Hotel Vecchio Asilo - Ulignano San Gimignano

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2008

Guido, his mother and brother run a perfect small hotel. Guido made you feel it was your home. The breakfast of fresh cut fruit and hot burchetta, along with fresh juice, coffee and a different baked cake each morning. Guido always spent time with you after breakfast to go over your days adventures. He gave you maps and outlined a suggested route. He also suggested out of the way places if you had time. I had to cancel a day in Amalfi and add another day in Termoli. I told guido and when I came to breakfast the next morning, he had made all the arrangements while we were out. Our 5 days their were the best....Thanks Guido.

Guest name: Joseph Fiorino, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2008

Ulignano makes a perfect base to visit the area around San Gimignano. The hotel was well sign posted and easy to find. We received a very warm welcome from Guido who was everything you could wish from a host and more. The Hotel was small and charming and very clean. The room had a beautiful view out over the Tuscan countryside and was very comfortable and clean. Breakfast was a lovely experience. Guido and his mum

Guest name: Ruth Corke, Sweden

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2008

This was an amazing bed and breakfast. Absolutely the best one we have ever stayed in. The 3 nights we stayed here were the perfect ending to our 2-week trip. Guido and his Mama were so warm, welcoming and helpful. Spotless, modern, roomy, beautiful fixtures and furniture. Great breakfast and delicious coffee. An absolutely fantastic experience.

Guest name: Daniel Duncan, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Excellent place to stay when visiting Toscana as this area is quite expensive normally. Great welcoming by Guido, the owner of this lovely house! Muy recomendable para alojarse cuando quieras recorrer en coche la Toscana!!!

Guest name: IS, Spain

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

The only disappointment was that we only stayed one night. Guido is the consummate host. We were made to feel at home, the room was great and the food fantastic. We arrived late and Guido heloped us in with our luggage, and booked a table for us at the local restaurant. Next morning he helped pack the car and gave us sightseeing tips. If you are travelling in the area and looking for accommodation, this is a "must". We cannot recommend it more highly.

Guest name: William HESSEL, Australia

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

The hotel was outstanding. The staff was highly attentive and service oriented, the room was spotless and terrifically appointed, we had a great breakfast, and the area was fantastic. This was the best "hotel"/B&B experience we had while in Italy and as good as any I have ever experienced in my travel history. Vecchio Asilo is outstanding in every way!

Guest name: SS, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

We stayed for two nights in mid April. Undoubtedly, Guido was the most welcoming and helpful host we have ever experienced. He could not do enough for us, and was extremely helpful on where to visit, and places to eat. The hotel is only rated as a One Star - but it was clean, attractive, and wonderfully warm, and the breakfasts were interesting and delicious. My only warning to people travelling to the hotel by car: the web site does not clearly state that there are TWO Ulignano's in the vicinity, and it is easy to confuse the one you don't want! The Ulignano shown on the road map that we had, was Ulignano-in-Volterra (although only shown as Ulignano). This is not the one you want. Hotel Vecchio Asilo is situated in Ulignano-in-San Gimignano. You need almost to go up into San Gimignano, before you see the sign for the Ulignano that you want. We found ourselves in the wrong village, and it took us a long time to rectify the problem - but it was worth it in the end!

Guest name: Robert Silk, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

Couldn't fault anything. Much better in every respect than the 3star hotel we subsequently stayed in. Would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone.

Guest name: BT, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

All that we read about Hotel Vecchio Asilo on-line was that and much more. The personalized service that Guido and John give to their guests is exceptional. Whether you need a restaurant recommendation, directions, suggested day trips, historic sights, Guido is your personal trip advisor. His knowledge of Tuscany is more than we could have hoped for. The location of the B&B is in the best location for day trips in and around Tuscany. We highly recommend Hotel Vecchio and if we ever have the chance to visit Italy again we will definitely stay with Guido and John.

Guest name: KB, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jan 2008

First time stay and we stayed in room #7. Excellent. Guido and staff were very informative and accomodating.

Guest name: Dean Beckwith, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Dec 2007

I would highly recommend this hotel to people wishing to stay near San Gimignano. The service and quality of accommodations is superb.

