We wanted to visit Tuscany but we didn't want to stay in a busy place, and after seeing some photos on internet of the Antica Dimora Leones we decided to base ourselves in Palaia, a pretty mediaeval town on a hill top with fantastic views over the Tuscan countryside. We rented a car as we wanted to travel around. The hotel looked great in the photos but it was even better in real life. It was a family home that has been restored keeping it's characteristic higgledy piggledy architecture, frescoes and antiques. All the bedrooms are different and lead off small lounges where you can sit and read one of their books on Tuscan art. The garden is wonderful with a very old wisteria and in the old ice cellar they've fitted a jacuzzi which is just what you need after a trek round Sienna, Florence or Pisa. The management made us very welcome and we had particularly good breakfasts with homemade cakes and jams.

We would thoroughly recommend this hotel and are looking forward to going back.

When you open the shutters in the morning the sun steams in and the view of rolling hills and tuscany landscape takes your breath away.
An old house beautifully restored, the attention to detail was amazing and the couple who run it are ultimately helpful, they even reserved us a table at a local restaurant one friday night - when the whole place was booked out!

While the street below can be a bit noisy, it doesn't diminish the pure uniqueness of the place!

We cannot speak highly enough of Antica Dimora Leones, the people who work there, and the fantastic surroundings. We spent three nights here, in the Medieval hill town of Palaia, and save for a few unwanted mosquito bites, everything was perfect. From the moment we arrived, to be welcomed with wine and pastries in the beautiful garden by the lovely Cecilia, to each night spent in the romantic hot tub, we couldn't have asked for more. Each room has unique antique furniture, courtesy of the last owners of the property - grandparents of the current owner. The bathroom was spotless, and each window provides stunning views over the Tuscan hillside. If you can, persuade your hostess to arrange a Tuscan meal one evening. This was one of the most delicious meals, and certainly the best value, we have ever eaten in Italy, although be warned, it was seven generous courses! Palaia itself is fairly quiet, but makes a great base for touring nearby cities, or if you just want to relax on the terrace with a good book then you may never have to leave the hotel. Very special indeed.