My fiancee and I were backpacking through Europe and decided to go through Siena. From searching the web, we came across the Castello di Selvole "hostel", which sounded great. We understood that it was somewhat remote but took a chance on it anyway and it wound up as one of the best stops on our trip. I would recommend it to anyone & everyone.

We arrived from Florence via the train and were picked up at the station by the groundskepper. Make sure you set this up with the staff ahead of time as they're more than happy to pick people up at the train station. He took us to the local super market and let us stock up on food. Make sure you get everything you'll need as they hostel rooms will only have cooking equipment, glasses, & silverware. No spices, oils, or food. They do have rosemary bushes everywhere though. From the market its about a 20-30 minute ride through the hills to Castello di Selvole. First impressions of this place are that it's gorgeous! Old tuscan style villas set on a hill between a couple hundred acres of wine vinyards. Not many things more picturesque than this.

The main guest area is a large villa with about 14 "hostel" rooms located about 100 yards from the main castle. I have no idea why they call this a hostel when it should be called an apartment. Anyway, our room cost about $70 USD a night and had a small kitchen with everything you need to cook & eat, dinning & living room area, an upgraded bathroom, & a large bedroom. The views from each apartment are spectacular.

Some notes to remember about this place are that it is remote. If you don't have a car, then you'll be very limited in what you can do. Their is a restaurant that is only open for dinner, which is about a 2-mile walk away. The food is delicious & relatively cheap so make sure you visit it atleast once. You can setup a pick-up and drop-off with the staff instead of walking if you want. They do have a washing machine available for use, though it's not the best one around......no dryer though, you'll have to use the clothes lines. They have a wonderful pool that is set above their vinyard. What an amazing view from the pool! We'd sit there for hours! The manager hosts an informal wine tour & tasting every day or two. Make sure you ask about this as it's free and the Chianti Classico wine they make is wonderful.

Positives: Great views, relaxing, pool, eating the grapes off the vine, seclusion, apartment style hostel.

Negatives: Secluded if you don't have a car.

My husband and I chose this property based on great reviews of service. We told them it was our honeymoon, and that we wanted some out of town seclusion. The location was beautiful, the furnishing cheap and sparse, but ok. The first night, a group of american frat buddies showed up with some local ladies and proceeded to get drunk and aggressive- bottles were thrown at our windows, and our rental car was keyed. Requesting help to quiet them down around 3 am were ignored.

The next day was fabulous. We drove on lots of little roads, ans saw parts of the contryside not on the tour maps. It was a little cloudy that evening, with heavy rain starting around 8 pm. Not only did it rain, it rained in- on the bed through the roof, through the roof in the living room kitchen, and a strong river came in under the door and attempted to carry off our suitcase. Clothes, makeup, cameras- all ruined- wedding thank you cards ruined- and of course no lights.

We made our way to the main house, where lights were on and the family could be seen inside, dry and warm. WE rang and rang the bell, and were ingnored. The rain was pouring down on us as we scaled the fence to get help- we needed warm blankets and perhaps a dry bed for day two of our honeymoon.


The rather rude woman (the owner) opened the door and told us her staff was taking care of a leak on her screened in porch, and then they had to check their own homes. She basically told us to get lost,

A bit later there was a knock on the door- her housekeeper overheard the conversation and was sneeking us some clean towels, sheets and blankets. What an angel.

The next day we asked to be moved to drier quarters. Also, we asked for help with the muddy ruined clothes and papers. All would be fixed when we got back that evening, A day in Siena- like heaven! WE headed back out and found that the wet towels were starting to stink in place on the floor, and that NOTHING had been done, nor had anything been moved. Finally her husband showed up and explained that they had to rent the dry place to someone else who showed up that day. We agreed to meet at 9 the next morning to go over this and figure out how to settle this.

The next morning, waiting around til 9 We tried to be out wandsering by 7 each morning. Nobody was there, wae called, and called, and finally got a meesage that as long as we had cleaned the place, they would not charge us any extra for the rain damage???? Tired of waiting, we wrote a letter with all of our contact numbers, along with that we thought was a fair comprimise for the horrible service.

IF things are sunny and smooth, they are charming, when there is an emergency, count on nothing from these snobbish gentleman and LAdy Wine dabblers

Castle Selvole was a fantastic experience - incredibly beauiful and serene! The renovated farmhouses were perfectly suited for the traditional Tuscan experience :) It is out in the country among vineyards and olive groves... A car is highly recommended. The staff were fantastic and friendly. The area is perfect for hiking, enjoying the Chianti and Arezzo wine regions, and for escaping into the peaceful Tuscan countryside Note- we went to the Iper COOP (big supermarket) on the outskirts of Siena and stocked up with food - and were able to make great meals right in our room. There is a pool open in the summer. We will stay here again

This was the best "hostel" I have had the priviledge to stay!! The accommodations were cozy, the restaurant (within 2 mile walking distance..La Trappola) was divine. We rented a car which is best if you want to see all the Tuscan hilltowns. If not, then this is best for a quiet getaway as the most of the cottages have kitchens. This is a romantic vineyard with 360 degree panoramic view! What a lovely place!! The only downfall with our cottage was the shower..it didn't drain properly.