are there any 5* hotels in Tuscany?
Oct 19th, 2002, 06:23 AM
#4
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There are lots of great hotels in Tuscany. <BR><BR>In Italy the ***** rating is determined by a very objective set of criteria based on the facilities and services the hotel offers such as restaurant, elevator, health club, etc. It does not always reflect the quality. I have stayed at 5 star properties in Italy that have been vastly inferior, in my opinion, to some 3 + 4 * properties. I mention this because most Americans perceive the star ratings to indicate the highest standard of luxury and this is not the case. Look at Relais & Chateaux properties in Tuscany for some good choices.
Oct 19th, 2002, 07:08 AM
#5
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Here is a realy nice place. <BR><BR>It's called La Chiusa and it's one of Italy's finest resturants (like one of the five best), but it has rooms too. I just love it. Every room had a Fireplace and a Jacuzzi I think. Since the inn is an old Olive mill, the room we stayed in had a real olive press in the bathroom. Amazing place.<BR><BR>The web page is only in Italian. <BR><BR>http://www.ristorantelachiusa.it/it/it-home.htm<BR><BR>
Oct 20th, 2002, 01:26 AM
#6
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Here is another one. It is a 5*, bit as Carolyn said that does not mean that much. I have read about it in several books and a friend stayed there. It looks just amazing! <BR><BR>Relais La Suvera<BR><BR>http://www.tuscany.net/suvera/index.html
Oct 20th, 2002, 02:06 AM
#7
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I've read about the Il Pellicano but have never been there. Looks great on the website. Wherever you stay, enjoy your trip!<BR><BR>http://www.pellicanohotel.com
Oct 20th, 2002, 06:43 AM
#8
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Lee,<BR><BR>I second the mention about La Chiusa. The restaurant is wonderful, one of the best in the area. And the accomodations are romantic and serene. <BR><BR>I also found that there were some extraordinary places in Tuscany that were in the 3 and 4 star category. Don't be put off by that rating necessarily. <BR><BR>I have found 2 very reliable sources of locations that are special: Relais and Chateau Listing and Karen Brown's Guide. Both are on-line. You can't go wrong with recommendations in either of these sources. If you are after special properties with memorable accomodations, this is a good way to go. <BR><BR>Have fun, and we'd love to hear a report back! <BR><BR>Lisa<BR><BR>
Oct 21st, 2002, 05:05 PM
#11
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I don't know why "stars and stripes" would say that. Do you mean some unusually and arbitrary "small size" to be called a "small hotel"?<BR><BR>The Relais La Suvera does indeed seem extraordinary, and I have not been able to determine for certain that it actually IS five star (by the Italian government hotel ratings authorities).<BR><BR>This article from National Geographic traveler is extremely enticing to read.<BR><BR>http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/articles/1072suvera.html<BR>
Oct 21st, 2002, 10:10 PM
#12
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Tom, <BR><BR>I really wanted to stay there because it's not that much for what it is, but its closed from about the 11.1 to whenever, so it missed my trip. Next time though, I will not miss it. <BR><BR>Guess I need to settle for La Chiusa. Life is rough 
<BR><BR>Beth
<BR><BR>Beth
Oct 22nd, 2002, 12:30 AM
#14
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here is one more too!<BR><BR>It's a step down from a 5* but it's in the class of some of the others mentioned here <BR><BR>Castello di Spaltenna <BR><BR>http://www.spaltenna.com/_uk/saluti.htm
Oct 22nd, 2002, 06:22 PM
#16
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The Hotel Bella Vista in Montecatini was very nice but not 5 star as in US.<BR>[email protected]<BR>They also have a hotel in Florence owned by Pancioli Hotels.
