How is Bassetto Guesthouse rated on booking websites?

Bassetto Guesthouse Reviews

The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.

Bassetto Guesthouse gives you a glimpse into the real Tuscany.

The Location

The location is based in a small town of lower Tuscany called Certaldo, right in the middle of the rolling hills and a lot of the beautiful vineyards. The guesthouse is just on the edge of the town, so it is very quiet, but still close enough that you are able to walk into town (Certaldo also has an upper Medieval town called Certaldo Alto) for dinner or wine. it is approximately a twenty-minute walk from the train station, which is easy enough. Certaldo is located an hour from Florence and is directly on a train line; however, if you are driving, they have plenty of room for parking.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The guesthouse is split into two sections -- one for the private rooms, which consists of six double rooms, and one two-bedroom apartment. All the double rooms have a shared bathroom with one other room; the apartment, which has its own bathroom, is the only exception. The hostel/guesthouse section has five rooms consisting of a five-bed mixed dorm, two four-bed mixed dorms, a three-bed mixed dorm, and a four-bed mixed dorm with en suite. The bathrooms and rooms are old but have enough space for all the people. There are no lockers in the rooms or keys for rooms, however it still feels very safe; since it is a small place, all the guests get to know each other.

Common Spaces

Both sections of the guesthouse have their own common rooms and kitchens. The private villa has its own little terrace, while the the hostel has a TV lounge room with a DVD player for those quiet relaxing nights and a separate room with a large dining table next to the kitchen with enough seats for people to sit. There is a lot of room to sit outside, which is great, as during the summer it does get quite hot. They also have a pool where you can cool off, and hammocks if you choose to sit around in the shade and read a book. They boast a small but efficient gym if you would like to keep fit; you can either rent bicycles, or if you need to get to the local shops, they have some free bikes -- but be warned the free ones are not the greatest condition.

Summary

Bassetto is based in a thirteenth-century convent building, which now makes for a relaxing getaway from the busy cities of Italy. You are able to re-gather yourself here or let your thoughts fill your head where you can get creative with the local food or with writing your personal stories. Bassetto is a large property and old farmhouse, so there will be dust and dirt, but not enough it will spoil your mood. The people who come here are the ones that want to, and you will hardly find an upset or moody person in the location.

Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.

Private double room. Can also be a triple

theworldaccordingtoaginger

Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer

Published on 2016-09-29

Verified Reviews by our Community

Fattoria del Bassetto is a former Benedictine monastery that became a farm and later a hostel welcoming travelers to those seeking somewhere off the beaten track. For more than ten years, the family that owns the Bassetto has been welcoming discerning backpackers and giving them the chance to unwind and experience the real Tuscany up close and personal in a place that really feels like home.

The Location

Fattoria del Bassetto is located about two kilometers from the centre of Certaldo, a village in central Tuscany on the train line between Florence and Siena. It's about twenty-five minutes to walk to the hostel, but they also do pickups and dropoffs.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Bassetto has a number of dorm rooms and the fantastic thing here is that they're all single beds. There is no bunk bed in existence here. Beds have individual linen and coverings too, making it more unique without that hospital sameness quality of other hostels. There are also lamps and homey decorations in the rooms. There are two shared bathrooms down the end of the hallway, although one of the rooms also has its own bathroom. Rooms have a variety of bed numbers.

Common Spaces

When you enter the lodge, up the wide old staircase, you enter the first communal space of the hostel -- a huge dining room with a side kitchen. There's a log fire in here too, perfect for when the nights get chilly. We've stayed here a number of times and the staff are always good at keeping the wood stocked and getting the fire going in the evening. There's also a TV/DVD room with a good selection of games, movies, and books, however most people like to be social here. On warm evenings the best place to be is out in the garden -- there's a swimming pool, hammocks, and plenty of other outdoor seating.

Summary

There's a wonderful atmosphere to this place that really makes you feel at home. Most guests seem to stay much longer than they intended, so our advice to you would be to leave some days in your itinerary to extend if you wish -- this is one place that's worth a few extra days of your time. Not only is it so relaxing and the grounds and gardens so atmospheric and homey, but also, Certaldo has a wonderful old town that doesn't have the tourist hordes of other centres that's worth exploring. There are cooking courses to do up here too with the fantastic Giuseppina Cooking School. You can also rent bikes through Bassetto and explore the countryside on some of their marked itineraries. A favourite trip is the one to San Gimignano, although it is uphill mostly. They also run van tours around Tuscany, including a popular wine-tasting tour.

