pkumar26

I am planning a 5-7 day stay in June in the Tuscan region with my husband and 11 year old daughter after a 3 day stay in Rome. I want a relaxing vacation with some sightseeing (Florence, sienna, hot air balloon ride, etc.) but want to leave the Tuscan area refreshed. Any suggestions on bed and breakfasts / luxury inns we can stay at? I would like to stay in one place for the duration and do day trips from there - we will have a car. A place with a kitchenette would be great but I don't want to compromise on the quality of the place. I am comfortable paying around $500 per night for a room / suite. A swimming pool And gorgeous views are a must Thanks for suggestions.

joeyrm7

I can help you fill half of the requirement. we stayed at Locanda de san Francesco http://www.locandasanfrancesco.it/index.php
last summer in Montepulciano. It does not have a pool or kitchenette but the views are fabulous and the facility even better. Another place, very different than above is Locanda de Ameroso in Sinalunga http://www.amorosa.it/ . This one meets your requirements including a lovely pool. We haven't been there for about 4 years but the pix still look like we remember. The only downside is that it is not within walking distance (if that matters) to a town. There is a restaurant which was quite good.

bobthenavigator

This will give you a good start.


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY
A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families
Isabella also has 2 apts. in Castelmuzio for rent—wonderful—see her site.

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Casanova di Pescille http://www.casanovadipescille.com/ 100E
Rural B&B 3 KM from famed San Gimignano—we loved the views of San Gim.

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E

7. New historic B&B north of Pienza. http://www.camprena.it/index.htm
Site of filming for THE ENGLISH PATIENT About 90E for double

8. http://www.borgoargenina.it/index.html A special rural B&B in Chianti.
The lovely owner, Elena, will make you feel like family. 170E for double

B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 170 to 210E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.vecchiaoliviera.com/ 150 to 200E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Politian apartments http://www.politian.com/ Good value apts. with
minimum stay of 3 nights in Montepulciano---helpful host---85E

6. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 170 to 250E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

7. Fattoria Vignale http://www.vignale.it/eng/ Four star hotel in Radda in the heart of Chianti. About 230E for double

jamierin

Never been but I have been coveting this place near Panzano:

http://fagiolari.it/

annhig

with a 10 year old [presuming she swims] get a place with a pool. she'll get some exercise and fun and you'll all be a lot happier.

Jean

We also loved the Locanda di San Francesco in Montepulciano, but I don't think it's where you want to be for a week with a young child. Stay there on another trip when your daughter remains at home.

I agree with annhig. Look for a place with a pool and/or perhaps a working farm with animals.

pkumar26

Thanks a ton for the suggestions. Keep them coming - I will check out the places that have been recommended.

zoecat

Here are a few to consider. Not all have pools but all are centrally located for day trips from a base near Pienza/Montepulciano-


http://www.santamariapienza.it/index.php?lang=ing

http://www.agriturismocasalpiano.it/index.html

http://www.cretaiole.it/index.en.php
(Excellent location)

http://www.cretedisiena.com/Casa_Picchiata/english.htm
(Excellent location)

http://www.terredinano.com/pages_eng...o_toscana.aspx

http://www.lafonte.toscana.it/2006/ita/
(Excellent location)

http://www.agriturismosangallo.com/ENG/home.html

http://www.tobruk.it/agriturismo.php?lingua=en
(Incredible views and a beautiful property)

http://www.casafrati.toscana.nu/
(Well priced)

http://www.lupaia.com/location.html
(A beautiful B&B located in the valley below Montepulciano)

http://www.lafoce.com/
(Beautiful apartments/houses/villa/property- very special)

http://www.lacasadiadelina.com/index...t&id=9&lang=en
(A small, lovely B&B located within the small, lovely town of Monticchiello)

http://www.lemaribelle.it/intro.en.php
(3 apartments located in Monticchiello)

If none of the above works for you, consider searching these two websites-

http://www.cretedisiena.com/english/

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...cany/valdorcia

KimiG

Our family of four stayed in one of the apartments at Fattoria Tregole and we loved it. Great location and Edith and her staff totally spoiled my sons.

travel_nana

Also looking to stay in Tuscany area for 2-3 nights. Has anyone stayed at Borgo Argenina or Fagiolari? Would love to take advantage of cooking lessons at the place we stay!

julia1

Bookmarking. Bob, thanks for your terrific list! I've stayed at a couple of them - now I have at least 10 more reasons to return!

bobthenavigator

You are welcome Julia.
Always happy to give you more reasons to go back.
I may have to revise this list one day soon.