Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort

Gemma & Viola welcomed us for breakfast after we'd visited for dinner, and what a spread it was. They're generous and clearly passionate about their hotel and guests. The terrace is INCREDIBLE, with views and a sense of peace that are hard to compare. Grazie Mille from Emmy & Christina x

The villa itself is beautiful, with lovely room design, a peaceful setting, and stunning views of Vicchio. Some bathrooms have hammams and saunas. But the customer service left us severely disappointed, and the owners' hostility and lack of professionalism spoiled what should have been a peaceful retreat. We wouldn't recommend staying here unless ownership changes. We booked the private villa through Airbnb and were told we'd have full access, but the meditation hallway was locked. Strangers were also brought in for massages, despite our being told the estate was fully private. Before booking, I asked about catering and was referred to a chef. On arrival, the owners said, “You needed our permission!” even though we used the chef they had recommended. Checkout was especially upsetting. One guest was made to pay €145 for a massage that had clearly been listed and confirmed in writing at €80. When we objected, staff repeatedly said, “I don’t care.” Our guest cried, and the charge felt extremely unfair. Staff also slammed the reception door in our faces during checkout. We had no hot water for a full day. The owner's messages went unanswered until I went to the concierge myself. Two room key cards kept failing, and each room had only one card for everyone, which caused major problems when some guests couldn't get in during workshops. The kitchen had no bowls or vase. Fresh towels cost €20 for just 2 small and 2 large towels. The Airbnb listing said there was a washer and dryer, but there wasn't. When I raised that with the owner, they dismissed it and blamed the “management company.” The AC in the main dining and kitchen area didn't work properly when it was cooler outside, and nobody had told us. Mealtimes were very uncomfortable. The listing photos showed one large outdoor dining table, but we arrived to find tables scattered around the property. The owner told us to move them ourselves, and staff wouldn't help. We eventually did it ourselves and had to tip a cleaner who assisted.

Villa Campestri sits in an enchanting Tuscan setting, but our three-night stay fell short of what we'd expect from a hotel calling itself four-star. My fiancée and I won't be returning. There are places farther into the Tuscan countryside that offer better value, warmer hospitality, and more professionalism, often for less. The breakfast staff were attentive, courteous, and professional, easily the best part of the service. At dinner, the mostly very young staff were polite but seemed inexperienced and unsure. The receptionist reminded us more than once that the hotel was four-star, which came across as defensive rather than reflecting the service we received. When we asked about using a drying rack for our wet swimsuits, the receptionist called it “a strange request.” That led to an unpleasant discussion, then the same staff member brought it up again the next day. We also saw other guests hanging clothes outside their rooms. We were told drying racks would “ruin the image of the hotel,” which seemed to put appearances ahead of guest comfort. The pool was cleaned regularly, though we were surprised by how many insects were in the water. That's perhaps not unusual in the countryside, but worth mentioning. The rooms were comfortably and nicely decorated, but cleaning and upkeep were lacking. The bathroom faucet came loose several times. The estate itself is undeniably beautiful, and that's what drew us there, but the service and hospitality disappointed us in several ways.

The cooking class with Laura was a highlight, and the restaurant served incredible food in a lovely setting. We also enjoyed riding the bikes around the area. Villa Campestri is full of character and history, with everything thoughtfully organized. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, and the attention to detail made the stay special. We loved our time here.