2013-11-14

Great place for a Good Price

I was a solo late 20s traveler in September. I had an excellent room, with a great view. The staff was friendly and helpful. My only disappointment was as the tourist season ends it seems like the community spirit dies down, which was part of the reason I came to Fattoria del Bassetto in the first place. That being said I think if you came in the summer, or as a couple or with some friends this place would be perfect. It's rustic in all the best ways, and a great find.

Kale

2012-10-03

United States

Not that great.

I booked a few nights at this hostel when I was in Italy because it had such great reviews. The positive points about this hostel are that it's very chilled -- you'll get a good nights' sleep; it has a cozy and friendly atmosphere. However, the kitchen and bedrooms were dusty and dirty, and security was non-existent. Anyone could walk in off the street and easily get in to the hostel, and as the "new town" of Certaldo is quite seedy (Fattoria Bassetto is on the outskirts in a semi-industrial area), this made me nervous. If you don't get picked up at the station at the times specified by the hostel, you have a long and dangerous walk beside a highway to get there.

Amy

2007-07-18

Australia

Relaxing Tuscan Vacation

This place was great. The scenery was beautiful, the staff was friendly and helpful, my only complaint was that they had advertised wine tours on their website, but there were in fact, none. Still I had the best time. They offer a cooking class (check the schedule though) which was great, so much fun. There is a pool and hammocks that you can hang out and tables you can eat at outside after cooking dinner in their large communal kitchen (if you stay in the dorms). Everyone eats together and stays up and drinks wine at night. Really cool place to stay. Wish I had time to stay longer.

Susan

2007-05-29

USA

I stayed hear with my fiance in May 2005, and I will always remember it for its homey feel, great location, and amazingly cheap, good wine. I always recommend it to friends who are traveling to Italy and will definitely make it back there one day.

Matt

2007-01-04

I stayed there in September 2004. It was really the true Tuscany. The hostel itself is very unique, and the best I stayed in through my four-month Western Europe holiday. You can hire bikes, do a minivan tour through Tuscany for the day, bbq, pizza nights, and wine tasting.

It has real charachter, I highly recommend it.

James Sutherland

2006-04-07

I stayed in Frattoria Bassetto on March 2005 and I have to say it was one of the best hostels I stayed in during three months in Italy. The place offers a clean and safe stay in an AMAZING location. It has a train station that goes once an hour to Firenze, Siena, Poggibonsi (from where you go to San Gimignano) and other Tuscan treasures. The train station is a 25-minute walk from the hostel, but they will drive you to and from it four times a day. The common room had a fully equipped kitchen (with tea, coffee and milk always for you!), a large table and chairs and sofas in front of a huge fireplace (there's always wood) and a room with a TV and dozens and movies. They arrange horse-riding, tours, and wonderful cooking lessons from this amazing woman called Giusseppina. It was incredible. It's a place like home, ideal to relax in it for a few days. I came for two nights and ended up staying more than a week. So warm and inviting, no lockout or curfew. Just go.

Ofir

2005-10-15

I stayed there in 2004 and absolutely loved it! The castle overlooking the town is incredible and serves amazing pizza there. The Aussies who help run the place are so nice and helpful! I ended up staying there a few extra days because it was so incredible. The backpacker's quarters are kept very clean and tidy and there are lots of movies to watch just in case you feel like staying in for the day. Staying at Frattoria del Bassetto was definitely a treat.

Laura

2005-06-12

More reviews...

Bassetto Guesthouse Reviews from the Web

The property is cute and provides a nice peaceful atmosphere, if you want to tune out is probably the place for you, but make sure to purchase groceries in advance because anything is farther than a 20 min walk.