Guest name: William Barclay, Italy

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Dec 2007

L'arbergo è ad 1 stella ma ne dimostra almeno 4. E' molto curato e pulito. La gestione è ad ambito famigliare e ti trovi semplicemente a tuo agio. Consiglio a persone o coppie che vogliono passare un tranquillo weekend.

Guest name: Marco Zucchi, Italy

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

Absolute jewel of a hotel, we loved our 2 nights there. Small, family run, quaint inn a few miles outside of San Gimignano. Guido was the perfect host, providing awesome area recomendations for food and sights, and creating delicious breakfasts. We will be back and would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Guest name: Chuck Newmister, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2007

A beautiful location, spacious accommodation and a thoroughly helpful patron. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Guest name: Terence Morrison, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Guido was one of the nicest individuals we have ever met. He and his property are charming. We enjoyed two of the best days of our lives at his hotel. We were pleasantly surprised at how nice the room was and the breakfast each morning was outstanding. It was much better than we expected and should be rated higher. We've never felt so welcome as we did at the Hotel Vecchio Asilo. The Tuscan countryside is incredibly beautiful as well. The hotel was located in Ulignano, a very nice area only a few km from San Gimignano, which is a must see. The town is incredible.

Guest name: Ana Evans, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

We enjoyed a fantastic three days at Il Vecchio Asilo in October 2007. The location is very quiet at night (during the day a noisy truck might rumble by the front door accasionally). The hotel is perched on a hillside at the midway point of a sharp "S" curve. Guido is a superb host and went out of his way to be helpful. He checked us in very quickly so that we could relax in Room #7 (photos can be found on this site). There wasn't a speck of dirt or debris to be found anywhere, in public areas or in the room. The breakfasts prepared by Guido were delicious and a delight to behold. Eash day Guido would prepare a different breakfast cake accompanied by thinly sliced and glazed fruits. He will also prepare your coffee any way you like. We heard Guido speak four languages at breakfast. The hotel is well-located, about 15 minutes away from San Gimignano and about 10 minutes from Poggibonsi. My wife said she greatly preferred our location in the countryside versus the hotels I considered within San Gimignano itself. There is a small bar/pizzeria down the hill in the town of Ulignano, but we never made it there in the three nights we stayed. There is a fair amount of building in the town, but it is doubtful that the new construction will bring enough residents to affect Il Vecchio Asilo's quiet atmosphere. If you're looking to be "among the nightlife" this IS NOT the hotel for you. This is a place to relax and to use as a base of operations for touring the Chianti region as well as the hill country of Tuscany. Parking can be an issue at the hotel, especially if Guido is fully booked. But if you look at parking like a native Italian, you can see parking places everywhere and it's suddenly no problem. There is NO DOUBT that we will stay at Il Vecchio Asilo again.

Guest name: Michael Taylor, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

We were enjoyed with the likeable Giulio, our hostess. We were very happy for stayed there, in a beautiful place.

Guest name: DECIO PORTO, Brazil

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

This was my second stay at Vecchio Asilo, and I will definitely stay there if I am in the area in the future. The continential breakfast was fantistic as usual and Guido went way out of his way to help us with attractions and restaurants in the area. The one-star rating of this hotel should be about a 4-star. s

Guest name: William McNeal, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Absolutely wonderful experience. Cannot say enough good things about Guido, he is truly a special person. The personal touches just put this place over the top. It was by far the best experience I've ever had at a hotel. Location is awesome as well, and the recommendations we got from Guido were always spot on. Highest possible recommendations!

Guest name: Jeremy Williams, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Oct 2007

Our stay at the Vecchio Asilo was absolutely wonderful. Guido was so helpful and gave us great directions and guidance on where to go in the region. His breakfasts were delicious too! Next time we visit Tuscany we will definitely stay here again.

Guest name: Kelly Helthall, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We read such wonderful reviews that we decided to stay here for three days during our honeymoon. I have to tell you that we could not have stayed at a better location. Guido's the most welcoming and warm host that we have ever had. His English is perfect and he bends over backwards to make everyone's stay a joyous one. The rooms are extremely clean and although this farmhouse is 200 years old, it has been restored with an enormous amount of love and talent. We never could understand why it was only rated one star and why on earth Guido charges so very little for all that he offers! He absolutely needs to raise his prices. The location is about 6 Km from San Gimignano and is very easy drive to Florence (40 minutes) and many of the walled towns in Tuscany. If you have the pleasure of staying here, meeting Guido and his Mother will definitely be a highlight to your trip to Italy. They really make you feel like part of their loving family. We hope to come back with some of our friends so we can share our wonderful experience.

