jbm

We have reservations in Oct for two nights at Palazzina Cesira in Montalcino, in their mini-suite. I am having second thoughts...made reservation/sent deposit in Jan and it took months to get confirmation. I understand that the deposit was sent to owner Robert's account in the states, but isn't there online banking to check?? Finally heard end of March that deposit was received. Anyway, sent an email with some questions and requests and have't heard back on those either. I'm just getting that uneasy feeling and I guess I'd like reassurance this place is OK. Once I get to Montalcino and look around I'll probably understand these kind of delays. Checked out tripadvisor and reviews are mostly good; although one visitor had a run-in with owner, could have been poster's own fault I have no idea.

At this late date my husband and I can get a room at Il Giglio in the dependance Anna building.

Any comments or suggestions. I realize it will only be two nights out of the 12 that we'll be in Italy, but I also don't want to be uncomfortable somewhere. Thanks!

Here is our itinerary of anyone has comments on that as well, thinking about staying only 1 nt in Montalcino (would "eat" one night's cost since both places require two nights) and four in Florence:

Rome - 4 nights, Hotel Ponte Sisto
San Gimignano - 2 nights Palazzo al Torrione
Montalcino - 2 nights
Florence - 3 nights, Il Perseo

The message title should have been SECOND THOUGHTS!!

Dayle

Hi J,

Can't say personally about Cesira, I stayed at Il Giglio and was very happy there.

I think your plan looks great. 2 nights is NOT too much for the Montalcino area and all there is to see, do eat, and drink there!

Buon viaggio!

jabez

I've stayed at 4 different places in Montalcino. We had hopped to stay in one of them again this fall,but all are booked.
The only one I would hesitate to return to is dei Capitani. And that's a "depending" (depends on the room.
The last time we were going to Montalcino we tried to get into Cesira again,but they were booked.
Roberto can be a bit late on emails, but he's a very charming host.
This place is very "OK".
Sometimes owners go on holiday and just ignore things like emails.
Also, it's Italy.
I say that with a smile. There's an entirely different attitude concerning rushing and time.
I just read that bad "review" and would discount it. There was no explaination and just reads weird.
Il Giglio is nice as well and I would gladly return. It has a great view (at least from some of the rooms).
You won't have a view at Cesira.
I always stay more than 2 nights,you should as well.
make sure to eat at Grappolo Blu (Roberto will get you reservations). They are closed on Fridays.

CRAZY4TRAVEL

Can't help you with your question but just wanted to say that we very much enjoyed our stay at Palazzo al Torrione in San Gimignano. Great location and good value.

The Chiribiri Restaurant is just around the corner. If you have a chance, you must go there. One of our best meals of our trip at a very low cost. The pumpkin ravioli was to die for.

Enjoy your trip!!

jbm

Thanks so much for all the replies so far. My husband and I have never stayed in a B&B before in Italy. I'm anticipating it will be like staying in someone's home and was getting nervous about feeling uncomfortable.

Thanks jabez, your comments are very helpful in regards to Roberto. All the other places we are staying have replied within a day or two of my emails so I was unsure.

We did stay in a B&B only once before in the states and the owner was very, very nice, but literally kept us up talking until midnight every night (during a very busy business trip and I felt too bad to be rude and go to bed) and worked on his computer at night outside our door so he could hear everything we said. I like a little more privacy than that.

At Il Giglio we would be staying at a separate buiding with no view, not the main building, if that makes a difference.

2Italy

Our initial emails to Palazzo Cesira were a little slow but no big deal. We leave in 3 weeks and I just sent an email to comfirm our reservations with all our hotels and Palazzo Cesira was one of the first to respond.

[email protected]

bobthenavigator

The B&B is fine, the town is marvelous, Robert will be a good host, he just can be a pain in the neck about replies. No reason to doubt, go and enjoy what looks like a great trip.

Cindywho

JBM - it is so funny to read your post because I just minutes ago received an email from Robert regarding a possible reservation there for June 2008.

I too have no experience with B&B's and feel a little uncomfortable booking this place. I believe the reviews are great, however, and I too discount the weird on on TripADvisor. What happened that made Robert yell at him????

Also, the Il Giglio is booked for the dates we are looking at, but I saw alot of reviews on that one where the female owner is not very nice or friendly.

I would be interested in how it was if you do indeed book there.

quinnr

The Palazzina Cesira still remains one of our most memorable stays in Italy.

Roberto and Lucilla are wonderful hosts---very very helpful, will offer great advice, maps, suggestions. The breakfast is wonderful. Their home charming.

Montalcino is a fabulous base and I am sure you will have a great time.

I too read that negative post on tripadvisor. I would truly love to hear the other side to that story as Roberto and Lucilla were wonderful hosts to us and all that we met while visiting.

Henry

jbm,
Relax, you will enjoy Montalcino and probably regret only being there for two days.

Don't worry about a negative review that is out of place with other reviews. When people are unhappy some tend to exaggerate or even make up stuff to trash a place. I just read one where the author says she was up all night because rats were gnawing on the walls. I know the place and the walls are three foot thick solid stone. Even New York rats aren't that tough.

You have had regular posters here vouch fot the place. Everything will be fine.

Henry

ILUVPARIS

Hi JBM, I can't speak about where you were planning to stay but I have stayed in Montalcino and will be doing so again at the end of September. We have stayed at hotels, not b&b's. I can vouch for Castello di Velona which was wonderful!! The view is simply breathtaking. We bought a package on luxurylink.com and it was a terrific deal. Sadly, I don't think you can get a package there for less than three nights. I would imagine the cost is probably more than a b&b but if you're looking for a personal recommendation, you certainly have mine! http://www.castellodivelona.it/eng/home.htm

This year we are planning to try Il Borgo at Castello Banfi. I have read good things but can't speak first hand. I will certainly post when we return! http://www.castellobanfiilborgo.com/...fiilborgo.com/

jbm

I absolutely love this site. I've been on it for months for Italy and had no idea I would get such great responses. Thanks so much everyone. I am now relieved and looking forward to staying at Cesira and Montalcino.

**Forgive all my spelling errors! Guess I should preview post next time.

Dayle

J,

Be sure to have a Brunello for me! And, dinner at Grappolo Blu with Luciano and Mariapia. Fabulous!