When we arrived we did not like the room as there was only a very small window at roof level and the room was had a strong smell of damp. The room was also in the back corner of the hotel and got no sunlight. The girl who dealt with us (Erica) was lovely and remained so throughout our 5 days there.

We asked to change and Erica called the owner who arrived and was most unhelpful. I stay in many hotels throughout the year and was quite taken aback at the owners view on customer service. The only solution they could offer was a more expensive room - a studio. We viewed that room and the decor was worse than our own room, however, it did have more light.

We asked for a refund and understood that we were getting one, I provided a card that I thought was being credited, (because we understood we had paid online) and eventually we realised that the payment for the 5 days had been debited. As we could not afford to lose the 500 euros we took a deep breath and remained at the B&B.

What was most disappointing was people came and went throughout our 5 days there, and had there had been a desire to improve our stay they could have moved us for at least a couple of nights.

The owner had to hand the Laterooms cancellation policy and she told us that if we cancelled 7 to 9 nights before we arrived, she was entitled to debit the full amount. Something that struck me when I booked the hotel, was the fact that it was only available on Laterooms and I wonder now if this is because of their more favourable cancellation policy toward property owners.

Towels were changed daily, however, our sheets did not get changed over the 5 days.

The B&B had nice gardens with a great view across to San Gimignano. The breakfast was fine. The hotel is in a rural area, however, there was a trattoria nearby - we did not eat there as we had a car and could pick and choose where we ate.

Podere Sant'Elena is perched on the edge of a hill looking over a valley of grapevines and olive trees, with unrivalled views across to San Gimignano. It is a peaceful, charming and homely place to stay.

The owners and staff were extremely helpful and friendly and recommended lots of things for us to do and places to eat, one of which was really nearby (20 metres and perfect for a tasty meal and stroll home).

We really liked the quiet, the views, the spotlessly clean pool and the very well-appointed bathrooms.
We were slightly disappointed by the storage space and general size of our bedroom but we did not spend much time in it so it was not a major problem.
Initially, we thought that the Podere was too far from San Gimignano but it is less than 10 minutes' drive and 30 minutes' walk down a pretty road.
Highly recommended.

This is a an astonishing property in so many ways. Beautiful views, grounds, accommodation and pool. The only criticism is that we did not receive a change of towels during our four day stay. Considering the heat (32-36ª) and the amount of showers we had, this would have been most appropriate. Apart from that, our hosts (especially Barbara, the owner) were very helpful and energetic. Breakfast was a treat with assorted meats, eggs, sandwiches, yogurts, cereals and a large assortment of pastries provided by Barbara's and her husband's other business (a pastry shop). They will make a cappuccino and have plenty of beer, wines and water on hand. A great experience all round.

My mother and I went on holiday to Tuscany this June. We both absolutely loved Podere Sant'Elena. Unpretentious, welcoming, it made an idea base from which to explore Tuscany, reaching Siena, Florence, Chianti and Voltera within an hour.

Breakfasts in the morning were simple, yet delicious. The whole family seems to help out with the running of the Podere, which is not only lovely to see, but also adds a very homely feel. There is a great swimming pool there which lends itself perfectly to the odd day of relaxing and doing nothing. And the views over to San Gimignano are incredible, especially at sunset.

I would recommend buying a bottle of Olive Oil onsite - this is made by Nonna herself from the olives in the garden and is divine!