Guest name: Glenn Ostrowski, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2007

There is no words to describe this wonderful little Hotel. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and a wonderful family to greet you. I loved Guido and his mother and brother. They could not do enough for you. Please stop by this quaint little place and enjoy a couple of nights. Thank you Guido

Guest name: DD, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2007

First time in Italy, first hotel in Italy and what a wonderful surprise. 10 out of 10 to Guido, who was the most charming,and extremely helpful host, not forgetting Mama who always had a welcome smile. The breakfasts were a treat, the room was spotless and very quiet, the hotel location, perfect for visiting the Hill Towns, and the view and tranquility from the terrace in the evenings was absolutely superb. An amazing few days here, we simply did not want to leave. We'll be back!!

Guest name: Linda Culverhouse, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We had to see if the reviews of this hotel were true and stayed for 6 nights, longer than most people stay who are travelling through. The hotel and it's owners Guido and family were the most gracious and friendly owners we have ever met. Every care was taken in attending to our every need. The crisp fresh linens and fresh flowers changed every 2 days, the wonderfully presented fresh fruits and home made cakes for breakfast and the information and maps given before a day out were perfection. The bedroom and bathroom were huge and spotlessly clean. What more can you ask? we would recommend this hotel to everyone and will be visiting again when in Tuscany. Ask Guido to direct you to Antico Desco restaurant it is the icing on the cake!

Guest name: Denise Edwards, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

My wife and I spent 3 wonderful days at the Hotel Vecchio Asilo in the delightful little town of Ulignano, only a five k drive thru wineries to San Giminigano. The hotel is run by Guido and his brother Gianni, along with their Mother. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious, modern and spotless. The breakfast consists of juices, coffee, cappuccino or tea, fruit and homebaked cake (by Mama), along with something hot (usually what we call bruschetta). Great value for the money.

Guest name: John Pillo, Canada

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

I was a bit leery before our stay here, because all the comments about this small out of the way hotel seemed way too good to be true. However, after staying there I must admit they are all pretty much right on. If you are looking for a break from the crowds of Florence and the other overly commercialized tourist stops around Tuscany this hotel is the a perfect place to unwind and take in the true rural beauty and small village ambiance of Tuscany. This is not a 5 star resort, but it is a very small family run B&B style hotel which is worth the search, And, you will likely need to search, even if you have a GPS since Ulignano, does not appear on any map I found and only on a few road signs when you reach San Gimignano. Once you do find Hotel Vecchio Asilo you will likely be greeted by Guido who runs Vecchio Asilo, along with his mother and brother. Giudo is a great host and is eager to help you in any way he can. He will gladly give you directions, restaurant recommendations, and any other information you want. He suggested a stop as we headed out on the day we left and his recommendation ended up being one of the true highlights of our entire trip. Take Guido’s recommendations…he will not steer you wrong. The trattoria in the village is about a 2 minute walk from the hotel and is perfect for a very simple pizza, or pasta meal. Like the Hotel Vecchio Asilo the resturant (the only one in the village) is clean and basic, but good. If I have anything which could be considered a complaint it would be that the beds although clean and large are defimitely firm. This is typical of what we found most everywhere in Italy, so if you are accustomed to firm matresses you won't even notice. This is coming from someone who sleeps on a pillow top mattress with a foam pad on top at home, so consider the source. I would absolutely stay in this hotel again, and would recommend it to friends and family without hesitation. Guido even knows how

Guest name: Harry Suttmiller, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Group

stayed in Sep 2007

We stayed at the Hotel Vecchio Asilo on our short visit to Tuscany and was not disappointed - we will definitely be back again

Guest name: ME, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Super friendly hotel. Excellent location. Spacious room with great views. Owner very helpful and knowledgeable about local area.

Guest name: PJ, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: 

stayed in Sep 2007

A wonderful little family-run hotel. Guido and his mother were very welcoming and helpful. He gave excellent suggestions on restaurants, parking and things to see. Rooms were spacious, clean and quiet and there was a nice little garden area outside. I will definitely stay there again.

