Next May we are planning a trip to Venice for a few days, a week in Tuscany, and then a few more days in either Cinque Terre or Rome. Does anyone have suggestions of an apartment to rent in Tuscany? There will be 4-6 travelers and we'd like to have a base somewhere for a week and take day trips to Florence, Sienna, etc. I am on the mailing list for Rentvillas, Bravo Holiday Residences, and Luxury Link. There are a lot of interesting offerings, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with any of their lodgings. We want to stay someplace nice, comfortable, and relaxing. We aren't expecting the Ritz, and are not expecting that price range! Nice lodgings at a reasonable price would be lovely.

Any suggestions?

Le Torri is convenient to both. It's not the area of Tuscany I prefer, but would be good for day trips to Siena, Florence, Chianti area, San Gimignano, etc. I have friends that have stayed there several times.

http://www.letorri.com/

Look at the rental reviews at slowtrav.com
Be sure to plan for a Sat. arrival during season. I prefer the area south of Siena---location is key.

We just spent 2 weeks in an apartment near Montipulciano in Tuscany. The web site is www.laFalconara.it The hosts were very helpful and the apartment charming. We had a car and took day trips to many of the sites you mention, plus several more. We did not drive to Florence, but took the train at the end of our two weeks and stayed in a hotel for 4 nights. You could, however, drive to Florence from the apartment if you wanted to.

Check out La Foce-

http://www.lafoce.com/

I would not day trip into Florence from La Foce though. It's just too far to make the most of your day. The good news is that there is plenty to explore within a 5-60 minute drive of La Foce to keep you happy for a week.

Also, do a search using the Search the Forums tool on Fodors.

We just stayed here last week, we loved it. It was right in the center square of Montepulciano. It would fit 4 ppl easily:
(Palazzo Bellarmino)
http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/pala...FaEBQAodtXocIw

I have a good suggestion for you!
If you want stay in an elegant italian Villa renoved as a five star hotel you can choose Hotel Locanda l'Elisa!
The hotel have all the comfort and have also a great location,the hotel is located in Lucca, but easily you can reach Pisa, Siena and Forte dei Marmi.

http://www.locandalelisa.it/

here you can watch the youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqXOa...layer_embedded

have a nice trip!

ps- if you haven't booked your CT apartment, don't leave it much longer. I had a lot of trouble finding an apartment for 5 in Vernazza for May next year. Ended up in Manarola.