Name: B&B Palazzo Tortoli
Address: Piazza Della Cisterna 22, San Gimignano, 意大利

Guest reviews

4.1Very good(38)

Excellent21
Good8
Average5
Poor0
Terrible4

Guests like

Location: Guests praise the location for its breathtaking views over Tuscany and the old town, and note the city's monumental architecture is worth exploring.
Room Character: Several guests mention the rooms are beautiful and full of character, reflecting the historic 700-year-old structure.

Guests mention

Luggage Access: Guests note the rooms are hard to access with heavy luggage and no help is offered, so planning for stairs is worth considering.
Room Temperature: Some guests mention no apparent temperature control, so asking the host how to adjust heating or cooling on arrival is advisable.
Water Supply: Reviews mention no drinking water is provided and tap water upset some stomachs, so it's worth asking the host about water options.

Summary for your reference

Reviews from

Google4.1/5 · 38 reviews

Anja M

3/5

Google· 2 years ago

Location is great, breathtaking views over Tuscany or the old town. Service is strange. Guy watched the ladies to carry up the stairs all the heavy suitcases- no offer of help. No drinking water- beware it did upset all our stomachs. No bottled water provided. No kettle to brew a tea or coffee. The hairdryer from the B&B only worked with our plug( maybe a German traveler forgot it 🙄. I was very cold at night. It is still a very special location. The breakfast was ok. You were not allowed to get a slice of cheese from the buffet - you had to ask and got it served. Very friendly but so inefficient and awkward.

Penny Lane

5/5

Google· 3 years ago

A Super Honest Review I feel compelled to address the earlier low ratings given to this B&B by some travelers. It's important to note that the owner clearly explained on their website and confirmation email that this is not a hotel, so adjusting your expectations is necessary. In my opinion, this place deserves more credit for what it is, and I completely disagree with the claims that it's a scam. Here's a little advice: you're staying in a 700+ year-old structure, likely older than many discovered countries. Therefore, it's unrealistic to expect modern amenities like elevators or top-of-the-line facilities. However, you'll be fortunate enough to have good water pressure and hot water. Keep in mind that this is a UNESCO World Heritage building, and there are limitations on what can be changed or modified in such structures. Some guests mentioned noise, but when booking this place, I'm sure you did your due diligence to check its location. A quick Google search would reveal that it's in the center of town, and as is the case with any place, big or small, the town center is always bustling. If your room faces the town, you might naturally hear some crowd noise. On the other hand, you can also embrace the medieval charm by opening your Italian-style window and observing passers-by, tourists, and the exciting activities in the plaza. If you prefer a quieter room, I recommend requesting one facing the Tuscan hills. Both views are wonderful. During our four-nights stay, we had a fantastic experience that aligned with our expectations. We didn't anticipate a hotel-like ambiance; rather, we were seeking an authentic Tuscan experience in a medieval house that has stood for nearly a millennium. We were delighted to find high ceilings, simple yet comfortable rooms with large windows, and beautiful external architecture—all of which we desired. The check-in process was enjoyable as we got to see the other farm property, a 20-minute walk from the main door of the old town. If you're looking for a farm-like setting with olive trees and a hilltop view of the old town, take advantage of this opportunity and visit the farm. You can even use their swimming pool. The place also offers a simple breakfast. Again, it's important not to have overly high expectations for breakfast. If you're seeking a substantial meal, I recommend going out and paying around 30+ euros at a proper restaurant. The breakfast provided consists of decent coffee, bread, cereals, and torte. Anastasia, the lady in charge of breakfast and cleaning, is delightful. She's friendly and always willing to help. Although she doesn't speak much English, it wasn't an issue as our Italian wasn't much better. We used Google Translate for more complex requests, and it worked out fine. It's all part of the experience. Anastasia's constant smile and attentiveness made us appreciate her even more. On different days, we explored San Gimignano and neighboring villages. We also took a drive to Colle di Val Elsa, Volterra, Monteriggioni, and Siena. Additionally, we enjoyed biking around the vast Tuscan farms, hills, and villages, which was a great experience. Overall, our stay was wonderful, and it saddens me to see other guests being harsh in their comments about this place. It's essential to remember that this is a family-owned establishment, not a five-star hotel. We should support independent, family-owned businesses more and adjust our mindset when visiting another country, town, or village. Remember, you're paying a modest price for a hidden gem, and if you desire a five-star hotel experience, you can always pay 5x times more in neighbouring towns or cities.

Jeffrey Fancher

1/5

Google· 6 years ago

Unfortunately, our high hopes were met with disappointment. The unit managers were hard to contact. When we finally heard from them, they informed us that our reservation through Airbnb was somehow cancelled and that we would be charged a 50% fee, even though we decided to stay and pay for a full night fare. The room itself is uncomfortable and hard to access with heavy luggage. There was no apparent control for the temperature so we had to keep the widows open which meant we heard every sound from the always busy square. Parking is 4-5 blocks away. I suggest other places in this beautiful town.

Terry Bixler

5/5

Google· 8 years ago

Each area of this city captures your senses. Such interesting architecture that has stood the test of time. Come walk and enjoy.

Nikolas Mitroulis

1/5

Google· 4 years ago

Typical Italian scam, on the web site they sell a nice room (1st pic) and then they give you a room like the one in the pictures...

Stephan Molitor

5/5

Google· 2 years ago

(Translated by Google) Fantastic location! Everything was perfect! The room was absolutely beautiful and full of character! The landlord was a super nice person! Friendly, courteous, and helpful! Check-in was outside, but he brought us to our accommodation! We were amazed by the ambiance. Simply beautiful. I will definitely come back. Many thanks to the landlord! (Original) Traumhafte Lage ! Alles bestens! Das Zimmer super schön mit Flair! Der Vermieter ein super netter Mensch ! Freundlich zuvorkommend und behilflich ! Check in außerhalb ! Aber hat zum zur Bleibe gebracht ! Wir waren erstaunlich über das Ambiente . Einfach schön Ich komme bestimmt wieder Vielen Dank an den Vermieter!!!

Viqui Perez

5/5

Google· 7 years ago

(Translated by Google) Everything you find in this city is beautiful. It's worth strolling through its streets and discovering its monumental architecture. Every corner should be admired and photographed. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting it is like stepping back in time. (Original) Todo lo que puedes encontrar en esta ciudad es precioso. Merece la pena pasear por la ciudad y encontrarte esta ciudad monumental. Toda esquina debe ser observada y fotografíada. Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la Unesco. Visitarla es retroceder a otra época.

Salvatore Mariniello

1/5

Google· 3 years ago

(Translated by Google) Bad choice Non-existent service Dirty rooms Dangerous electrical system Not recommended (Original) Pessima scelta Servizio inesistente Camere sudice Impianto elettrico pericoloso Da sconsigliare