Weadles -
I was looking at hotels outside of Florence and fell upon the site for the Relais Fattoria Vignale -- one of the places you recommend. It looks like a perfect location because it's halfway between Siena and Florence. You also mentioned the Lungarno, which is what we're leaning towards if we stay in Florence. What are your pros and cons about each place?

huntington,

I can't think of too many negatives for the Lungarno. It had gorgeous nautically-themed rooms overlooking the Arno River, and excellent service. As I posted earlier, the location is hard to beat. We walked everywhere, and enjoyed being in the midst of a small, manageable city. Drinks on the river terrace at sunset were something we'll always remember.

Relais Fattoria Vignale was lovely, with beautiful views that seemed to extend for miles over the countryside.( If you go, ask for the ANNEX rooms, across the street from the main hotel. Better views.) However, Radda itself is TINY, maybe two streets in all. You must have a car to stay there unless you're content doing next to nothing.

Restaurants were a problem. The hotel has a good one, but it's very expensive. We didn't want to drive particularly, since we planned on trying different wines. As a result, we wound up eating at an excellent pizzeria in Radda 2 nights out of 3 called PIZZERIA MICHELE, because it was close, cheap, and a lot less stuffy than other places. Besides, the owner was worth the price of admission. Really a lot of fun!

If I can help with anything else, just post again. A last recommendation :( I mean it!) In case no one mentioned it before, you should try to have dinner or lunch at one of the restaurants in Montepertuso, a small mountain village about 15 min by car from Positano. We liked IL RITROVO, whose owners will arrange transportation back and forth for you. DONNA ROSA is another one that is often recommended on the forum.

Have a great trip!

Weadles -
Thank you so much for your input! Maybe we'll be better off in Florence. And the restaurant recommendation in Positano is much appreciated! We've spent so much time trying to figure out hotels that the fun planning (ie - where to eat) hasn't even started!

huntington,

You must be sure to REQUEST a riverview room with terrace at The Lungarno. Otherwise, you'll end up facing the tiny back street of the hotel, and those rooms are much smaller, not nearly as nice. Of course there's no guarantee, but definitely try!

Good luck!