Roomer

Como Castello Del Nero

Barberino Tavarnelle, Tuscany, Italy
$800-1800+/ night

Book this if You want a Michelin-starred Tuscan fortress that feels more like a wellness sanctuary than a hotel.

Why People Love It

8.9⭐54 reviews
  • The COMO Shambhala spa is world-class, with a thermal suite included in your rate
  • Michelin-starred dining at La Torre with ingredients from the estate's own garden
  • Free scheduled shuttles to Florence and Siena make car-free exploring actually viable

Quick Take: It’s a stunning, sterile castle where the service is technically perfect but lacks the warm Italian soul you might expect for $1,000 a night.

Reviewed by @ginagoesto: I spent my afternoon just floating here watching the sun hit the Tuscan hills. It’s honestly the most peaceful spot I’ve found in Italy. If you need to unplug and just breathe, this is absolutely the place to do it.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Guests are blown away by the views and the spa, but often underwhelmed by the 'cold' service and lack of atmosphere in the bar.

Reality check

You're paying for the hardware (the castle, the frescoes, the grounds), not the 'family-style' hospitality found elsewhere in Tuscany.

  • You prioritize a high-tech gym and serious spa treatments over rustic charm
  • You want to see Florence and Siena but sleep in total silence
  • You appreciate a 'health-conscious' breakfast with ginger tea and egg white omelets

Cleanliness & Maintenance

9.2
  • Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Turn-down service includes water and mood lighting.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble and mosaic. No mold issues reported in recent verified reviews.
  • Maintenance: Generally good, though some guests noted missing tiles in the outdoor pool and 'tired' outdoor furniture.
  • Linens & towels: High-quality Egyptian cotton, crisp and fresh.
  • Odors & scents: Signature COMO Shambhala scent (eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender) is everywhere and lovely.

Sleepability™

7.5SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Wedding receptions on the lawn (summer weekends)
  • Hallway noise in the main castle building due to hard stone floors

Before you book

Good to know

  • The hotel closes seasonally from mid-November to late March.
  • City tax is approx. €4 per person/night for the first 7 nights.
  • Shuttle to Florence/Siena is free but runs on a fixed schedule—book your seat at check-in.

What to pack

  • Gym gear – The Technogym equipment and view are too good to skip.
  • A US-to-EU plug adapter – Outlets can be scarce in historic rooms.
  • Dressy casual outfits – Dinner at La Torre is a formal affair.

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Heritage Suites – The only rooms with original 18th-century frescoes; worth the splurge for the 'castle' feel.
  • Tavarnelle Rooms – Spacious, modern, and reliable AC (crucial in July/August).

Rooms to avoid

  • Estate Rooms – Entry-level and can feel small/dark compared to the suites.
  • Ground floor rooms near the main courtyard if you're sensitive to event noise.

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a room on an upper floor with a view of the rolling hills, away from the main courtyard event space. A Heritage Suite with preserved frescoes would be ideal if available.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is the pool heated?

Yes, the outdoor pool is heated, but it is seasonal (summer only). The spa has a heated vitality pool open year-round.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, but it feels very adult. There are babysitting services and kids' menus, but the vibe is definitely 'quiet luxury'.

How much is the spa?

Expensive. A 90-minute COMO Shambhala massage runs about €270. However, access to the thermal suite (sauna/steam) is often included.

Do I need a car?

Not strictly, thanks to the free shuttles to Florence and Siena, but highly recommended if you want to visit local wineries or villages like San Gimignano.

Is there a gym?

Yes, a state-of-the-art gym with Technogym equipment and Pilates reformers, offering stunning views of the olive groves.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, it is pet-friendly. Expect a fee of around €35 per stay (or per day, policy varies slightly by booking channel).

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    The spa's 'thermal suite' (sauna, steam, vitality pool) is free for guests—use it even if you don't book a treatment.

  • ✨

    Ask for a table on the terrace at breakfast; the view is better than the food.

  • ✨

    Don't rely on the concierge for last-minute winery tours; book external drivers in advance to save money.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The bar is surprisingly ugly—fluorescent lighting and zero atmosphere.

  • 💡The 'casual' restaurant, Pavilion, is only open in summer; in winter/shoulder season, you're stuck with the pricier indoor options.

  • 💡You can rent a vintage Fiat 500 directly from the hotel for a photo-op drive.

  • 💡The 'Estate' rooms are in outbuildings, not the main castle—check your booking if you want the full castle experience.

  • 💡The scent of jasmine and lavender throughout the grounds is real and intoxicating, not pumped in.

Local Playbook

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