Review of La Collegiata, by Marc Zakian

Located on a hill opposite San Gimignano, this renaissance palazzo was once home to an order of Franciscan monks. It is now a discreet boutique hotel with a heated swimming pool, shaded lawns, gardens and fantastic views across the valley to San Gimignano's iconic medieval towers.

The facilities

The boutique hotel's key-notes are old-fashioned elegance and laid-back luxury. Though your every need will not be immediately attended to as staff numbers are smaller than in the super-urban hotels, service is discreet, smart and thoughtful.

There is a small gym and if you so please the 'wellness centre' is on hand with facials and other treatments. If on business, a conference room with internet access can be reserved for groups of less than 20 people. This boutique hotel does have a restaurant. Il Sagrato serves traditional Tuscan food with the use of as many local products as possible. All the wines served are exclusively from Tuscany as well. Each morning a buffet breakfast is served for the guests.

The rooms

Considering the boutique hotel's monastic roots, bedroom sizes are good - though not huge, there is enough room to lounge. The twenty rooms are styled in a comfortable combination of traditional Tuscan, though all modern facilities are provided. Some offer window vistas framing San Gimignano's towers in the distance, while the tower suite boasts 360 degree panoramic views. Most rooms in the boutique hotel have small balconies, while bathrooms feature elegant marble and wood décor.