That being said you can organize very cool group activities with the staff and have an amazing time. Just keep in mind that it's in the middle of a very pretty nowhere.

nsalazar9

2022-07-09

This place is amazing get away from the cities and sightseeing. The vibes are great and you will definitely meet some amazing people. We went cliff jumping off the nearby waterfalls and it has been one of my favourite thing this trip. Apparently management has changed recently and it is apparent that the current manager is frantic trying to make improvements on the property. This unfortunately caused him to tell people they could not get rides to/from the train station as the car was totalled after askin

cway140

2022-07-05

Amazing place. Great vibes, great people, great area. Nick is the property manager and was amazing and helpful.

roncahlon442

2022-07-02

We stayed here for the relaxed atmosphere and the potential to explore food and wine of the region. The building was beautiful and historical, but the low maintenance left it shy of its potential. The guests and staff we very friendly, the manager was very helpful. Please be warned that its a 40 min walk to get groceries, and if you are arriving on a Sunday the stores are closed. Overall a nice stay.

aidanlucas

2022-07-01

By far the best hostel I have ever stayed in. This one is a must. Everything is so beautiful and peaceful, people are so friendly and fun. Stayed 3 nights but couldve done the double.

During the day they have hammocks and a swimming pool. But they also arrange activities. We went on a wine tasting that was very nice and only 20 euro. There is also trips to waterfalls and pizza classes.

In the evenings people make dinner together or walk up to see the sunset and have a beer on the hill. GREAT

sagafarna

2022-06-29

This was my most unique hostel stay in Italy and also my favourite. The relaxed rustic vibe made it feel like you were really at home in the Tuscan countryside. I originally booked for 2 nights but extended my stay as one full day wasnt enough to both relax and do activities.

My only comment is that our room didnt have any lights. There was only one working PowerPoint for 4 people and it was behind someone elses bed, so I had to charge my phone in the kitchen and use phone torch at night.

hannahjaneturton3535

2022-06-28

Great place to stay would recommend to anyone who wants to travel and meet new people

Lots of help from the staff and lots of friends made

idf5880

2022-06-25

This was my favorite hostel Ive stayed in so far on my backpacking trip in Europe. Very peaceful and relaxing vibe and the friendly atmosphere is amazing. All the volunteers were great and the only reason Im not giving 10/10 is because I think they could put screens on the window and provide fans since theres no AC. Also the activities offered are expensive and the management seems unorganized and can be unresponsive to the messages we were sending

aLLoJFhgD3JrbDmd

2022-06-23

You'll feel home with the first step you make into this hostel. Encounters happen easily around the big kitchen table or the pool, but there's plenty of space for solitary moments. Light bugs and nature are just few steps from the porch. Everyone's well-being is at focus. The only negative point is the lack of acoustic isolation between the kitchen and dorms, hence it might be quite noisy. Thank you!

jelenadolecek8601

2022-06-22

This place was a hidden gem, and I am so glad I found it. The atmosphere was amazing, it felt like a little home. The guests were so lovely, activities were awesome, and the pool, hammocks and garden were amazing to relax and take some time away from the big cities. Absolutely loved this place and will be back.

caseyizon1672

2022-06-22

This hostel is straight out of the movie call me by your name! If youre down for an adventure and cozy stay in Tuscany! This is the place to go. Once you arrive by train in Certaldo, I recommend grabbing groceries & a pastry from Jam Cafe. There is a 25 min walk from the train station to the property. The guesthouse is insanely cute and clean! The beds and facilities are clean but expect anything before coming because each experience is different! There are plenty of spaces to hang out, an amazing pool, an

a3z6j2At6wOxDWUe

2022-06-21

The place was amazing, beautiful location and very very relaxed and pretty. Like a lot of the reviews say, theres no locks on the doors but you do feel very secure. The only thing is that staff is incredible hard to find. It took us three nights before we checked in because we couldnt find anyone. Also, really important to note that check out time is 10am and NOT 12 like the website says. That was a rude awakening. All in all, amazing place to stay, you just have to be ok with some flaws.

abpaJkLtdK54cGpL

2022-06-20

What an incredible place! Nearby are some of the most beautiful lagoons and waterfalls Ive ever seen, wine tasting opportunities with local wineries, in house pizza classes. The location felt very safe despite the lack of lockers. Nick and the rest of the staff were constantly going above and beyond to help guests with anything they needed and make the experience memorable. The location and accommodations are fairly quaint/rustic so be sure to read the description well and make sure this place suits your n

corradaro7056

2022-06-20

Had an amazing time at Bassetto. Volunteers and staff go above and beyond to make the experience great. Did a wine tasting & pizza class with Alex. Both were fantastic! No lockers but very safe environment and I was not worried once about my stuff.

