If you are going to stay in the Tuscan countryside for several days and tour the hills and valleys, San Gimignano should be your base. If you stay in San Gimignano, the Relais Santa Chiara is an excellent choice - in a great location with wonderful views. While the hotel does not have some of the amenities of a 5-Star hotel (first class breakfast, complete toiletries and the like), it is a fine 4-Star hotel. The room is modern, clean, well-appointed and very comfortable. The hotel is, preferably, outside the city walls but an easy walk to the main portal. We were given a map of a variety of restaurants. The ones we selected were terrific. We did have an odd welcome from the gentleman at the desk, which included some sarcasm about our home country, but I think that was just a poor attempt at ingratiating humor. Although, the quality of the breakfast was not up to expectations, the breakfast staff was warm and provided superb service. The young, male night attendant was extremely friendly and helpful. The real home run was the constant help we got from the blonde day attendant, I think Erika. We were touring Tuscany each day, knew virtually nothing about where to go and totally relied on her recommendations. She was spot-on, every day, and always patient and gracious. We had an awesome time, and the hotel and staff definitely contributed positively. We definitely would stay there again.

The hotel was nice enough, but the clear highlight of our stay was the view of the Tuscan hillside from our room. Watching the sunrise over Tuscany was one of the most memorable things of our very memorable trip to Italy.

The walk to San Gimignano was easy, and we enjoyed exploring that wonderful walled medieval city of towers.

There is a beautiful pool at the hotel. It was too cool to enjoy it during our visit, but we did enjoy a glass of wine by the pool nonetheless. It would probably be a highlight in the summer months.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Relais Santa Chiara Hotel in San Gimignano. It was physically a lovely hotel with great views and a great pool. The breakfast was very nice with many selections. And to top this all the staff were all helpful and friendly. We have been to Italy many times but have never stayed in San Gimignano before. We can not wait until next year when we will bring our children and grandchildren to Italy. this will be the perfect hotel for our stay in Tuscan. Important is us was the fact that the walk to town was very easy.

This is a beautiful property with outstanding views over the Tuscan countryside. It should be a great hotel but it isn't. The greeting at reception was cold, verging on rude and the general service was indifferent. The rooms are of a good size but badly designed. It was impossible to see the TV from the sofa. They skimp on toiletries and do not provide bathrobes which a 4 star hotel should do. There is no restaurant although the dining room is there. When we asked where we could eat, we were told to walk all the way up to the town as there was no restaurant nearby. This was a total untruth as we found a delightful restaurant just 50 metres further down the road. This hotel is not cheap - nearly €200 including internet access and parking and it is not worth it. The reception staff give you the impression that you are doing them a favour by staying there.