Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, distinguished by its exquisite conversion from a 15th-century monastery, which beautifully preserves its historical charm. This unique setting, coupled with its prime location high on the hills of Cortona, makes it an ideal retreat for couples seeking a romantic and sophisticated getaway, as well as sightseers and luxury travelers who appreciate historical elegance and exceptional service. Guests consistently highlight the overwhelmingly attentive staff, the stunning architecture and tasteful decor, and the excellent dining experiences. The hotel's wonderful spa facilities are also a frequent point of praise. To enhance your stay, be aware that driving to the hotel involves navigating very narrow and steep streets, so a small car is advisable, or consider utilizing the hotel's guidance for arrival. Many guests also recommend indulging in the serene spa experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a range of impressive facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The spa is a major highlight, often described as beautiful, relaxing, and well-maintained, with a unique indoor pool set within an ancient Roman cistern. Most guests find the spa experience to be exceptional, though some express a preference for its cost to be included in the room rate, and a few note that the sauna and steam room might not always reach optimal warmth. The outdoor pool area and garden are praised for their tranquility and beauty, providing a peaceful setting for guests to unwind. Some rooms offer direct access to this area, enhancing the experience. While there are generally comfortable seating options, a few guests wished for more dedicated sun loungers by the main pool. For those arriving by car, a car charger is available, though some reviews mention an additional fee for its use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. Accommodations are frequently described as spacious, beautifully furnished, and elegantly decorated, often maintaining a pristine and immaculate condition throughout the stay. Many rooms offer stunning views of Cortona or the surrounding valley, adding to the serene ambiance. The comfortable beds with high-quality linens ensure a restful night's sleep. While most rooms are noted for their quiet atmosphere, a few guests mentioned minor noise concerns from specific areas. In-room amenities are generally well-received, though some guests suggested the addition of a Nespresso-style coffee machine instead of instant coffee, and noted that the wall-mounted blow dryer could be cumbersome. Some larger suites also feature multiple bathrooms, providing extra convenience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive widespread acclaim for their exceptional food quality and presentation. Breakfast is a particular highlight, consistently described as amazing, delicious, and outstanding. It is served a la carte, often in the beautiful garden or on a patio, offering a wide variety of high-quality options including pastries, fresh fruit, and hot dishes, often setting guests up for the entire day. The hotel's restaurant provides a superb culinary experience with a high standard of seasonal fresh food, enjoyed in an elegant atmosphere, including a room with historical frescoes. The bar is also highly praised, with guests commending the knowledgeable and skilled bartenders who craft meticulously prepared cocktails. While the bar is noted for its quality, some guests found the drink prices to be on the higher side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location within the walls of Cortona is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the main piazza, shops, and restaurants. Situated high on the hills, it offers picturesque views of the town and surrounding Tuscan countryside. However, accessing the hotel by car presents a notable challenge due to the very narrow streets and steep hills within the medieval village. Guests are strongly advised to use a small car and follow the hotel's specific driving instructions, as GPS can be unreliable. Parking is available in a paid garage on-site, which is convenient but has limited spaces and requires prior reservation. Some guests found the cost of parking to be high. Despite the driving difficulties, the location is widely considered worth the effort for its charm and convenience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their exceptional service and genuine hospitality. Guests describe them as incredibly friendly, helpful, attentive, and highly professional, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. From the moment of arrival, guests are met with a warm welcome, including refreshing drinks and a smooth, quick check-in process. The team is noted for their willingness to assist with various needs, such as providing local recommendations, arranging transfers, and helping with luggage. Many reviews highlight the personalized service, making guests feel like valued individuals rather than just visitors. Housekeeping is also commended for its attentiveness, ensuring rooms are pristine and well-maintained with daily service and turn-down.

Additional Information
This unique property, a former monastery, has been meticulously restored, preserving its historical essence with original features like vaults and frescoes, offering a truly immersive experience that transports guests back in time. While the hotel provides a luxurious stay, guests should be aware that spa access typically incurs an additional fee, a policy some find surprising for a hotel of this caliber, suggesting it could be integrated into the room rate for a more seamless experience. Some guests also noted that a deposit for extras might be required upon check-in. The hotel's ambiance is often described as tranquil and serene, making it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and quiet. The property is particularly popular with American tourists, and the staff are well-versed in catering to an international clientele, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.