area is actually usable (not just pretty to look at) and positioned so you get views of the surrounding vineyards without feeling like you’re on display.

I mean, this isn’t the cheapest option in the area, but for what you get – the location, the genuine hospitality, and that feeling of staying somewhere with real history rather than a purpose-built hotel – it’s worth it. Plus, if you’re planning to explore the wine region seriously, having a comfortable, well-located base where you can actually relax makes all the difference. Just don’t expect nightlife or entertainment beyond good conversation over excellent local wine, which is really the whole point of being here anyway.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $149. Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $156. Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $198. Suite with Sea View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $206. Deluxe Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $219. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $373. Deluxe Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Amazing stay. Highly recommended. We will be back. – Matteo from United Kingdom – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  We received a free upgrade to a suite room. Breakfast delicious. Amazing view, super clean and really quiet and relaxing.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Beautiful hotel in a beautiful setting – David from Australia – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  Luca was an excellent host providing information about the area. The hotel was modern, suberbly fitted and spacious (the room could have done with another mirror in the bedroom). All the staff were lovely and breakfast was generous – great coffee.
  
  What could be improved: For our room, the neighbouring room was accessed by walking across our terrace and the two terraces were not clearly separated, this impacted private enjoyment of the outside area. The panoramic view was also not visible when sitting as the terrace wall was solid.

• Favoloso – Domenico from United Kingdom – 17 October 2024 (10/10)

  The style, the privacy and scenic view
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• We loved it!! – Gainey from United States – 4 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful setting. Very quiet. Breakfast was fantastic. Luca and his staff are warm and friendly!
  
  What could be improved: Loved everything!

• Great place to stay in this region of Tuscany. Friendly and helpful staff. Perfect stay. – Toni from Germany – 16 August 2024 (10/10)

  Like I wrote in an other evaluation, all expectations were fullfilled and Luca and his team made a great job to make this stay a perfect One. The photos of the hotel and the rooms are speaking for themselves and in reality its even more nice.
  
  What could be improved: —

• Superb – Frank from Switzerland – 10 June 2024 (9/10)

  Great locations and super friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Jacuzzi needs maintenance

• Excellent location and rooms. Friendly staff. Perfect stay. – Toni from Germany – 4 June 2024 (10/10)

  The Hotel Relais dei Molini is ideally located for exploring the region. It matches the description and fulfilled and even exceeded all expectations. Luca the owner and his team were always helpful – for example with restaurant bookings – and made this stay a perfect One.
  
  What could be improved: —

• Stellar location with stellar service!! – Diane from United States – 21 October 2023 (10/10)

  The location was perfect for us. Walking distance to the small historic center of town. Beautiful view. Excellent breakfast
  
  What could be improved: We were only able to connect to the wifi while in the breakfast area/ office.

• We enjoed the stay in the Relais dei Molini – Thomas from Switzerland – 10 June 2023 (10/10)

  Luca was very friendly and allowed my friend to park his car on the property without being a guest.
  The breakfast was excellent, especially the home made cakes.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain about.

• Beutiful view close to exceptional wineries – Giampaolo from Italy – 30 October 2022 (9/10)

  Room and high-quality room furniture, view, very good breakfast with great variety of home made cakes, jacuzzi

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities