Antico Podere Il Bugnolo

The hard bed was like a rock, while the softer bed we needed to sleep in had no sheets. When we raised it, we were told using the other bed would cost €30. I don't understand that. There was no air conditioning when we checked in, and the television didn't work properly. The staff got defensive and told us to leave if we didn't like the place. We did leave, and they refunded us. We travel around Europe for a month every year, and this is the first time we've been asked to leave because of problems with the accommodation. I'd look for somewhere else.

The kitchen is well stocked, so we brought groceries, cooked, and ate outside under the swaying pine trees. You do need a car to get here, since walking from the nearby town would be quite a hike. Antico is a peaceful, beautifully situated former winery that the owners have turned into nicely appointed accommodation. It’s hard to find a good value place with a pool just a few minutes’ drive from San Gimignano, but this one offers both.

We arrived at night and learned from the owner that our reservation was for the wrong date. We asked whether there was another room available that day, of course ready to pay for it, but he got angry right away and said he would call the police if we didn’t leave immediately. We were kicked out in the middle of the night over what felt like nothing. We had booked through Booking with free cancellation and no obligation, then canceled ten minutes later after seeing a smaller room on another platform for €20 less. We decided to switch, but overlooked the date and made a mistake. Spend your money with people who are more reasonable and respectful. I expect he’ll reply rudely, as he has to other reviews, but that just says something about him.

We were surprised by how much we got for the price. The place has a warm family atmosphere, with loving touches and decorations everywhere. It was very quiet at night, which mattered to us, and the area itself is peaceful. The bed was super comfortable, and the kitchen had everything we needed for cooking and eating. San Gimignano is about 13 minutes away by car.