B&B il Giardino Segreto in Riotorto, shabby chic style
B&B il Giardino Segreto has its address in Riotorto, in Tuscany, but many guests describe it in the centre of Volterra. It has shabby chic rooms with private bathrooms and a breakfast that divides opinions. Best for guests who want a small, well kept base and don't mind compact rooms.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B il giardino segreto Riotorto.
Where B&B il Giardino Segreto is
One thing needs saying straight away. On Google the address is Via Val Nera 16, in Riotorto, in the province of Livorno, and the listing mentions Volterra less than an hour away by car and Pisa airport about 62 km off. Almost all the reviews, though, place the B&B right in the centre of Volterra, a walk from the Docciola car park.
One review also talks about a beach a few minutes by car, and that doesn't quite add up with Volterra. My advice is simple: check the exact location on the map and ask the property to confirm before you book. The rest of this article sticks to what guests say and what the data shows.
What the rooms are like
The rooms have a complete private bathroom with a bidet and hairdryer, and free wifi. The style is country shabby chic, and guests find it well kept and gentle on the eye. A room can be small, but according to those who have slept in one, nothing is missing.
- Tea and coffee. In the room you'll find a kettle with filters of different kinds and biscuits, and some guests also mention a capsule coffee machine.
- The TV. One guest points out there isn't one, so ask if it matters to you.
- The common spaces. The listing mentions green outdoor areas to relax in, and reviews mention a welcoming hall.
What guests say
On Google the score is 4.5 from 78 reviews. The happiest guests describe a small but well kept place with a family feel, friendly owners and very good cleanliness.
Breakfast is the topic that divides people most. For some it's generous, a buffet with homemade cakes. For others the sweets are packaged and left out at the entrance the day before, with no way to warm the milk. I would treat breakfast as a bonus rather than the reason to choose this B&B.
What to know before you book
There are few negative reviews, and not all of them are recent, but they describe concrete things. Better to know them beforehand.
| Point | What guests say |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Small, with small windows and few surfaces to put things on |
| Bathrooms | Due for a refresh, with few shelves, and no bath mat in one case |
| Breakfast | Opinions differ, between homemade cakes and cakes from the day before |
| Cleanliness | Excellent for many, but someone mentions pillows and sheets that were not very fresh |
| Location | Excellent according to the reviews, but check the address |
In short, the rooms are small and the bathrooms basic. Those two things weigh more if you're staying a long time or travelling with a lot of luggage.
Who I'd recommend it for
I see it working well for couples looking for a small, well kept base, who spend the day out and want to sleep somewhere with a character all of its own. Fans of shabby chic will be happy, and motorhome travellers will find useful pointers about the Docciola car park.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who wants large rooms, modern bathrooms or a hotel-style breakfast they can count on. And if the location matters most to you, checking the address comes first.
Things to do nearby and other ideas in Tuscany
If the B&B really is in Volterra, the town is within walking distance. The listing also names Acqua Village among the local attractions, and reviews mention the Mortelliccio beach, which one guest found spectacular.
To compare other places in Tuscany, have a look at B&B Tuscany Lodge in Campiglia Marittima, Di Toscana Holidays in Cecina and Agriturismo Il Montoto in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
