Certosa di Pontignano

We came across this converted monastery by chance, and it turned out to be a wonderful find. The building, gardens, and surroundings are beautiful, and the place is so tranquil. Dinner at the restaurant was excellent, and breakfast was one of the best I’ve had. The “savory monk's cake” deserves a special mention, it was delicious! My only small complaint is that the rooms aren’t fully soundproof. I can live with that, though. Everything else was wonderful.

We often stop at this former monastery. The rooms are spectacular, the courtyards are beautiful, and it’s extremely family friendly. The restaurant serves excellent food, which makes staying here really convenient. There are lovely little things to discover all around, from carefully arranged courtyards and preserved chapels to terraces with beautiful views and a pretty garden.

I waited until my trip was over to write this. The converted monastery is an amazing property, with beautiful grounds and gardens, a romantic feel, and a fabulous restaurant. But the bed really took away from what could have been a perfect stay. It was two single beds pushed together with thin, lumpy mattresses, and it was extremely uncomfortable. The service was poor too. Staff asked us to pack in case they needed to move us because of a water leak, and said we might have to switch to a smaller room. They offered no compensation for the inconvenience. It’s a shame, because the place itself is so beautiful and the restaurant was fantastic. There’s so much potential, but the cheap, uncomfortable bedding really diminished the experience.

Breakfast on the terrace was absolutely delicious and a highlight of my stay. The sunset views were magical too, though I couldn't decide whether mornings or evenings were more special. The staff were extremely kind and welcoming, and the complex itself is one of a kind, with a beautiful historic building and spacious courtyard. Certosa has a fantastic location for exploring, and its unique charm made my time in Tuscany unforgettable. The mattresses could use replacing, if I had to name one downside. I’d love to return, and I surely will.