COMO Castello Del Nero: Italy's Most Stunning Castle Hotel? You HAVE to See This!
COMO Castello Del Nero: Italy's Most Stunning Castle Hotel? HOLD ON, Let Me Tell Ya!
Okay, so "Italy's Most Stunning Castle Hotel"? That's a big claim. And truth be told, when I first saw the pictures of COMO Castello Del Nero, I kind of rolled my eyes. Another ridiculously beautiful, over-the-top, probably-out-of-reach castle hotel, right? Wrong. So wrong. This place? It's… well, it's something. Let's dive in, shall we? And trust me, you’ll get the unvarnished truth.
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First Impressions and Accessibility: A Bit of a Rollercoaster
The drive up to the Castello is… dramatic. Seriously, it feels like you're entering a freaking fairytale. The winding road, the cypress trees lining the way… it's picture-postcard perfect. But let’s be honest, sometimes perfect is a lie.
Accessibility: This is where things get… interesting. The website mentions "facilities for disabled guests" and an elevator, which is a good start. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced, and my experience was anything but seamless. The castle's ancient architecture poses inherent challenges. Navigating the cobblestone paths and uneven surfaces with a wheelchair might be a challenge. You'll definitely need to contact them beforehand and be very specific about your needs. This is a big red flag for me. Do your homework! Don't just assume. Call and grill them.
Rooms: Grand, But… Imperfectly Perfect?
The rooms. Oh, the rooms. They're undeniably gorgeous. I’d describe them as "Old World Glamour meets Zen Minimalism." Think exposed beams, plush carpets, and giant, ridiculously comfortable beds. Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (yes, really!), bathtub, blackout curtains (thank GOD for those!), coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea (essential!), daily housekeeping (thank you, sweet cleaner gods!), desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water (always a win!), hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless (and it’s free!), ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, and… wait for it… a window that opens! Also in Room: Additional toilet(!), closet, carpeting and a scale. And a lot of the rooms are, thankfully, soundproof.
My room, a massive suite with high ceilings and a view of the Tuscan countryside, was stunning. However, the Wi-Fi was spotty at times, and the lighting felt a bit… dark. (I'm an introvert, but even I needed more light!). Also, the bathroom phone? Seriously? Who uses those anymore? But hey, the quirky charm is part of it, right?
I had a slight problem with the non-accessible shower in our room. I can see where the hotel is trying to incorporate it's history into its modern update, but I felt as though this should have been addressed in my hotel room. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say it was possibly a fluke as it wasn't like this in some of the other rooms.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Castello Del Nero REALLY shines. Like, Michelin star shine (not literally, but you get the picture).
Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants and oh my god, the food. The A la carte in restaurant menu is exquisite. I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth pasta, perfectly grilled meats, and desserts that could bring a tear to your eye. The Asian cuisine also deserves mentioning, but it is a bit unusual for a castle hotel in Tuscany.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Asian breakfast is an option, as well as the usual Western breakfast. You can also get Breakfast in room. The Coffee/tea in restaurant is amazing. There's a Happy hour with killer cocktails. And the Poolside bar is… well, it’s perfection. I think I spent an entire afternoon there, nursing a Negroni and watching the sunset. The Snack bar is actually pretty good too, and if you're feeling something lighter, there's Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant. And, if you're a vegetarian… there's a Vegetarian restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Details That Matter (Mostly)
They offer everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events. Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. You name it, they (probably) have it.
They even have a Shop for purchasing your own wine and goodies, if you are so inclined.
Key Takeaway: The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely seem to want you to have a good time.
The Spa: My Personal Paradise (Even Though I Didn’t Get the Full Experience)
Okay, let's talk about the spa. This is where I almost lost my mind. It is a truly special place with a view to die for.
Ways to Relax: They boast Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom.
I was so excited that I only got to experience parts of the spa due to a scheduling mishap (my fault – book in advance, people!). The relaxation area overlooking the Tuscan hills? Breathtaking. I did have the most incredible massage from a woman with magic hands (seriously, I think she could have cured any ailment). If Massage is your thing, this is your place.
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Fairytale (Mostly)
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child-friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Castello is generally family-friendly. They have a kids' club and babysitting services. But, for the kiddos, the best thing is the pool!
