When in Tuscany, where would I stay?
The place I like to stay at, once on vacation, should be cosy, peaceful, charming and authentic.
Asking too much? Not really, cause Tuscany it’s quite expensive and you deserve to enjoy its best.
You might go for a hotel or a b&b downtown, in order to be in a short walking distance to the main attractions, but you might like to choose for a hidden authentic spot in the middle of nothing, for a relaxing break.
Tuscany offers both options. I’d suggest you to have a couple of days here (downtown), a couple of days there (country).
Keep in mind that in Tuscany mostly all rooms are different, elevators are not always available and some of the charming places have a rustic touch. Rustic and elegant… even if might sound like an oxymoron.
If you want to have a look at what I mean, check on follonico.com. It is for sure not the average hotel you might think of…
If you decide to stay at a Villa, remember that peaceful places are in the middle of nowhere and streets might be long and winding… very winding!!
Villas are not 5 minutes from the centre, neither from a supermarket.
Lots of people use Florence as a base and then, they go for day trips. It’s a good idea, but if you don’t mind changing spots a little more often, I’d suggest you to stay downtown Florence just 1 or 2 nights and then go and “meet” Tuscany in the country.
You can stay in the area of Volterra, for example Borgo Pignano. It’s an authentic Medieval dwelling transformed in a cultural centre, where they run a Montessori primary school too. It’s not the average hotel like… All rooms are different, very very comfortable and you should not miss a jump into the pool overlooking the valley. Romantic and genuine, it’s a great spot to relax. Close by, interesting trails to go hiking.
From there you can explore San Gimignano and Monteriggioni.
Another option is to stay in Chianti, at Villa Le Barone and go for wine-tastings. The Villa is just a mile out of Panzano and you’ll fell home. The family is still running it and breakfast is very yummy.
If you go for this option, make sure you like driving. Streets have great views but are winding.
To keep staying close to the nice and famous villages like Pienza, south of Siena, you might want to check availability at Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico d’Orcia.
If you have more time and can explore more unspoiled corners of Tuscany, then try Monteverdi in Castiglioncello del Trinoro.
For longer breaks I like Borgo Santo Pietro, south-west of Siena and Lucignanello Bandini very interesting places to “meet” Tuscany (both options quite expensive).
On my opinion, staying at these places just one night means to throw your money away… Don’t take me wrongly but to reach one of the unspoiled spots you need to drive for a while. If you get there in a rush, at the end of the day and your schedule will need you up at 8 am, ready to go, it’s not going to work… if you stay there it’s cause you want to relax, walk around and enjoy a glass of wine by the sunset.
Other hidden interesting spots, spread all over around Tuscany are: Castello di Vicarello, Lupompesi, and Hotelito Lupaia.
If you want to be close to Siena and stay at a charming ancient dwelling, dating back to the Middle Ages, Relais la Costa might be a nice choice. www.relaislacosta.com.
Authentic stone-walls everywhere, in a very peaceful spot. Just 7 rooms and a customized service. Apartments available too. Romantic and charming in the shared areas, it’s comfortable and not “too much” inside.
Authentic stone-walls everywhere, in a very peaceful spot. Just 7 rooms and a customized service. Apartments available too. Romantic and charming in the shared areas, it’s comfortable and not “too much” inside.
What about Siena?
An elegant and pricy spot, very central and convenient is the Grand Hotel Continental. If you stay there don’t miss to have a look at their ball room! First floor. It’s a must.
On my opinion the Pensione Palazzo Ravizza is a good base too and the chance to see the style of Sienese interiors. Having been a private estate, it still bears the local touch with its floor in white and black tiles. Breakfast is good and the service very friendly.
Still a luxury option is the Relais Campo Regio.
For lower prices have a look at Alma domus.
If in Siena for work the NH might be a good bargain, central located and easy. No local touch but a good service.
Looking for a B&B?
Plenty of them now… no 24 hours reception or service, but cheaper options and in authentic ancient buildings. Have a look at La Dimora dei Monaci. You’ll be 4 minutes walking distance to the main square and Cinzia will make a good breakfast for you every morning. For good prices email me and I’ll give you her contacts.
OUT OF TOWN
If you prefer a peaceful spot in the country but close to Siena, try the country Inn, Borgo Scopeto.
For unique views – if you are young and in the mood for “climbing” to the top of the towers where bedrooms are – if you have a car, try the Quattro Torra. It’s terrific…
Siena surroundings are plenty of spectacular country homes and Inns. Very expensive choices but cool: Castiglion del Bosco, L’Amorosa, Castello del Nero, Le Fontanelle, Relaix San Felice, Casabianca, L’aia mattonata, Casalecchi, La Suvera, Castel Monastero.
If you are a group of people or a large family staying a few days in the area, a perfect spot is Geggianello, just a few minutes driving distance from Siena centre and with a great view, garden, swimming-pool and full service. Pricy but the very very best!
In Montalcino: Castello di Velona
In San Gimignano: La Cisterna has possibly the best view and an ok restaurant.
Out of town you can find high level hotels and some good Agriturismo, like La Torraccia di Chiusi – hard to be found and very much at the end of a dirt road, it’s pleasant and a kind of peaceful oasis. Simple rooms and nice atmosphere with a very friendly service.
A little more sophisticated instead, just a few yards from there, la Fortezza de’ Cortesi, possibly even a little too elegant for the location, but nice.
Want to try the experience of a tower? Have a look at www.torresalvucci.it.
Referring to AGRITURISMO. Choose for one of them if you like the country life. The reception is opened few hours a day and you’ll have an apartment or a room in a rural area. Charming and cool, but in the middle of nothing very often.
The very charming ones are the ones mostly converted in hotels. One I like in Tuscany is Podere Palazzolo, not that far from Castellina in Chianti.