Reviews of Leonardo’s Land

18 May 2012 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Location and the view is amazing! If you have transport then it is perfectly central for visiting all the main sights in Tuscany. Wine is also excellent.

Disliked: Nothing

25 October 2011 diane would recommend this property

Liked: The property was a lovely place to stay, the staff were friendly and welcoming..it is the perfect place to go to relax from the lovely pool to the beautiful views. It was more of a mountain villa as opposed to a hostel and i would definatley reccommend going there for those who want to have fun, relax stay up late drinking wine (stolen grapes) and enjoying the beautiful view of the whole city.

Disliked: Although the location has many amazing aspects, it is high up in the hills and is a long walk away from the nearest town. A few hidden charges.

23 October 2011

Liked: Had an amazing pool and view

Disliked: The property manager fails to mention ANY hidden costs, and there are a lot of them. If you decide to book at the hostel be aware that you will be handed a swimming cap for the pool, without a mention that you pay for it (it costs 2 euro, and isn't necessary, just don't put your head in the pool water), the internet is charged at 2 euro's an hour and it is the worst I've used. Incredibly slow and not legitimately timed - the mager will round up 20 minutes to 30 minutes to suit his fee. There is no wifi. He will make no mention that there is only one free shuttle service to and from the train station, be prepared that it will cost you 8 euro a day in travel fares just to get to and from the train station if you're staying more than one day and actually intend to explore. If you request a towel, ask how much, 4 euro's was charged in September. HIGHLY recommend you bring the strongest mosquito repellent you own. Everynight you will need to cover yourself as the rooms get full of mosquitos at dusk. I suggest you wear a shower cap if you don't want your hair getting wet in the shower as the shower head sprays in all directions. You may also want to turn on the hot tap 15 minutes before stepping into the shower as it takes this long to warm up. The breakfast is a majority of chocolate - cakes, cereals, biscuits, spread. You may want to shop for something more nutritious before arriving.

24 September 2011 leah would recommend this property

Liked: EVERYTHING is great at loenardos. this property is amazing....i have not felt like im staying in a hostel. the staff are so helpful and super friendly. the location is perfect right in the heart of tuscany and still not to far from florence, easy to make a day trip. i would absolutly recommend this place to anyone wanting a peacful but still exciting getaway......exactly what i needed. Thanks guys

Disliked: NOTHING!!!!

18 September 2011 Lucas would recommend this property

Liked: This is the best hostel I've ever been! In the middle of Toscana, near Firenze, Pistoia, San Gemingnano, etc. It is a paradise, 100 % recomendable, also if you don't travel by car. There is a shuttle every day from and to Pistoia. The owner and his crew are really nice, the atmosphere is so cool, and you are able to experience what is the good life in Toscana as well. Don't miss it!

Disliked: Nothing

15 September 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: this is the most unique hostel there is. its more of a resort actually. its on a mountain in the middle of nowhere but thats only good, its very charming. you sleep in small houses, you have quite bit of land area with grass and olive trees and a badass pool. its the perfect place to chill out after you have strolled through every city in the toscana. the owner guido is such a cool, friendly character, very nice to be around. he picks you up from pistoia train station for free when you check in and gets you back there when you check out. if you order dinner there, they cook themselves, real italian food, awesome. the whole thing is sucha beautiful place i definately want to come back.

Disliked: the pool could be a littly cleaner but that is nitpicking

04 September 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: How to describe this place with words... the sighseeing is breathtaking, the host is extraordinary kind and helpful. If you want to experience the heart of Tuscany, you must go to Leonardo's Land!!!!

Disliked: Everything was just perfect.

22 July 2011 Medina would recommend this property

Liked: This place is great - off the beaten path a little, very unique and comfortable. Felt like I was at home! The wifi is great, the staff was hugely helpful (not always around, but for us, that wasn't a big deal). Really close to the city centre (perfect location).

Disliked: No common area. This place is definitely for traveling with others and I would go as far as saying it's best suited for couples.

