San G

I'll give you a recommendation, don't stay in San G. It's pretty but VERY touristy. I'd say the most touristy of the hill towns. That's just my opinion, I'm sure I'll get slammed for saying that.

Andrew is right. San Gimignano is very touristy & I had heard (don't know if it's correct or not) that a lot of the building facades in the main piazza are fake (made to look old but really new). We were there in 2003 & it wasn't so touristy but we returned in 2009 & were shocked at how touristy it had become. We spent a few hours there but quickly left because it was very crowded & had lost some of its charm. Perhaps if you stay overnight you will experience a different side to San Gimignano after the day trippers leave for the night. I definitely wouldn't stay there more than one night.

San G: "The epitome of a Tuscan hill town, with 14 medieval towers still standing (out of an original of 60 or so), San G is a perfectly preserved tourist trap." (Rick)And you are a tourist.Why not be "trapped" there? Thousands of us have been, have climbed the towers, have gotten the views. Simply walk past the t-shirt shops, if you don't care for their products, just as you would at Key West.

I agree with Kent. I loved San Gim. A great place to stay is right outside of San G. Il Vicario is a wonderful b&b with great hosts, Fulvio and Katia. Check is out on Trip Advisor. I think it is rated the #1 b&b in San G.

Clint - Having actually been there many times I can highly recommend staying there - It is Beautiful !! I suggest - http://www.anticopozzo.com/en/
Excellent Hotel - I have friends that own a B&B just outside of San Gimignano about three miles BUT - If you're only going to stay one night then - In town would be better.
And one comment about "touristy" The reason a lot of places in Europe are "touristy" as so many posters mention is because they are FABULOUS and not to be missed.

Ciao , Greg

Greg, what' sthe name of the B&B your friends own? I don't remember the name of the place we stayed at but I might if I see it again, and it was great!

We have stayed and are going again in September to Naturae Salute ~ a beautiful farmhouse right outside SG ~ highly recommend

This exchange reminds of the old Yogi Berra quote: "Nobody goes there anymore - it's too crowded." :-)