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Stay Safe is a Plus
The hotel takes safety seriously which is great. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. I felt very secure. They also offer Room sanitization opt-out available, if that is what the traveler prefers.
For the Love of God: Book Now! (But Read This First)
Okay, so here's the deal. COMO Castello Del Nero is a truly special place. It's not perfect. It's expensive. And it's probably not the easiest place in the world to navigate if you have mobility issues. But the beauty, the food, the spa… it creates an experience you won't forget.
My Quirks and Rambles
- The Pool: Is it warm? Is it cold? No idea. My brain broke and I lost all sense of time. 10/10, would recommend.
- The Cobblestones: Okay, so it's beautiful, but wear sensible shoes. Like, seriously. I nearly ate it more than once.
Emotional Reactions
- When I walked into the dining area: Jaw-dropping. The perfect mixture of romance and history.
- After the massage: Pure bliss. I was a puddle on the floor.
- When I had to leave: Sadness. I wanted to stay forever.
The Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a luxurious, unique, and utterly unforgettable experience in Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero is worth considering. But be prepared for a bit of an adventure, and be sure to research those accessibility needs thoroughly. Now go book it. You won’
WAT BO HOUSE: Cambodia's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, Buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your polished travel brochure itinerary. This is how I, a gloriously flawed human, experienced COMO Castello Del Nero. Think of this as your anti-guide, a messy love letter to Tuscany, with all the spills and occasional triumphs.
COMO Castello Del Nero: Operation "Embrace the Chianti Coma" - A Hot Mess Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- 10:00 AM (ish): Land in Florence. Immediately feel like I should have learned more Italian than "Ciao!" and "Una birra, per favore." The airport is chaos, but hey, adventure! My internal monologue oscillates between "OMG, this is Tuscany!" and "Did I pack enough socks?!"
- 11:30 AM: Find the rental car. It's a tiny Fiat, which I instantly rename "Little Beast." Pray to the car gods it survives the winding Tuscan roads. Oh, and remember the driving-on-the-right-side-of-the-road thing. Try to.
- 12:30 PM: Road trip! Attempt to navigate with Google Maps, which promptly tries to kill me by directing me down a gravel track that's more cow path than road. Swear a lot. Admire the ridiculously gorgeous scenery, which is distracting me from the aforementioned death-by-gravel.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Castello Del Nero. Whoa. Stunning. Like, fairytale stunning. The kind of place that makes you momentarily forget how utterly incompetent you feel. Reception is smooth, the staff is ridiculously charming, and my room… well, let's just say it's bigger than my apartment. Breathe.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the castle. Get lost. Discover a hidden library. Feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast (minus the beast, sadly). Take a million photos. Accidentally walk into a very important-looking meeting. Blush. Retreat.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack. Realize I didn't pack enough socks. Mild panic ensues.
- 5:00 PM: Time for the pool! It's infinity-edge, overlooking the Tuscan hills. I nearly cry. It's that good. Spend an hour just staring at the view, feeling my everyday anxieties melt away. This is, like, the opposite of feeling incompetent.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at La Torre (the Castello's restaurant). Order a fancy pasta dish I can't pronounce. It's divine. Drink WAY too much Chianti. Discover the joys of Tuscan bread dipped in olive oil. My face is officially a happy, red mess.
- 9:00 PM: Stumble back to my room, feeling gloriously full and slightly tipsy. Decide to watch a movie, get comfy, and pass out. End the day smiling, the stress of the travel disappearing into the Tuscan air.
Day 2: Truffle Hunting & Existential Dread
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Feel surprisingly good, despite the wine. Eat an obscene amount of the breakfast buffet. There's fresh pastries, fruit, the works. Decide to absolutely make sure I eat every single day as if it were my last.
- 9:30 AM: Truffle hunting! This is a thing here. Meet the truffle hunter and his adorable dog, a goofy Lagotto Romagnolo named Luca. Luca is completely uninterested in me, but I'm instantly in love.
- 10:30 AM: Start the hunt. Follow Luca through the woods. Realize truffle hunting is much harder than it looks. Mostly involves trudging through undergrowth and swatting away bugs. Get bitten by something. Swear again. Am convinced I'll never find a truffle.