23 September 2010 Tess would recommend this property

Liked: great getaway - after spending so much time in cities this was exactly what we needed. the property is HUGE, with beautiful pool down the bottom overlooking tuscany, you can hire bikes and ride to the nearby small towns, buy your own food or eat at their dining room. the staff when we were there were lovely but they change every few months. had such a great time here and would definately recommend to anyone wanting a nice relaxing few days. i wouldnt come here if you wanted to spend all of your time in florence or other cities because its a bit too far away.

Disliked: lots of mozzies! bring your spray

20 September 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The accommodations where more beautiful than anything I ever expected. Leonardo's Land is a great location for a single person looking write or relax but very suitable for large groups, weddings and business retreats. The property is breathtaking. Enjoy the pool and true beauty of the Tuscan sun.

Disliked: Moments to Vinci there is so much to take in and it's only a half hour away from Florence. Shop by day and escape it all under the beautiful sunsets, great restaurants and true culture. No need to leave the property for days. Dinners are prepared for you, great wine and excellent company. All my love to the staff and owner. I will be back!

18 September 2010 James would recommend this property

Liked: Kind staff and fantastic location. Love to go back someday

Disliked: James left no negative feedback.

01 September 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: An outstanding location, amazing pool and a real authentic Italian feel.

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

23 August 2010

Liked: When I first arrived at this hostel I was very pleased, both by theplace and by the hospitality. The owner appeared to be extremely friendly and helpful. The location was beautiful. However soon I began to feeluncomfortable and not at ease for several reasons:

Disliked: Number 1: I was never really being told how much I was being charged for things. The hostel offered a dinner, and one night I had no food and decided to eat at the hostel. I stupidly did not ask how much the dinner would cost, however no where did it say how much i was going to be charged. The dinner was 28 Euros. Also, there was a computer that was out in the open the entire time, and the staff said that I could use it, no problem. I had no idea at all that I was being charged for the internet use. As I am a student and do not have very much money this was a big concern for me. Number 2: There was no line drawn between being a friendly host, and acting unprofessionally. While socializing with the guests is great, often times I felt uncomfortable because of the blatant favoritism and flirtatious behavior with which the owner (a man callled Guido) interacted with the other guests (manly a group of attractive young girls). I feel as though a Hostel Owner must retain a certain amount of neutrality and professional air. An example of this is one night we were sitting outside relaxing and drinking, and the owner came out with several glasses of wine, and gave them out only to the Girls. While I have no problem with not receiving wine, it made me uncomfortable to be singled out like that. Number 3: What finally threw me over the edge was a strange event that took place at the end of my stay. The owner proposed that we, the guests and he, have a pool party. At first everyone was enthusiastic about this idea, but then it began to get awkward. No one was sure if he was going to be charging us for the pool party. In the end I asked the owner how much the party would cost. He answered that it would be 10 euros for the girls and 20 for guys (I was the only guy staying at the hostel at this time). While the actual money was not a big deal for me, 10$ more or less will not change my life, the fact that he wanted to charge me more money was not only unprofessional but downright disrespectful. This is a hostel, not a night club. It is completely unreasonable to expect someone to pay more for something at a HOSTEL simply because they are a man. Because of the things mentioned above I felt extremely uncomfortable and sour when left the hostel. I was disappointed because it had started off as such a pleasant experience. The way things ended truly made the entire Tuscany experience incredibly worse. I sent the owner an e-mail, explaining all of this, however he did not respond me to,

08 August 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The hostel was like a palace! I really loved their pretty, real Italian style villa. Also they have a swimming pool in their property, and it was just wonderful. I was swimming in the pool everyday during my stay. I could see the big view of Toscana area (which was gorgeous!) from the pool since it was located on a hill.Since this hostel is located a bit away from Florence, I could really relax and enjoy the time there.Their price is extremely cheap for the place as well.

Disliked: Nothing. I really enjoyed the stay.

26 July 2010

Liked: the location, the dancing cleaning lady and the dorms

Disliked: The owner himself and the lack of notice of what you do and dont have to pay for.

25 July 2010 Caitlin would recommend this property

Liked: Stunning scenery, attentive staff, friendly atmosphere...an all round fantastic Tuscan experience!

Disliked: Caitlin left no negative feedback.

