This is a marvellous small hotel, which matched all our high expectations. It is a perfect first stop in Tuscany from Pisa airport (less than an hour's drive), and easier to find than some have implied - Ulignano is clearly signed to the right just a few km going south from Certaldo on the main road to Siena. Watch out for the (unmarked!) level crossing, then simply go up the village main street and after a sharp right-hand bend, the hotel is clearly visible on the right at the top of the hill. This road continues straight to San Gimignano (which we'd visited before) and provides the best approach view of the town - superb!
Parking at the hotel has been criticised but we found it no problem - there is a wide verge just down from the hotel building which easily accommodates 6/7 cars (if parked unselfishly!). The bus-stop sign can safely be ignored - never saw one, nor anyone waiting!!
We had downstairs room 3 - the Capezzuoli family live upstairs but we heard nothing, and slept well on both nights. The room and ensuite bathroom were spotlessly clean, although air conditioning was provided by a rather noisy fan (which we turned off at night without any problem). Breakfast was better than in many 4/5 star hotels, with home-made tomato bruschetti and excellent fresh fruit (including a memorable strawberry tartlet). When I suggested to Guido that he should consider expanding the business to include a restaurant (with himself and Mama as chefs!), he made the memorable comment - in perfect English - that one should "work in order to live, not live in order to work!". His relaxed helpfulness made it a joy to stay here, as so many have remarked. His final touch of kindness was to allow me to use his laptop in the family quarters so that I could e-mail ahead to our next hotel in Umbria.
We are already planning a return visit; wherever we go next in Italy we will try to base our holiday on spending some time back here - if this fantastic little place isn't fully booked up months ahead!!
PS. I agree wholeheartedly with the earlier recommendation for the village trattoria - outstanding food (especially the pizzas) at a most reasonable price, lovely view from terrace (with the local football pitch floodlit below!) and friendly staff. Both hotel and restaurant are a credit to Ulignano.














