Villa Serena & Dépendances

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Villa Serena? It’s not actually in Cortona proper – it’s tucked away in this little hamlet called Le Contesse, which honestly makes it feel more special. I mean, you’re still only about ten minutes from the main piazza, but there’s something about waking up surrounded by olive groves instead of tourist crowds that just hits different. The main villa has this weathered Tuscan stone thing going on that looks like it’s been there forever (probably has), and then there are these smaller buildings – the “dépendances” – scattered around the property that feel more intimate. I stayed in one of the dependance rooms and actually preferred it to the main building – less foot traffic, better views of the valley.

The whole setup feels refreshingly unpolished in the best way. Like, the floors creak a bit when you walk around the older sections, and the shower pressure varies depending on what time of day it is, but somehow that adds to the charm rather than detracting from it. The pool area is where you’ll probably spend most of your afternoon – it’s got this panoramic view that makes you understand why people lose their minds over Tuscany. Fair warning though, it gets pretty crowded around 2 PM when the day-trippers from nearby agritourismos show up for lunch at the restaurant. Speaking of which, the restaurant is solid – not mind-blowing, but they do this wild boar ragu that’s worth ordering. The breakfast spread is typical Italian hotel fare, heavy on pastries and cheese, light on hot options, but the coffee is excellent and they serve it on this terrace that overlooks the Chiana Valley.

What really makes this place work is the staff – they’re locals who actually know the area, not just hired hospitality professionals. The guy at reception (I think his name was Marco?) gave me these incredibly specific directions to this tiny ceramics workshop in Cortona that I never would’ve found otherwise. Parking is free and there’s plenty of it, which is huge if you’re driving around Tuscany. The Wi-Fi is… well, it’s rural Italy, so manage your expectations. Honestly, that might be a feature rather than a bug depending on what you’re looking for. The rooms are spacious by European standards, decorated in that classic Tuscan style that could feel cliché but somehow doesn’t here – maybe because everything feels genuine rather than staged. Air conditioning works well, which you’ll appreciate if you’re visiting in summer. The whole property has this lived-in quality that makes you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s family villa rather than a commercial hotel, and for an 8.6 rating, that’s exactly what you want.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $196. One-Bedroom Villa with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $209. One-Bedroom Villa with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $457. Three-Bedroom Villa with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 6
• Estimated price from: $861. Villa with 5 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 10

Reviews

• Very Italian! – Elena from United Kingdom – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  This villa is beautiful and the views and setting are everything one wishes to experience in Tuscany. Cortona is a 20 min walk uphill and offers a lot of history with great places to eat.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Great place to vacate and enjoy the beauty of Tuscany !! – Susan from United States – 27 August 2024 (10/10)

  The property worked great for us. We had an adult couple, and then a younger couple with a small baby. The bedrooms were set up at different ends of the hall, along with a bath room for each couple. We used the downstairs kitchen and had dinners outside after baby was asleep. Getting to the coop for groceries was not complicated.
  
  The view is spectacular. The pool is very nice and we used it twice. There really isn’t much noise, other than a car here or there, coming down the road. We were very pleased with the property and would highly recommend.
  
  During the day we were able to get out and do little day trips. Regrettably, we did not do much in the town of Cortona. I heard there are some good restaurants there.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that was a bit challenging is getting to the property and the parking. Once we were successfully there, it was not difficult. We just found it a bit tricky to navigate the roads. Fortunately, the property manager was able to talk with us on what app while we share navigation and he got us the right place.
  
  As for the parking, there are spaces, just tricky turns to get in and out.
  
  Lastly, the garbage drop off is a ways down the road. Sorta mucky having to take garbage in your car to drop it off.

• Great Tuscany experience. – Philip from Switzerland – 2 June 2024 (10/10)

  Really awesome property
  
  What could be improved: WiFi was not working during our stay, however 5G reception was adequate for us.

• Two weeks in a beautiful villa in a gorgeous setting- what's not to like? – Bkim from United States – 10 November 2023 (9/10)

  The villa is beautiful and comfortable and the property was lovely with the olive trees, views, etc. Location is ideal, just a few minute's drive from Cortona and convenient to many other places in Tuscany and Umbria. The host was helpful in recommending places and answering our questions.
  
  What could be improved: The location does not exist on Google maps and we had an awful time finding it – both the first time and a couple of times after that. Very frustrating. Finally I found that Hotel Oasi Neumann is on Google maps and the driveway of the villa is only a couple of hundred meters from there, so used that. Also, at least for non-European visitors, it would help to have a chart on the kitchen wall explaining how to use the appliances. We struggled for a time to sort out what had to be done first to start the stove, etc. It would also be good if there were an electric power strip so more than one appliance could be plugged in if the electricity is up to it.

• lovely country villa with stylish interiors and excellent country setting – Kim from Australia – 23 October 2022 (8/10)

  spacious beautifully furnished quiet location lovely country views close to Cortona
  
  What could be improved: kitchen appliances and electrical connections need updating

• Charming place near Cortona – Joane from United States – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  The grounds were beautiful, the villita was clean and comfortable, and the host was very helpful. We had a car, and traveling around the area was convenient.
  
  What could be improved: Be aware that Google maps may try to take you to the neighbor's house coming from the south. Call Gianluca to find out key information (we were told to pick up the key at another location, but it was not there) and directions.

• With a few repairs, the Villa would be perfect. The rooms are comfortable, the baths are excellent. – Ciriello from United States – 11 October 2024 (7/10)

  The location is exceptional and the home is wonderful overall. We truly loved our stay.
  
  What could be improved: There are issues with the dishwasher, heat, toilets. However, the villa is simply wonderful and these issues did not distract from the comfort or location.

• Exceptional – Placido from Italy – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Un angolo di paradiso, immerso nella natura ma vicino Cortona.

• assolutamente da ripetere. – Calogero from Italy – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

  la struttura è veramente bella. Arredata con gusto e con mobili d'epoca. il parco in cui è inserita è stupendo. Peccato, visto le temperature, non aver potuto usufruire della piscina. il sig. Gianluca, ns referente è stato gentile e puntuale nelle nostre richieste. sistemazione ideale per visitare sia Cortona che la val di chiana. È tutto vicino.

• Bardzo ładny domek dla czterech osób. Wystrój domku klimatyczny. Basen dostępny na trzy domki. – Tomasz from Poland – 2 September 2024 (8/10)

  Basen. Wystrój domku. Czystość. Lokalizacja.

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