I just wanted to warn travelers about this small hotel in Tuscany. I booked last June for a trip this May and made a one night deposit of $220 on my credit card for two twin rooms. I recently had to cancel my trip (with three months notice) and was told by the hotel that my refund was non-refundable. I would not have paid that large a deposit if it was not refundable as I am very careful to check the cancelation policy. However,I cannot prove that now since my computer crashed in December and I lost all of my emails, including the original confirmation from La Costa (will print them out from now on).
Fortunately, the Albergo del Senato in Rome and Pensione Accademia in Venice were gracious enough to refund my deposits, as was Auto Europe.

dcrtrav, I am sorry that you have to cancel your trip. That must be a huge disappointment. But I must disagree with you on La Costa's refund policy. I stayed there last April and recall being leary about booking it specifically because they made clear the deposit for the first night was non refundable. I, too, was careful about learning cancelation policies, and this hotel was the only one of several I booked with a no refund policy. Again, I am sorry "for your loss".

Dear Iregeo: Thanks for the reply. I guess I was not as careful as I thought. I asked that they send me a copy of the original email when they said they told me the deposit was non-refundable and they did not. I even went to the web site again and did not find any cancelation policy listed.

I feel better now that I heard from you. I really thought I had been treated very badly.

We just received a response to our inquiry for 2 rooms there in May. They clearly state that the deposit is nonrefundable. I am interested in what encouraged you to book in the first place and if anyone else has stayed there, please tell your impressions. Thanks.

We have stayed there and liked it. You can see my trip report here under " Navigating in Toscana" or click on my name to find it.

Does anyone know how far of a drive it is from La Costa to Florence? Thanks in advance.

About and hour and a half -- two at the most.

We are planning on staying at La Costa for two nights in September. Can anyone recommend places to eat, and what other towns to see. We will be renting a car, and driving from Florence. thanks

cleo, I was unimpressed by the restaurant at La Costa, but I know others here feel differently. Right in Montefollonico (which is tiny) is a wonderful, small restaurant called 13 Gobbi. Pigeon, rabbit, and other delicious meals. Very close by is La Chuisi, a truly fine (and truly expensive)restaurant with a handful of equally fine rooms.

Close by, I very much enjoyed the towns of Cortona and, a bit further away, Orvieto. I was less enthused with San Giminano, only because it was very touristy.

It's a beautiful area. Have a great trip!