La Gustea Hotel & Cucina is a family-run, 10-room budget hotel located in the small Tuscan village of Sarteano, which is convenient for exploring the surrounding Tuscan and Umbrian wine regions. In late 2017, the hotel refreshed its small guest rooms, replacing frumpy and dated decor with a bright and perky look. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, and four units have balconies overlooking the town's medieval tower. The atmosphere is like that of an Italian home, drawing loyal returning guests, most of whom are from other parts of Italy. A free breakfast is served daily, and some rate packages include dinner in the casual restaurant and bar, which was also given a face lift at the end of 2017.

This three-pearl Tuscan countryside bed-and-breakfast in the hills of Sarteano fulfills many romantic expectations of the scene, with a lush landscape, crackling wood fires, super-fresh traditional cuisine, and a little outdoor pool. The 11 rooms and suites complement the ambiance, albeit somewhat more modestly, with few amenities that go beyond the usual at this pearl level. Its peaceful, removed location also means guests will need a car to get around and reach nearby sights; but that’s not unusual in Tuscany. Rental bikes and horseback riding sessions, which can be booked on site, allow exploration of the immediate surroundings. Travelers looking for a property with similar aesthetics but more attractions in walking distance could consider Santa Chiara Hotel in the village of Sarteano