We've been to many in Tuscany, but this was a first-class experience beyond anything my family had ever experienced. They welcomed us like the most special of VIP's. The wine was amazingly tasty, they fed us until we were dizzy with food and wine, and they offered an unbelieveable deal on the shipping which made it possible for us to take the entire experience home afterwards. The castello was gorgeous. They had a wedding there the day before, which must have been amazing. Although I wouldn't stay overnight in the rooms inside the castle - a bit rustic for our taste, like a real castle. The apartments on the grounds are lovely. We came to the castello for a wine tasting and tour but did not stay overnight. They had a beautiful new tasting facility. I cannot recommend Castello di Meleto highly enough! Not to be missed.

Castello di Meleto is a beautiful, charming, 13th century castle with incredibly picturesque grounds!! Please remember the main castle is almost 900 years old. The room is large, has thick stone floors and walls, and feels like you are staying in a castle (not the Waldorf Astoria)!! If that is the feel you want, you will not be disappointed. There is some dust and a few cobwebs that add to the ambience. The large bathroom is surprisingly modern. The beds are a little hard, but we had no problems sleeping after a full day of sightseeing. The stone walls do transmit some sound, so don't talk about your parents when they are staying in the room next to you.

Penny, at the reception desk, is very friendly with excursion or dinner recs. The reception closes at 8pm, so keep that in mind. There are many places for dinner in Gaiole(5 minutes away) or the surrounding towns of Radda, Greve, Ponzano (all within 30 minutes, if you do not get lost).

The grounds are absolutely breathtaking!!! We stayed in the actual castle (they also have nearby apartments with kitchens) and the views from our room were amazing. Be sure to look at our pics. The Castello is fairly centrally located. We used it as a base to do wine tasting and visit Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gemignano. There were many other little towns within an hours drive which we did not have time to see. The roads all over Tuscany are hilly and windy, so keep that in mind. During the day, these drives are incredibly scenic. If you imaging Tuscany to be full of vineyards, olive groves, and have an 800 year on castle on every other hilltop, you will love it!!

I would definitely stay here again!! Please just remember why you are drawn to the prospect of staying here. The whole Castello experience is awesome, but is not a luxury hotel. Save that for Florence or Rome.

We have just arrived back from another trip in Meleto. As usual, Penny and GAbriella the hotel / wine shop staff were fabulous. The Castello is not like any normal hotel - it is a very old castle and therefore the rooms are a bit dated but if you look beyond that it is something very special. The atmosphere is unique and the views across the Chianti hills are amazing. If staying in the castello I would advise room number 5 and go when it is hot enough to chill out by the wonderful pool.

We had big support in getting the key after 7.00 when the reception closes but then the disappointment starts. The room we stayed is located in an annex - which appears to be recently built. NO window in the room in sunny Tuscany 32C!!! Service is at fixed time, ok, everyone can live with that. The rooms are not well sound isolated, your neighbour sneezes and caughs and you clearly believe there is someone else in the room. Guess they hear every noise too. The rooms upstairs also help you keep awake. For the price they charge, might be much better. They do have better rooms, we just did not have the pleasure to be in one of them although we stayed three nights. Keep away from the room PIO BOSCO! The landscape is amazing but you have no view to it unless you are outside. The landscape will not be forgotten, this Hotel definitly will!