Where to stay - Honeymoon in Southern Tuscany
#1
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Where to stay - Honeymoon in Southern Tuscany
Hi, I am planning a honeymoon trip with my fiance that is going to include 5 nights in Southern Tuscany. I have been eyeing Castel Monastero - can anyone speak to this place or any others? Basically what I am looking for is below:
-Within 45mins drive to other vineyards, wineries, hill towns. I plan to rent a car for the whole time.
-Being able to hang out at the resort / hotel for longer periods of time (i.e. amenities on site like restaurant, bar, wine classes). Maybe more of a resort type feel.
Also I have read about actually staying in the towns instead of countryside, I would prefer countryside but am open to the towns as well if the hotel is nice.
-Within 45mins drive to other vineyards, wineries, hill towns. I plan to rent a car for the whole time.
-Being able to hang out at the resort / hotel for longer periods of time (i.e. amenities on site like restaurant, bar, wine classes). Maybe more of a resort type feel.
Also I have read about actually staying in the towns instead of countryside, I would prefer countryside but am open to the towns as well if the hotel is nice.
#2
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I have friends who stayed at Castel Monastero and raved about it, positvely. They are world travelers & sophisticated people (professional musicians) who have a basis for knowing quality, so on that basis I would think the place is solid.
That said, any high end, fab resort type place in Tuscany is going to be within 45 minutes of everything you wish for. There is a bit of a danger that the ones that are run by international consortiums have a bit of a bland feel, and that their resturants cater to internationalized tourist expectations of "intereating food" --- rather than experience of earthy, local Tuscany. (Check out a locally run place like Terre di Nano by contrast).
That said, any high end, fab resort type place in Tuscany is going to be within 45 minutes of everything you wish for. There is a bit of a danger that the ones that are run by international consortiums have a bit of a bland feel, and that their resturants cater to internationalized tourist expectations of "intereating food" --- rather than experience of earthy, local Tuscany. (Check out a locally run place like Terre di Nano by contrast).
#3
FWIW, I wouldn't consider Castel Monastero's location "southern Tuscany," but it is convenient for exploring Chianti and Siena. The towns in the Val d'Orcia (which is an area I would call southern Tuscany) would be an hour or more away.
If you're using Google for driving times, I suggest you add 5-10 minutes to every optimistically estimated time. Also, Google will send you only on primary roads and the autostrade unless you change the route options. IMO, the secondary roads are much more interesting, albeit slower.
You'll need an International Driver's Permit. Also, learn about ZTLs which are limited traffic zones established in nearly every Italian town.
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.co...with-ztl-zones
If you're using Google for driving times, I suggest you add 5-10 minutes to every optimistically estimated time. Also, Google will send you only on primary roads and the autostrade unless you change the route options. IMO, the secondary roads are much more interesting, albeit slower.
You'll need an International Driver's Permit. Also, learn about ZTLs which are limited traffic zones established in nearly every Italian town.
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.co...with-ztl-zones
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You can get additional amenities at Castle Monastero (in the Chiani region) through Virtuoso:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Welcome in room amenity Castello di Monastero Wine
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A complimentary 3 course lunch in our restaurant "La Cantina" for up to two people per room, once during stay, Castello di Monastero wine included
• For stays of 3 or more nights guests also receive:
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
http://tinyurl.com/kxefsvj
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Welcome in room amenity Castello di Monastero Wine
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A complimentary 3 course lunch in our restaurant "La Cantina" for up to two people per room, once during stay, Castello di Monastero wine included
• For stays of 3 or more nights guests also receive:
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
http://tinyurl.com/kxefsvj
#5
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Thanks for all the replies and especially about the info relating to driving. I have also been looking at Hotel Adler Thermae which seems to be in a good location and walking distance to the village of Bagno Vignoni. However, some have said it doesn't have a true Tuscan feel which can speak to what massimop was describing above.
If anyone has any other suggestions on places to stay that would be helpful. There seems to be a lot of choices - a bit overwhelming! I have been reading good things about Il Falconiere as well but that seems to be in a completely different area than Castel Monastero and Hotel Adler Thermae which doesn't matter to me as long as I can drive to some villages and try some local wine and food
If anyone has any other suggestions on places to stay that would be helpful. There seems to be a lot of choices - a bit overwhelming! I have been reading good things about Il Falconiere as well but that seems to be in a completely different area than Castel Monastero and Hotel Adler Thermae which doesn't matter to me as long as I can drive to some villages and try some local wine and food
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#7
Do you specifically want a resort?
Here's one not far from Montalcino:
http://castellobanfiilborgo.com/en/hospitality/
Here's one not far from Montalcino:
http://castellobanfiilborgo.com/en/hospitality/