Guest name: Frederick Barraclough, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Could not fault anything with this Hotel at all. Guido & his family (owners) could not do enough to make your stay perfect, various languages are spoken and understood. Service was exceptional the rooms and Hotel areas were spotless, the sheets were gleaming and pristine white, everything was good quality and done with taste. Guido and his brother Gianni offered service matching the best Hotels, which for a 1* is amazing. This Hotel should be at the very least a 3* but is held back purely because there is no Lounge/Bar, but that will be coming shortly I understand. You can still get drinks though. I have never stayed at a "Faultless Hotel" before, it makes a very pleasant change. There is a large, good quality and friendly Restaurant in Ulignano, ask Guido. The surrounding area is fantastic, well it is Tuscany!

Guest name: Glenis Kemshell, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

Guido is really a nice person and makes everything possible to make you comfortable. The room is spacious, the bed and shower were good. Everything was very clean. It is a simple BB, 5 kms from the city, with few parking spaces. My room was not quiet at all. As it did not have air conditioning, we had to keep the windows open and it was a ground floor room, facing the road. In addition, from 7 am on we heard a lot of noise coming from the breakfast room in front of our room. I expected more based on the reviews I read.

Guest name: FB, Brazil

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Group

stayed in Aug 2007

Guido & family were great! They even helped me translate the owners manual to my car so I could change the proper fuse which blew out. Rooms were great, location was great and the service was exelent! We traveled as a group of three couples and this was one of our favorate places we stayed. We all agreed we would stay there again but for a longer period of time. Thaks again Guido for all the help! David and Luiza Gregorio Long Beach, CA USA

Guest name: David Gregorio, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Grandparents with teenage granddaughter

stayed in Aug 2007

Guido - the proprietor - is one lovely man! And his mum and family are also wonderful. This place is a gem in the heart of Tuscany. Take his advice on anything, and ignore it at your peril! If God smiles on us, we will be back again and again to the Vecchio Asilo.

Guest name: John Shemilt, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

L'hotel è un po' isolato ma è facilmente raggiugibile con l'auto..le indicazioni per ulignano sono infatti precise. L'Accoglienza è stata ottima,la Pulizia delle camere e dei locali comuni eccezionale; le stanze sono sufficientemente ampie e silenziosissime; la colazione non è la classica colazione da hotel, direi più da bed & breakfast, genuina, varia (torta fatta in casa, yogurt, mini bruschette al pomodoro, gustose macedonie di frutta, caffè, cappuccino con vari bis, volendo!) e abbondante! Il piccolo giardino davvero rilassante! insomma un hotel da consigliare vivamente

Guest name: Denis Cernuto, Italy

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2007

great staff and service. TOP rating, def go back!

Guest name: Marcus Marano, Australia

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jul 2007

The welcome and service at this property is unforgettable. Beautiful breakfasts, fresh flowers in the rooms every day, spotlessly clean linens. We rarely go back to the same place but we will definately revisit Guido at Vecchio Asilo. The location of this property is ideal for touring the area with a car.

Guest name: Sally Bleasdale, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2007

Vecchio Asilo is a very easy ride to San Gimignano. That is the reason to stay here. Guido is a gracious host and goes out of his way to assist his guests. He provides an ample and delicious breakfast. Guido recommended a small tratoria in the town with "honest food at fair prices." Our experience was that we enjoyed excellent food at better-than-fair prices. Overall, a very, very nice hotel.

Guest name: Kenneth Ames, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Jun 2007

A real gem of an Inn. A perfect location for travelling around to San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggione and the nearby vineyards. A quiet peaceful, well-maintained and well managed property. Guido and Anna were the perfect hosts, going out of their way to make one's stay "perfetto"! I very much hope to visit this charming property in the near future.

Guest name: Christopher Wilson, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: 

stayed in Jun 2007

This was a charming place, thoroughly to be recommended, with very kind host, Guido, who helped us park, carried our luggage etc. He was particularly helpful over a lost coat. The only slight problem if staying more than a couple of nights is that there are no public sitting areas (apart from the garden). Basically quiet area but I was over the family's living area I think and could hear talking late eve and early morning.

