Hotel Fattoria Belvedere

The hotel is set in a beautiful Tuscan countryside with extensive green areas, offering a tranquil escape. While guests appreciate its potential and panoramic views, many note that the property, despite its 4-star rating, appears dated and in need of significant renovation and maintenance. It is often described as having a rustic charm, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a quiet retreat with outdoor activities. The hotel also frequently hosts groups, though experiences for these guests can vary. To enhance your stay, be prepared for a more traditional, less modern experience, and consider bringing insect repellent due to the natural surroundings.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests praise the large swimming pool, describing it as a beautiful and functional feature, often highlighting its cleanliness and the surrounding panoramic views. However, some note a lack of upkeep, with mentions of broken tiles, sand at the bottom, and worn-out umbrellas. The sports fields, including tennis courts and a football field, are frequently mentioned but often described as neglected and unusable due to overgrown grass or disrepair. Similarly, the children's playground is consistently reported as dilapidated and in need of repair. The spa area receives mixed reviews; while some find the sauna and Turkish bath relaxing, many guests express disappointment that it is small, lacks a jacuzzi, or is closed/unfunctional during their stay. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common concern, often reported as poor or non-existent in rooms, available only in common areas. Air conditioning is also frequently cited as old, noisy, or ineffective.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness is highly mixed; while some guests find their rooms adequately clean and well-kept, a significant number report issues such as dust, cobwebs, stained linens, and a pervasive musty smell. A major recurring complaint is the presence of ants and other insects (including worms, lizards, and even cockroaches) within the rooms, often found on beds, in bathrooms, or on personal belongings. Rooms are frequently described as dated with old furniture, cracks in the walls, and broken fixtures. Many guests report uncomfortable beds and hard mattresses, leading to restless nights. Some rooms are noted to be cold or humid, with ineffective heating or no hot water in the bathrooms. Poor soundproofing is also a common issue, with guests easily hearing noise from adjacent rooms and corridors.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel receive predominantly negative feedback. Many guests describe the breakfast as a "disaster" or "poor," citing limited variety, stale pastries, watery juice, and subpar coffee. Items are often not replenished adequately, especially for later risers, and some even reported ants on pastries. Dinner is frequently criticized as inedible or comparable to a "school canteen," with complaints about undercooked pasta, rubbery meat, and frozen vegetables. Food quality is generally deemed low, with some mentioning sweet sauces or unappetizing dishes. The buffet for both breakfast and dinner is often found to be empty if guests arrive late. Furthermore, the quality of beverages, including wine and sparkling wine, is often described as very low, and the tap water is sometimes reported to have an unpleasant taste.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a beautiful countryside setting, offering panoramic views and a sense of tranquility, surrounded by extensive green areas. While some guests appreciate this isolated charm, many highlight its remote location, noting it is far from major towns and attractions, often requiring a car for any excursions. Guests describe it as being "lost" or "sperduto," with long, winding roads to reach it. Despite its isolation, some find its position strategic for exploring both the Tuscan coast and inland art cities like Volterra. The hotel provides covered parking, which is generally seen as a positive, though some mention the gravel surface has potholes.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being welcoming, helpful, available, kind, and professional, particularly at the reception. They are often praised for their willingness to assist with requests and for their overall courteous demeanor. However, a significant number of reviews describe certain staff members, especially in the restaurant, as unfriendly, impolite, rude, or indifferent, leading to unpleasant dining experiences. Some guests also reported disorganized check-in processes or a general lack of attentiveness. A recurring point of contention is the policy of charging a small fee for towel changes, which many guests find unusual.

Additional Information
The hotel is noted for its pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs of all sizes and even providing a designated area near the pool, which is appreciated by guests traveling with their animals. A significant portion of the reviews stem from school trips and large groups, with many of these guests reporting a distinctly lower standard of service, particularly concerning food quality and room conditions, suggesting a different experience compared to individual travelers. A common complaint is the additional charge for bottled water during meals, which many guests find unexpected and expensive. Overall, a pervasive theme is the hotel's general state of disrepair and neglect, with many guests feeling that the property does not live up to its advertised star rating due to a lack of ongoing maintenance and modernization.