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This luxurious 4-star hotel, strategically located at equal distance from Florence, Siena and Pisa, is steeped in history, while at the same time having recently been fully refurbished to welcome you with refined style and every modern comfort, including a lift. Built into the medieval stone walls encircling the historic centre of this hilltop town, it originally formed part of the 12 th century castle fortifications.
 All bedrooms are double, with tasteful classic furnishings and spacious ensuite bathrooms. The elegant restaurant is situated at basement level in the converted olive-oil press, with a fine Wine Bar located below ground in the ancient cellar.
Other facilities include a lovely outdoor pool and garden area; the upstairs American Bar; a lounge area in the glass-roofed inner courtyard; as well as a meeting room and a large conference room.
The main entrance to this top-class hotel is from lowest street level outside the town walls, up a series of flights of stone steps to the reception area. As you proceed up these, you approach the one-and-a-half-metre thick castle walls which tower above you, with their raised, open walkway, now a balcony, along which the watchmen on duty used to patrol.
 Each separate area of the hotel is interconnected by old archways, the next of which leads you into the light-filled lounge, with its elegant, brightly coloured soft furnishings and eye-catching vases of floral displays. The original stone floor of this central courtyard has been retained, as has also the covered-in well, now used to collect rainwater for the garden. The Liberty-style glass roof lends the quality of a conservatory, where warming sunlight can stream in.
Issuing off this area is the Lina Meeting Room, which seats 16 people at its conference table.
Another archway then takes you through to the cosy, atmospheric American Bar, with its comfortable sitting area and bar stools in bold, vibrant colours. Here the ceilings are frescoed, the floors terracotta-tiled and the modern triple-torch wall-lights subtly echo the medieval history of the building.
 Through this bar you proceed to the hotel's rear entrance, opening out into a quiet, narrow sidestreet at the uppermost level of Montaione's historic town centre.
Issuing off the bar is also the spacious San Clemente Conference Room, which seats 85 people and is fully equipped with the latest communications technology.
Stone stairs (or the lift!) will lead you down to the Dé Mannaioni Restaurant, housed in the spectacular setting of the former olive-oil press, with its splendid rib-vaulted brick ceiling and striking green walls. The restaurant accommodates 70 guests and serves a wide range of traditional Tuscan culinary specialities, with a hint of modern flair. On request, lunches, dinners or cocktail parties for special occasions can be arranged.
Proceeding even further downstairs, through a fascinating stonework tunnel, you gain access to the charming  Wine Bar cellar, with its original barrel-vault ceiling. Here top-quality wines can be sampled and enjoyed and select dining organised.
Private indoor parking spaces are available for hotel guests (upon request).
ACCOMMODATION: There are 27 bedrooms, all with divisible double beds (two separate mattresses) and all located on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd floors. Although each is uniquely decorated and furnished, every one provides air-conditioning; a safe; mini-bar; Satellite TV; Internet connection and a spacious, modern ensuite bathroom with shower or bathtub and hairdrier.
There are two categories of bedroom: The Classic/Standard and the Junior Suite. The Junior Suite offers the extra attraction of the front balcony, once the castle ramparts, with extensive views over the garden, pool, wooded hills and - on a clear day - sometimes even a glimpse of the western Mediterranean sea on the horizon.
 Some bedrooms have terracotta-tiled floors and sloping, wood-beamed ceilings; others have light-wood parquet floors and frescoed ceilings; some can accommodate an extra child's bed; but all are exceptionally quiet, with restful views towards the front garden or over the tiled rooftops of the historic village centre at the rear.
THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT: Sheltered below the stonework of the high town walls and guaranteed privacy by the enclosing hedge and trees, the shapely pool is set at a mid-terrace level between the hotel itself and the main entrance gate. In this suntrap location you can relax at the poolside bar, which serves drinks and snacks until late; or enjoy the gentle massage of the jacuzzi-pool. The terracotta-tiled terrace is decorated with colourful rambling roses and lemon trees in ceramic pots and adjoined by an Italian garden of lawn and gravel path, shaded by three magnificent, centuries-old holm-oak trees.
 LOCATION: As well as being within easy driving distance from the airports in Florence (1 hr) and Pisa (1 hr), other Tuscan centres of great historical, cultural and artistic interest are close at hand, such as San Gimignano, Volterra and Siena, not forgetting the many attractions of the Mediterranean coast.
The area is not only rich in history, but also in outstanding natural beauty, characterised by the gently rolling, wooded hills, the farmland, olive groves and vineyards so typical of Tuscany.
HISTORY: The original defensive structure dates back to 1100. In 1500 it came into the private ownership of the powerful Florentine Mannaioni family. After being abandoned in 1983, when no more heirs survived to inherit the building, it was eventually turned into a hotel in 1994 and completely renovated in 1998. In 2006, under new management, it was fully refurbished.
 OTHER FACILITIES AVAILABLE NEARBY: The quiet, medieval, hilltop town of Montaione is a delight to stroll through and presents the visitor with a variety of shops selling traditional handicraft goods and local produce.
In the vicinity of the hotel there are two riding stables; an 18-hole golf course; and a whole host of opportunities for hiking and mountain-biking amid spectacular scenery.
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