Guest name: Celia Whitchurch, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

A charming hotel with an equally charming host. Set in lovely gardens. When we arrived it was lovely to be able to sit in the garden with an ice-cold beer (very affordable unlike everywhere else in Tuscany!) from the cold cabinet. The hotel room was delightful. Although there was no air conditioning or fan, we were not too hot although having to open the windows at night meant having to put up with quite a bit of noise from screeching car brakes (the hotel is on a sharp bend on a hill)to carousing from the village and voluble italian conversations seemingly under our window. Quiet it is not! However, this did not prevent our enjoyment. Breakfasts were incredibly good. We dined in the village pizzeria each night. Pasta is the best option, especially the freshly made pico. There is a lovely covered terrace with beautiful views to dine on. Guido will book for you.The car rides to and from Ulignano from different directions were all lovely - on one route you pass Tony Blair's italian hideaway - ask Guido!This hotel was in the perfect sightseeing location with even the hill towns south of Siena an easy day trip.

Guest name: Linda-marie Arthurs, Spain

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2007

Well it certainly lived up to other people's reviews. Guido could not have been more helpful, getting up early for our breakfast so we could make our flight. A beer on the terrace overlooking the tuscan countryside was a great start to our stay. The trattoria in the village is excellent value and really buzzing with local peple on the Saturday night we stayed. All round a good stay, we will be back Guido!

Guest name: Phil Bonney, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: 

stayed in May 2007

The best hotel out of a two week stay in Italy. The bed and breakfast type atmosphere, the beauty of the surrounding Tuscan hills, the freshly-made breakfasts by Guido and the trattoria in town for dinner just down the hill made this the most relaxing, wonderful experience imaginable. Just down the road from San Gimignano, Certaldo and other medieval hillside towns. Stay at this place!

Guest name: Linda Bishop, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

We really enjoyed our stay here and it completely lived up to expectations. Guido, the host, was incredibly welcoming and helpful and gave us a chuckle every morning with his chefs hat! We will definitely be returning soon!

Guest name: KP, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: father and son

stayed in Apr 2007

This is an absolute gem. Guido could not be more solicitous and cordial and the hotel is as good as any 4 star hotel anywhere...but at 2 star prices. In our travels around Italy, this was the best value we encountered...and easily the best breakfast too. The hotel is located very near to the geographic center of Tuscany. If you have a car it is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany. Guido, if you are reading this, my suggestion would be to raise your prices!

Guest name: Everett Moffat, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

It was a beautiful place. Ulignano is very small but only at a short car drive from the mayor tourist towns. I definitely would recommend the Veccio Asilo to anyone. The hostal is in the middle of the Tuscan fields, with wonderful views and an amazing quietness. This is the place if you want to unwind. The owners are very welcoming and helpful and give you all the information you need about the area. We are willing to come back soon!

Guest name: Ana Catalina Vega Barrera, Spain

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2007

The hotel met all our expectations after reading the reviews online. The fresh flowers in the room, warm welcome, elegantly presented breakfast, and overall cleanliness and peacefullness makes this a property highly recommendable. Guido speaks good english and is very helpful with guiding you around the area. You would need a car to use this property. Thank you Guido for such a warm Tuscan experience. Canada

Guest name: Clarence Clark, Canada

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2007

All services were rendered by the owner himself. Welcome, breakfast, kindness of the owner are outstanding. The bedroom is perfectly clean, nicely decorated and quiet. I do not understand why such a place is not recompensed by more than 1 star.

Guest name: MR, France

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

When I read the guest reviews for this B&B I knew we had to stay here. We were not dsappointed eveything that previous guests had written were not overstated. I look forward to returning.

Guest name: Peter Bissell, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

We loved our stay at the Hotel Vecchio Asilo. Our room was very comfortable with a magnificent view over the vineyards. Our host Guido was so hospitable and such a gentleman. It was hard to leave.We has two meals, both good value, at the nearby restaurant and a magnificent meal - there were about 30 antipasto platters - at nearby Vica d'Elsa. We were very glad to have our hire car as the Hotel is a little distance from main centres but it is a great place from which to explore the region. Our big regret is too little time there. Four nights is not enough for Tuscany!

Guest name: James Oakley, Australia

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Perfect, especially Guido was very helpful.

Guest name: Andre Lemaire, Belgium