Relais La Cappuccina

We stayed at Country Resort in San Gimignano in September 2026. There are certainly positives: the food was of good quality, the bar was well stocked, the pool was large, and there were plenty of comfortable seating and reclining options around it. The setting and views are also fantastic. However, the overwhelming feeling my wife and I left with was disappointment. There seemed to be something negative each day, and while we completely understand that unexpected issues can arise at any hotel, what disappointed us most was the staff’s apparent lack of urgency or enthusiasm in resolving them. The two clearest examples where the staff did not reach the required luxury hotel standard: 1. The management of Air conditioning odours We were told that the air-conditioning system had been cleaned the day before we arrived. After spending around 24 hours in our room, we noticed a very unpleasant stale-water smell. When I raised this with reception, I was told that this was apparently normal after the system had been cleaned and that the smell should disappear within two days. We were only staying for three! After some discussion, they reluctantly agreed to move us to another room, which thankfully didn’t have the same smell. What frustrated us was less the fact that there was an issue — these things happen — and more the unapologetic response and the feeling that we were being treated as difficult customers simply for wanting a room that didn’t smell. 2. The pool atmosphere We had deliberately planned a day relaxing by the pool and enjoying the incredible Tuscan views. That day, a large wedding party arrived. People enjoying themselves and having a few drinks is absolutely fine, but members of the group began playing loud house and drum & bass music through their own speaker. The hotel plays pleasant, relaxing acoustic music around the pool, so having loud rave music playing over the top of it completely changed the atmosphere. I raised this with the bartender/member of staff overseeing the pool area and was met with a shrug and the comment that he didn’t think it was “that loud”. Again, I was left feeling as though I was being a nuisance for raising a perfectly reasonable concern. The issue wasn’t simply the volume. If every guest brought their own speaker and played their own music, the pool area would quickly become chaos. More importantly, it was clearly at odds with the peaceful atmosphere the hotel itself appeared to be trying to create. The bartender did eventually ask the group to turn it down, but only reluctantly. Overall, this hotel has good bones and the potential to be lovely. Unfortunately, during our stay we felt that the staff simply didn’t take enough pride in creating and protecting a great experience for their guests. When something went wrong, dealing with it seemed to be a hassle rather than part of good hospitality. There were also signs that the property could do with more attention: some walls needed repainting, carpets needed a thorough clean, and the communal toilets by the pool were particularly in need of a deep clean. It’s a shame, because with the setting, views, pool and good food, this could be a fantastic place to stay. But the service and general attention to detail let it down significantly. We certainly won’t be returning anytime soon. If you’re considering staying here for a special or relaxing Tuscan experience, based on our stay I would look elsewhere for somewhere you can have greater confidence in both the hotel and its staff.

After a terrible night at a fake 5-star hotel in Certaldo, we moved to Cappuccina Country Resort hoping for a better experience, but this property also fell way short of its 4-star rating. While the location offers a nice view, the building itself looks cheap and fake, like a cardboard cutout with zero authenticity. The general maintenance is terrible, and the staff's disorganization and superficiality are genuinely disarming. The nonexistent bar service and embarrassing restaurant do absolutely no justice to Italian and Tuscan culinary culture. The only positive note was having breakfast by the pool, even though the food quality itself felt like a budget Ibis hotel from ten years ago, complete with embarrassingly mistranslated food labels. It is such a shame to see this level of pretense and sloppiness in such a beautiful region.

Had to cancel due to a medical emergency and provided a doctor’s note—no refund and no response to my follow-up email. Very disappointing lack of communication and empathy.

Awful!! Couldn’t be worse!!! 2,5 stars being generous!! No minibar at a superior room, that was bought with a “vineyard view”, turns out it was only a backyard view. No robe, no flip flops, no fun, no joy! Terrible check in! No help with luggages. The nightmare list has no ending. The dinner at the hotel restaurant was sad! With a sad service, the attendant without any experience, knowing less than us, the guests. Dishes awfully presented, to say the least!!! Definitely do not recommend!!!

Wauw, what a beautiful hotel! The rooms are so big, comfy and feel very luxurious. View from the room is breathtaking, you will see the Tuscany landscape on one side and the city centre of San Gimignano on the other side. Breakfast is awesome, many choices and the people that are working there are very friendly and helpful! Would def come back next year!