Tenuta Sant’Ilario

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Tenuta Sant’Ilario? The way it just appears as you’re winding up that country road – honestly, I almost missed the turnoff from the SP4 because I was so busy gawking at the Tuscan hills rolling out in every direction. This isn’t one of those places where you’re fighting for a parking spot or listening to traffic all night. It’s properly tucked away in the countryside outside Gambassi Terme, which means you get those mornings where the only sounds are church bells drifting over from town and maybe a tractor puttering through the vineyards.

The building itself has that lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake – thick stone walls that actually keep things cool during those sweltering August afternoons, and rooms that feel substantial without being stuffy. I mean, sure, it’s got the requisite exposed beams and terracotta floors you’d expect, but there’s something about the way they’ve restored this old estate that doesn’t feel like they’re trying too hard. The staff actually remembers your name after day one, which is refreshing. My room looked out over olive groves that seemed to stretch forever, and honestly, I spent way more time than I’d planned just sitting on that little balcony with morning coffee. The beds are properly comfortable too – none of that rock-hard mattress situation you sometimes get at these historic properties.

What really makes this place special is how it connects you to the area without making you feel isolated. Gambassi Terme is an easy walk if you want to grab dinner somewhere other than the hotel restaurant (though honestly, their kitchen knows what they’re doing – especially with anything involving the local pecorino). You’re also perfectly positioned for day trips to Volterra or San Gimignano without dealing with the crowds that stay right in those tourist centers. The thermal baths in town are worth checking out, especially if you’re here during the cooler months. And here’s something the booking sites don’t tell you – the hotel has this little pathway that leads down through their own vineyards to a spot where you can watch the sunset paint the entire valley gold. It’s the kind of detail that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something rather than just checked into another hotel. The whole experience feels authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find, especially at this price point.

Rooms

• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Family Room (4 Adults) with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Three-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool with 3 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Three-Bedroom Apartment – Split Level with 3 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• Villa with Private Pool with 3 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Damaris from Belgium (10/10)

  We had a wonderful stay at tenuta sant’ilario! Everything was perfect. The view from our place was marvelous, as well as the piece and quiet in the morning. The pool was very nearby and we had the luxury to ‘have the pool to ourselves’ or to share it with only 1 group of other guests, so we really felt at ease. Unfortunately because of a last-minute cancellation of the company we booked our flight with, we lost 1 night at Tenuta Sant’Ilario (which couldn’t be payed back because it was beyond the cancellation deadline), but the hosts were so kind to give us 2 bottles of wine as a means of compensation. We really enjoyed our stay and definitely recommend it!

• Herwart from Germany (10/10)

  10 out of 10 points.
  Very friendly. Everything decorated wit love and taste. Excellent restaurant. Beautiful setting.
  All you can hope for in Toscana.

• Brittany from Australia (10/10)

  Amazing!! Absolutely loved it!
  Our room was beautiful, property is stunning, pool is great and the restaurant even better!

• Sher from Israel (9/10)

  The whole area of ​​the estate was beautiful and very calm, Tuscan style. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets.
  The restaurant is nice.
  We like the place.

• Cem from United States (9/10)

  Tenuta Sant'Ilario in Gambassi Terme is a charming boutique farm hotel nestled near the small town of Gambassi Terme, Italy. Despite the narrow roads that barely accommodate two cars, driving through the scenic Tuscan countryside was a pleasure. The hotel itself was incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean, with a staff that was always attentive and helpful.

• Philip from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location

• Andreea from Romania (8/10)

  The entire property is very nice, the rooms are spacious, the staff is polite and the restaurant is quite good.

• Kelly from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful location and plenty of space to spread out. I wish we had built in more time to relax by the pool but we had too many other activities already lined up. It was really nice to have the pool "bar" to get a drink while relaxing. The restaurant was very good as well. The staff was very kind and helpful, especially when we ran into some issues with our rental car, they were kind enough to help resolve our issue. Definitely went above and beyond to help us out!

• Familie from Netherlands (9/10)

  Perfect place

• Petra from Finland (8/10)

  Lovely pool (some days there were almost all sun beds/chairs taken) and surroundings. Friendly staff.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities