Tenuta Decimo – Villa Dini

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about San Gimignano? Everyone obsesses over those medieval towers in the centro storico, but some of the best experiences happen when you venture just outside the walls. That’s exactly what I discovered at Tenuta Decimo – Villa Dini, this gorgeous 4-star place tucked away in Località Decimo, maybe a 10-minute drive from all the tourist madness.

The villa itself is one of those converted Tuscan estates that actually feels authentic – not like someone just slapped some terracotta tiles on a modern building and called it rustic. I mean, you can tell this place has stories. The stone walls have that weathered patina you can’t fake, and honestly, the way the morning light hits the courtyard around 8 AM is just spectacular. Check-in was refreshingly low-key too – none of that stuffy hotel formality, more like being welcomed to a friend’s family property. The staff actually knows the area, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how rare that is. They pointed me toward this tiny enoteca in town that I never would’ve found otherwise.

What really won me over was the location strategy here. During the day, you’re close enough to easily explore San Gimignano’s famous towers and that incredible Piazza della Cisterna (parking in town is a nightmare, but the hotel helps arrange it). But then – and this is key – you retreat back to Decimo for the evening, away from the day-tripper crowds. The silence out there is something else, especially if you’re used to city noise. I actually slept better than I had in months. The rooms feel substantial, not cramped like a lot of historic properties. Mine had these thick walls that kept everything cool even during that heat wave in July, and the view stretched across vineyard-covered hills that looked like a Renaissance painting. The 8.7 rating makes total sense when you experience the whole package – it’s not trying to be a flashy luxury resort, but everything works exactly as it should.

The restaurant situation deserves a mention too. They do this farm-to-table thing that’s genuine, not performative – vegetables from their own garden, local wines that aren’t marked up ridiculously. I had this wild boar ragu that was probably the best meal of my entire Tuscany trip, and I ate at some pretty fancy places. The dining room has these massive wooden beams overhead and windows that frame the countryside perfectly. You’ll want to book dinner there at least once, even if you’re planning to explore the region’s restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you end up lingering over wine longer than planned, watching the sunset paint everything golden. That’s really the essence of staying here – it slows you down in the best possible way, gives you a genuine taste of rural Tuscany while keeping you connected to one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval towns.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $92. Superior Double Room with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $106. Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $130. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $205. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $237. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Amazing villa & value for money – Amélie from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  The villa was a wonderful find. All staff were really lovely, the breakfast was nice, there is a restaurant in the sister property with great food and a really good waiter. The 'small' bedroom we had booked turned out to be a suite. There are plenty of chilling areas, the pool is lovely, the views incredible, but most importantly, there are cats (at least four?) who are all incredibly friendly.
  
  What could be improved: The electric plugs in our bedroom havent been updated to new standard which meant our adapters didn't fit in the socket. Overall not a big issue as we had older adapters as well but this may be something to bear in mind. You won't be able to use the swimming pool without a cap – they sell some at the reception though.

• Superb – Priscilla from Germany – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  We had an excellent stay, the staff were super attentive, the place was beautiful and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: The first breakfast was not good, but the one on Easter Sunday was very good.

• Superb – Lisa from Australia – 29 October 2024 (9/10)

  We loved the views from the Villa and sitting by the pool. Our dinner at the restaurant was the best we had in the area.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A gem! – Meghann from United Kingdom – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  What a beautiful place and location. Such a charming villa! It felt like a tiny village, so pretty! Very easy to find too. I loved the place as soon as I left the car. We arrived a bit late at the reception due to traffic, but the receptionist was a real angel.
  The room was also a really pleasant surprise, decorated with taste, very spacious too, and clean.
  The swimming pool was also well maintained, you could see the gardener in the morning taking care of it.
  The breakfast was really tasty too, with a lovely breakfast area to eat, accompanied by the cats who were not afraid to stay hi!
  It is such a peaceful place, and we felt really relaxed when we were there.
  
  What could be improved: The fact that the swimming caps are mandatory for the swimming pool, and therefore if you didn’t bring one, you’ll need to pay for it at the reception; but seeing how it was clean, it is understandable.

• Worth it – Riccardo from Italy – 30 September 2024 (10/10)

  Everything!! Place is amazing. Really close to San Gimignano. Super quiet, clean. Breakfast was incredible good. Worth it

• Perfect place for family or couples – Shimo from United States – 5 September 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was great.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe have more dishes at the apartments.

• Comfortable, quiet and relaxing stay – Seemat from United Kingdom – 7 August 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful views, very quiet location and comfortable stay. The pool was clean and the small playground on site, as well as the friendly cats kept our 4 year old very entertained. The restaurant at the sister villa was also good. We did self-catering so cannot speak for the breakfasts but the olive oil we bought on site was great!

• Exceptional – Lukas from Slovakia – 19 July 2024 (10/10)

  Really nice property, great food, amating staff, exceptional cooking class, clean rooms.

• Very good – Juliana from Brazil – 10 July 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful location from which to do trips all over Tuscany. Staff was very nice.
  
  What could be improved: We got the 2 bedroom apt. Was a bit more cave-like than what we expected, pretty dark. Also made breakfast in the apt’s kitchen, and had a ton of ants the next day despite having washed up everything really well. Know this can be an issue when out in rural properties, but would not have planned to use the kitchen had I known.

• Lovely, cheap accommodation – Leanne from Australia – 4 June 2024 (10/10)

  One night emergency accommodation and met all our expectations. Staff were lovely and very obliging. Let us store our huge luggage for the day before we checked in.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities