Convento San Bartolomeo — Hotel in Unione dei Comuni Amiata Val d'Orcia

We stayed about two months ago , so we're writing this review a bit late, regrettably. If you have not yet booked a place to stay during your Toscana trip, I implore you to choose this place. Unbeknownst to the traveler that might whiz past this place, the views of the Tuscan valleys from this convent are simply unrivaled and surreal. You can jump into the infinity pool in front of the views, which truly gives you the impression that you're floating on a cloud of water right above the absolutely stunning valley. Originally a historical landmark, it is not difficult to note that the convent has been renovated and cared for with immense care and attention to detail. That is ot be expected as the inheritor of the property manages the place directly and seemingly with affection. The interior is of course unlike any other hotel experience you'd come across; it feels like you've taken a time machine back several hundreds of years, albeit with all the amenities and luxuries of a proper hotel establishment. The entire building is a stunningly beautiful historical site that is mesmerizing to just wall through, so make sure to explore the grounds thoroughly. We dined at the hotel restaurant which we reserved the day of. The price is very reasonable for a course meal showcasing what seems like authentic Tuscan cuisine. It was very delicious. The breakfast was a hotel breakfast but just better, with better ingredients all throughout. Once again, the attention to detail is venerable. It's a complete shame that we had not decided to stay at this establishment for longer; we didn't know what to expect coming here and were genuinely surprised. We will surely be returning in the near future. One last thing, your stay at this beautiful establishment helps the owner restore and maintain this beautiful historical remnant, so all the more highly recommended to stay...

I stumbled upon this place and my second thought was ‘I bet Rick Steves has it in its Tuscan guide’. The first thought was: ‘Wow!!!!’ ||Surprising. This place is surprising. Its existence, its location, the subtle cure to every detail which clearly comes from somebody who cares. ||It’s a hidden gem. It’s in the lesser known area of Tuscany which by my account has tons of advantages over the more tourist areas. Monte Amiata - where the convent is located - is 20 mins south of Val d’Orcia where the rest of humanity congregates and has a way more enjoyable temperature over the summer. The proximity to Bagni San Filippo is what got us to discover it. ||It has it all: the hospitality of an agriturismo (it’s not a farm but it’s family run) and lots of surprising elements like:|- A stunning view over the Tuscan hills|- An amazing pool|- An hot spa with the best view in Tuscany |- A unique history (ask for the tour of the friar’s cellars!)|- Its own restaurant nested in an antique dining room|- Location, privacy and space to be together or to have some me-time. ||The con is manageable: It does not have a/c (apparently the local government is in not allowing a/c in historic places - go figure Italian bureaucracy) but the rooms have fans/ceiling fans and being on Mount Amiata helps keeping the temperature down even in the summer. ||Finally I must admit that I was pleased how much more affordable it is compared to many agriturismo in Val d’Orcia (which is just 20 mins drive from it). And how disarmingly nice and accommodating they were with us. ||Bottom line: it’s a Rick Steves-kind-of-place. Book it because you will not find anything like...

We stayed at the Convento for 3 nights in Sept 2022, while on a Tuscan road trip. Of the 5 hotels we stayed in, this was our hands down favourite. Firstly, it’s an absolutely stunning property: beautifully restored, it’s a feast for the eyes with incredible historical architectural details. Our suite had flagged floors, a fireplace, and a stunning view of the Tuscan countryside. Even the door was amazing, a medieval wooden piece with old keys. The room & hotel itself is full of antiques & paintings. ||The people running it, particularly the women who helped us the most, were so lovely & helpful. They always had time to recommend places & to help you reserve restaurants and make plans. So gentle & kind really. ||The breakfast buffet was great & included lovely homemade cakes and plums and nuts from the garden. When we ate breakfast in the courtyard under a walnut tree, people were gathering the walnuts - nothing was wasted and it all felt really respectful of nature. ||A wedding was held there while we stayed - we caught of glimpse of very elegant tables laid out and the reception in the garden, complete with the Tuscan view (a real life painting). ||We enjoyed our 2 favourite Tuscan meals in Piancastagnaio also - what a lovely little town and didn’t feel touristy which we loved. ||We highly recommend this very special hotel. We would love to come back someday, thank you again to the wonderful proprietors & staff (and for the gorgeous gift of a little jar of honey at the end!)...