Borgo Sant'Ambrogio Resort

The Tuscan countryside views were lovely, and the bedding was great, with a supportive mattress. Our room had four USB-A and four USB-C (PD) charging ports. It also smelled very smoky or like incense, and the Wi-Fi was unstable. The suites are roomy, though the shower stalls are tiny. Breakfast was tasty, with cured meats, pastries, whole fruits, yogurt, cereal, and regular and decaf espresso, but the selection wasn’t large. Check-in ends at 7:30 pm, and Pienza is a 15-minute drive away. There are two Porsche Destination Chargers in the parking lot. During our one night, all guests arrived by taxi or in internal-combustion cars. Parking seemed limited, with overflow parking down the hill from the main building. We didn’t use the infinity pool, but it looked nice.

The biggest issue for me was how much noise came through the walls. We could hear everything, from another room’s toilet flush to footsteps and conversations, as if it were happening a meter away. I’ve never encountered sound insulation this poor in any hotel, especially one rated five stars. There are rules asking guests to keep quiet at night, so the hotel may know about the problem, but not everyone follows them. I barely slept. Management could at least try to reduce the noise, perhaps with thick, fluffy carpets to muffle footsteps from rooms above. There were other small things too: a dirty plate with banana peel and fruit remains by the pool, no robes in the rooms, and a leaking shower with a broken switch between the small and tropical settings. The location is lovely, with beautiful scenery, well-kept grounds, and tasty restaurant food. Breakfast was tasty too, and the woman making coffee was incredibly sweet and friendly. It’s a lovely place for a romantic stay, but I wouldn’t expect five-star standards. If noise wakes you easily, I wouldn’t stay longer than one night or you may be exhausted. It’s a cute hotel for a night, but not five stars.

The setting is beautiful, with excellent views and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and the restaurant was good. Its staff were polite and courteous. We were disappointed, though, by some of the other staff, especially at reception. With large suitcases and several steps around the property, we needed help getting to and from our room. No one offered assistance, and when we asked, the response felt cold and unwelcoming. Even after we thanked them for the limited help we eventually got, the attitude stayed dismissive. The person at check-in wasn’t rude, but the staff at checkout were especially rude. For a five-star hotel, we expected better hospitality. The bathroom bin was also already full when we arrived. The beautiful location makes up for a lot, but don’t come expecting five-star service.

We loved how peaceful the Borgo Sant’ambrogio felt, and how genuine and unpretentious the hotel was. The grounds are beautiful and idyllic. Our moraiolo suite was spacious and nicely designed over two levels, with access to the courtyard. The staff were friendly and obliging. We thought we’d have a rental car, but couldn’t get one because we didn’t know an international license was required. Having your own vehicle would make getting around easier, but the host helped arrange taxis, and when none were available, a staff member drove us to Pienza. The restaurant was another highlight. We had the best pasta of our trip there, and the terrace views at sunset were beautiful. It seemed few people from outside came to eat, or maybe it was just the timing, so it felt like a hidden gem. For travelers expecting all the details of other five-star hotels, things like turndown service, luggage valet, vanity kits, bathrobes, or a more formal reception desk may be missing. The bathroom and shower were also quite small for such a large room. Still, we thought the service was great, and perhaps that natural, genuine feel is part of what made the place special.