katiekb

I am not sure about that, but it was certaily not remarkably different. And we did have an extra bed in our room for la bambina, still with plenty of room.
I highly recomend it!
-Katie

Flame123

Terrific!!!! Thanks.
Are the owners/innkeepers really as surly as some people have said?

katiekb

I did not find them to be surly at all, very nice and helpful. Whoever it was that I corresponded with through email was also very nice and helpful and spoke English very well too.
-Katie

Dayle

Hi Flame,

Just my perspective, once you get there you may agree! I go to Italy for the whole experience, the history, art, architecture, scenery, food, wine, people (not necessarily in that order!)

I appreciate a nice hotel and view as much as anyone, but it's not the end all and be all of my trip. As long as you stay in a town that works for the day trips you want to do, if any, then you'll be fine.

In 2 trips to Tuscany and Umbria, I could have stayed in nearly any of the towns I visted as day trips and been perfectly happy.

Todi, Orvieto, Spello, Assisi, Cortona, Montefalco, Bevegna, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, San Sano, Greve, Radda, Gaolie, San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, San Quirco (SP?), and on and on. They are all wonderful!

bobthenavigator

I agree with Dayle !
The hotel is not the destination. It really makes little difference.

Flame123

As I said before Dayle, you are "speaking my language. I agree with what you wrote and I am looking at my choices in a different light now.

What I am thinking, in order to get "the best of both worlds" so to speak, is to maybe split my week in Montalcino between the very inexpensive, and no view, rooms at the Il Giglio Dependence Anna and the much more expensive and more elegant Vecchia Oliviera with balconies, perks, etc. I am checking with my travel companions if that works for them and I will probably take that option.

Thanks to all for ALL your great posts.

WhineConnoisseur

We stayed at Olivera last year and it was great. Although it is nice, it is not exclusive, and has lots of local charm.
I thought it was a nice small hotel with a B&B type atmosphere.
Serge at the front desk was wonderful! He would always make dinner reservations for us, per our specifications. It was great to come home from a long day of exploring and have that taken care of.
Additonally, we enjoyed coming "home" to a nice place to relax and shower before dinner. We would often have a drink by the pool, or on the patio. It was a nice perk!

It is not near the fort, but it is still an easy walk. I was 6 mo pregnant when we stayed there and it was not a problem for me. The hotel is on the edge of town, but still conveniently located.

As for the single room, I wouldn't make a decision regarding the lesser price. I would imagine the room just doesnt get much use. The hotel was nice enough that I dont' think it would be an issue.

I would stay there again and recommend it highly.
HTH

Flame123

Whine - many thanks for your input. It has helped greatly. The hotel staff has written me that they are a 5 minute walk from the fortezza. Is that accurate? From what you wrote it does not seem like it.

Can you tell me about any great restaurants? I heard that Grappolo Blu is a must and I have eaten at Porta Cassero and it was very very good. Any others?

katiemac

I'm listening for restaurant/wine bar recommendations with open ears... : )

Dayle

Flame & katiemac,

Montalcino is so small that it can't be more than a 10 minute walk to anywhere. Some of the very narrow streets are also very steep, but the more "main" streets are more level.

Be sure to have the chocolate "flan" dessert at Grappolo Blu!