- 11:30 AM: Luca finds a truffle! The hunter is ecstatic. I'm vaguely thrilled. Then, he finds another one?! Holy moly. It's amazing -- like, truly amazing! I get a tiny bit of the thrill.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch, featuring… you guessed it… truffle! The pasta is incredible, the risotto, the best I've ever had… It's all about truffles, and I am here for it.
- 2:00 PM: Wander the grounds of the Castello. Get lost again. Stumble upon a chapel and have a moment of quiet reflection. Suddenly, feel this pang of existential dread. Realize that, yes, life is short, and yes, I should probably appreciate the beauty of this moment but… oh, look, there's a particularly lovely olive tree. Take more photos.
- 3:00 PM: Go to the spa for a massage. It's heaven. Melt all the way through the table.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the pool! Contemplate the meaning of life while watching the sun set. Do not find the answer, but feel a little bit better.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. Do the wine thing again. Fall in love with the staff.
Day 3: Cooking Class & The Art of Doing Nothing
- 9:00 AM: Another glorious breakfast. I'm starting to think I could live off of this.
- 10:00 AM: Cooking class! Learning to cook Italian food. I'm terrible at chopping onions. Get flour all over myself. Laugh a lot. My instructor is so patient. The food is amazing. I will now be making pasta at home.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! Eat the food we cooked. Gloat about my incredible culinary skills (even though I had a lot of help).
- 2:00 PM: Do… absolutely nothing. This is the official activity of the afternoon. Lounge by the pool. Read a book I've been meaning to read for years. Let the sun kiss my face and the breeze kiss my hair.
- 4:00 PM: Take a nap. Wake up disoriented. This is the life.
- 7:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks at the bar. Chat with other guests, share our experiences. Feel a strong sense of camaraderie… we all feel pretty darn good.
- 8:00 PM: Last dinner at La Torre. Shed a tiny tear because I'm going to have to leave. The food is incredible, and even more because I know I'm leaving soon.
- 9:30 PM: Pack (sort of). Mentally prepare myself to leave the next day.
Day 4: Farewell, Florence & The Reluctant Return
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. One last glorious feast. The staff makes me feel like a VIP.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the amazing staff. Teary-eyed hugs all around. The staff are just incredible and make you feel like you are family.
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to Florence. The tiny Fiat makes the trip. I can't believe it.
- 12:30 PM: Quick stop in Florence. Buy souvenirs for the people back home. Also, find a store that sells amazing leather bags and buy myself a gift.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the airport. Feel that all-too-familiar sense of travel fatigue, but mixed with the most amazing memories.
- 4:00 PM: Board the plane. Look out the window at the beautiful landscape.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive back home.
This is it, folks. My messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable adventure at COMO Castello Del Nero. It was a whirlwind of good food, good company, and a healthy dose of self-discovery (and a lot of Chianti). I've already started planning my return. Don't hesitate to go.
Word to the Wise (or the Slightly Lost Traveler):
- Embrace the chaos. Things will go wrong. Embrace it!
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases. It makes a difference. Even if you butcher them.
- Don't be afraid to slow down. Just be.
- Drink the wine. Eat the pasta. Enjoy the view. Repeat.
- Bring extra socks. Trust me.
Hold on… Is it *really* as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the pictures? (Because, you know, Instagram lies.)
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth: Yes. But like, *infinitely* yes. I'm not kidding. I walked in, and my jaw actually hit the floor. I’m not talking a polite little graze; I'm talking a full-on cartoon-level crash. The pictures… they're good. But they don't convey the smell, you know? The old stone, the freshly baked bread wafting through the air… and the sheer *scale* of the place. It's not just pretty; it feels like you've somehow stumbled into a Renaissance painting. I was expecting, you know, nice. I got… a religious experience. Honestly, I almost cried. And I’m not even a particularly sentimental person.
So, you know they say the food is amazing. Is it just… another fancy hotel restaurant level amazing, or is it… *Italian Grandmother* amazing?