mckenziedownes

2022-06-19

Bassetto is truly a one of a kind hostel. The property is beautiful, there is plenty to do within an hour train ride or bus journey, and the staff are incredibly helpful. I was traveling solo, and I found it very easy to meet people at this hostel, it felt very homey and friendly. Dont expect to be blown away by the quality of the facilities, theyre all clean and functional but old, which is just fine in my book. Make sure to read the description so you know what youre getting into.

ax59Or5pr7iuiucO

2022-06-19

The location is beautiful and the volunteers are lovely. The good ends there. There are no doors that lock (in the entire place, anyone can walk in) + no lockers. We booked a 5-bed dorm and learned it was a 6-bed. Guests were constantly promised tours/shuttles that were cancelled last-minute. The manager, Nick, was extremely rude. He told us it wasn't his "job" to help us (or apparently to communicate anything clearly to anyone). Whatever his job is, he's bad at it. Don't believe their ads.

nwilkins316316

2022-06-18

If you want to be close to a main city, the location is not good obviously. But for a typical countryside experience it's a great place!

manahilskhan

2022-06-17

The building and surrounding areas are gorgeous, however I booked this as a solo traveller primarily for the day trips, and was extremely disappointed. There is only room for 6 on each trip, so they often filled up before they were even announced. Because of this I signed up for one two days in advance to secure a spot, but this one was cancelled as I was the only one to sign up. This normally wouldnt be a problem, however nobody bothered to inform me (or write it on the announcement board) so I wasted the

kaylinschober4776

2022-06-16

The staff is inexistant, they have signs advising to reach the office early morning or late evening after siesta but they wont necessarily be there. So if you have an issue or inquiry is up to yourself.

They also promote activities in the website, but once you get there its not promoted at all. You need to ask yourself to know whats going on and you probably wont make it anyway since they have only a 6 seat car to take ppl and is full quickly.

No lockers, wifi reception is poor (if it work

giselaacaputo1125

2022-06-15

I loved staying in this Tuscan house! Nick was a great host and it was the perfect place to meet people! Would recommend staying a couple of days and enjoying!

julisuarezr8167

2022-06-14

Description

Fattoria del Bassetto in Certaldo, is situated right in the heart of the Tuscan countryside by vineyards, olive groves and medieval towns. It provides independent travellers with an opportunity to experience this beautiful region in an authentic XIV th century setting.

Dorm (3-6 beds)and private accomodation, full kitchen facilities, SAT TV+VCR, swimming pool, one hour from Florence, Siena, Pisa, bike/minivan tours, English speaking staff.

Location and Contact

Location

A 25 minute walk from Certaldo station. When you walk out of the station, turn right and go straight ahead for about 1.5 km. It's outside the village, so don't worry if you see no more houses. Fattoria Bassetto is just opposite the intersection you will find it at the end of a dusty road, with pine trees on both sides.

Map

Address: Via Delle Città 3, Bassetto, Certaldo, Tuscany, Italy

Bassetto Guesthouse is listed on the following booking sites:

Hostelworld Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClub

Website

fattoriabassetto.com/

Phone Number: +39 0571 668342 +39 320 1977787

To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.

Facilities and Amenities

Family-Friendly Hostel

Solo Traveller

Bedsheets

Breakfast

Luggage Storage

Parking

Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons

Bike Rental

City Tours

Towels

BBQ Grill

Board Games

Book Collection/Exchange

Concierge/Info Desk

Gameroom

Gym/Fitness Room

Hot Showers

Kitchen

Lounge Area

Movie Library/Rental

Swimming Pool

Table Tennis

Credit Card Payments

Max. Age: All Ages

Checkout: 11:00 (11 AM)

Curfew: No Curfew

Lockout: No

Maximum Stay: Unlimited

Open Dates: March - November

Reception Hours: 9 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM (09:00-13:00 & 16:00-20:00)

Size: Medium (30-60 beds)

Get access to exclusive hostel content

Create your Free Account

Bassetto Guesthouse, Certaldo

How to book...