24 July 2010 Wendy would recommend this property

Liked: It is in the mountains of Tuscany on a hillside in an olive grove. It is a 700 year old villa. The rooms are amazing. The food is excellent. The staff is excellent. The views are excellent. It is about a half hour-40 minute walk from the nearest town - San Baranto where there are a couple of wonderful restaurants, an ATM and two shops. It has free internet, an amazing pool, fabulous views, a free shuttle from the train and back, that you can also book for 8 additional euros roundtrip for rides to nearby towns or to the train station in between yuor arrival and departure. It is easy to get to Florence *about 40 min by train), Vinci, Siena, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Arezzo, etc. from here. Wonderful, wonderful place. I've stayed at some dog hostels...this one is all they bill it at ont he website and more! I can't say enough good things about it!

Disliked: The mosquitos...but they are not part of the property...they are part of being in Tuscany! Bring bug repellant!

24 July 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: We loved staying here, and would 100% reccomend it to any travellers. The place is beautiful and so laid back, everyone has had a great time. We would definitely visit again, The pool is gorgeous, and the management are very very generous and friendly, We felt so looked after.

Disliked: Everything was great.

13 July 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Great location on the hill, amazing swimming pool and a true Tuscan experience. Free wifi and laundry.

Disliked: No credit card facilities even though they are advertised, no air conditioning or fans in the rooms, very hot in the summer!

02 July 2010 josh would recommend this property

Liked: This place is gorgeous we stayed there for an extra couple days. Even if it's a little far from the centre of florence it is a villa on top of a mountain in the heart of tuscany.

Disliked: It was a bit far from town.

21 June 2010 Nicole would recommend this property

Liked: This was my favourite hostel in Europe..it was like a private little villa in the heart of tuscany, with the most amazing views, staff, and food... We were only supposed to stay one night but stayed for 4 because we couldnt leave!

Disliked: Nicole left no negative feedback.

01 June 2010 Jaime would recommend this property

Liked: The staff are extremely friendly and will do anything for you. Pistoia train station is accessable via the free shuttle bus the staff provide so train to either Florence Central or Pisa can be taken. The views of the Tuscan countryside from the property are amazing. The property has olive trees, cherry trees and vineyards. Perfect location for the heart of the Tuscan countryside and wineries. Swimming pool is really big with many loungers around the pool with the beautiful view over Tuscan countryside. Wonderful accommodation, highly recommend and will be planning my next trip back here very soon.

Disliked: Jaime left no negative feedback.

28 May 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Leonardo's is located in an idyllic setting. It is calm and peaceful with spectacular views. If you want to get off the beaten track and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I highly recommend this place. I was there in the early spring, before the pool was open, but I would love to go back in the summer for some R&R in the sun by the pool. The fact that the hostel provides a pick up from Pistoia is a definite plus!

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

28 May 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Absolutely fantastic! Amazingly beautiful, great food for great prices and super friendly staff!

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

23 May 2010 Jonathan would recommend this property

Liked: Great place to stay if you have a car, or if the weather is nice. The people are lovely and the rooms/services are great so it's just about the location. We we're visualizing a hot Tuscany break and ended up with 3 days of cold, icy weather. Leonardo's is far away from Florence and also more than walking distance away from the small Tuscany towns (especially in bad weather). By bike it would have been crazy too because Leonardo's is on a big hillside so you would have to be very fit to get back up from the small towns at the end of the day. Pretty much we were landlocked and the only way we could get to Florence (we didn't like the idea of going to cute little towns in miserable weather) was to call on the hostel staff to get us there and back. The process was:10am drive to Florence train station (cost 8 euro per person for there and back)6.45pm take train (6 euro) from Florence to Pistoia and get picked up from there by the staff and 8pm and get taken back to Leonardos. As you can see this was both costly (22 euro per day for two of us) and time consuming. Conditions I would recommend people to go to stay at Leonardos:In the heat of summer I think it would be fantastic as there would be plenty of people there to enjoy the place with and the summery facilities (pool etc). Otherwise I would urge you to STAY AWAY!

Disliked: Jonathan left no negative feedback.