Okay, real talk. I’ve eaten at some "fancy" restaurants. I appreciate a good truffle. BUT… let me tell you about the pasta. Specifically, the handmade tagliatelle with ragu I had at La Torre restaurant. I'm still dreaming about it. I'd honestly consider selling a kidney for another plate. Okay, a *small* kidney. And the wine list? Forget about it. They had a Chianti from a vineyard I didn't even know existed, and it was basically the nectar of the gods. Pure liquid sunshine. It's not just "good," it’s soul-affirming. Think Italian Grandmother who secretly runs a Michelin-starred kitchen and only cooks when she feels truly inspired. And she was *on fire* that night, let me tell you.
The rooms… are they, like, actually comfortable, or are they all about looking good and sacrificing sleep? (Because I need my beauty rest!)
This is important. I’m a Princess and the Pea type. I need a perfect bed or I'm a miserable wretch. The rooms are *gorgeous*. Seriously stunning, with the original frescoes and all that. And yes, they do look *amazing*. BUT the beds? Oh my GOD. They were like sleeping on a cloud made of angels' wings. The linens were crisp, the pillows were fluffy, and I swear I slept for approximately twelve hours straight. I woke up feeling more refreshed than I have in years. And the bathrooms? Seriously, the shower was a work of art. I think I spent an hour in there, just luxuriating. Honestly, I could have stayed in that room forever. My husband, the poor man, thought he was going to die of boredom. I almost abandoned him there and ran off to live my best single life of massages and wine. He got over it.
Okay, fine, so it's beautiful. But… what is there *to do*? I’m easily bored.
Bored? At Castello Del Nero? Impossible. First, you have the obvious: pools, spa… all that jazz. But the real magic, the *thing* that makes it more than just a pretty place, is the atmosphere. I spent a morning wandering the grounds, getting lost in the olive groves, and honestly, it was the most peaceful thing I've done in ages. There's a cooking class. I tried it! I'm not going to lie, I accidentally set a dish towel on fire. But the chef was so patient and the pasta? *chef's kiss* Then there are truffle hunts! I mean, come on! You can bike. You can hike. You can just *exist* in a beautiful place and breathe. They have wine tastings (obvs). And the staff... they’re incredibly helpful. Not in a pushy way, just genuinely wanting to help you have an amazing time. The only issue I had was leaving. I really, really didn't want to.
Tell me about the spa! Is it worth the hype? I'm fussy.
Okay, okay, the spa. Look, I consider myself a spa aficionado (read: spa snob). And YES. It’s absolutely worth the hype. First of all, the spa is gorgeous. Located in a former wine cellar. It’s serene, it's calming, and it smells like heaven. And the treatments? I had a massage. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the best massage of my life. The therapist was incredibly skilled. It went on and on. At some point, I think I blacked out. In a good way! A *very* good way. Get the massage. Don't question it. Just… get it. I'm still kicking myself for not trying all of the other treatments. Next time. Next time I will. I'm already planning my return (seriously). I might sell that other kidney. Just saying.
Is it pretentious? (I hate pretentious.)
This was my biggest fear! I hate that stuffy, "look at me, I'm rich" vibe. And honestly? It's not. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe it's just the genuinely warm staff. The staff are so friendly and down to earth. The guests were a mixed bag, but everyone seemed to be there to relax and enjoy themselves. There's an undercurrent of quiet luxury, but not the kind that makes you feel like you have to wear a tiara to breakfast. People we're dressed casually, the atmosphere was relaxed. You could wander around in your comfy shoes and no one would bat an eye. I wouldn't say it's cheap; it's definitely a splurge. But it feels like a worthwhile one. It doesn't feel like they're trying to show off. They're just… providing an incredible experience. And that, my friends, is the real luxury.
What was the *worst* part? Come on, spill.
Okay, fine. Here’s the harsh truth: Leaving. It was truly awful. I may have shed a tiny tear when we drove away. Actually, it was more than a tiny tear. It was a full-blown, messy, mascara-running cry. I wanted to stay. Forever. Also, the wifi can be spotty in some areas, which, in this day and age, is a minor inconvenience but still worth mentioning. And the price tag? Yeah, it's not a cheap getaway. But I'd save every penny to go back. Oh, and maybe the guilt I felt for leaving my husband alone while I was off in spa heaven. But, you know, priorities.
