We are trying to figure out which of these would be the best base for Southern Tuscany.<BR><BR>Montalcino has gotten good reviews, but seems to have no decent accomodations.<BR><BR>We are looking for accomodations IN town (@ $175/night, nothing too "hotelish", and no B&Bs - our style is something with character and charm, not just something "clean".<BR><BR>We want a town where there are several restaurant choices that we can walk to at night, and easy access to the roads to tour Southern Tuscany.<BR><BR>My husband is leaning toward Pienza - has heard it is cute and quaint with lots of restaurants. We like either Il Chiostro or I Gaggi (an apartment). would love comments from anyone who has stayed at either, and pros/cons/comparisons of these 3 towns.

Debbie - we loved Montalcino and Montepulciano (didn't make it to Pienza but drove by) but wouldn't want to stay there given their small size. We used San Gimignano and Cortona as our bases (still small enough so easy to get car in and out of without the hassle of Siena or Florence). Just our preference that there's a little more going on at night if you have dinner in town and want to wander for some gelato, etc.<BR><BR>San Gimignano is jammed during the day, but we left by 10 in the morning for our day trips and never had a problem (stayed at La Cisterna for US$100 per night with a private balcony overlooking the countryside). In Cortona we stayed at Il Falconiere (US$300 per night) very posh. La Cisterna was not luxurious, but somehwat charming, very clean, nice bathroom, GREAT views and right in the heart of the main piazza (quiet since we were on the side overlooking the valley not the piazza). L'Antico Pozzo in San G may be nicer but without the views. Great restaurants at night in both Cortona and San G (the place we stayed in Cortona required driving to dinner, but was less than 5 minute drive into town).

If you do a search for Chiostro di Pienza you will get comments. The threads DO happen come up in a search so there doesn't seem to be any need to top them.

We just got back from Tuscany. we stayed at the La Cisterna in San <BR>G and loved it. the view from the terrace was amazing. We went to Pienza, Montelpuchano but did not got to Montelciano. We thouhgt that next time we also would stay in Pienza. They have a Hotel Relais there that looked lovely. the rates werwe 175 Euros a night. We could not see a room because they were booked, but the brochure looked lovely. I'd definitely take a chance there.<BR><BR>Debby

Gosh, I certainly don't think there's a big shortage of good hotels in any of the three towns you named. Nor is there a dearth of restaurants. If you are searching for something extremely unique (and I have no idea what is unique in your view) then you'll have problems finding such a place anywhere. But for nice smaller hotels or B&B's with a lot of charm and character, and wonderful views across the Tuscan hills, you have a choice of quite a few in any of those towns. We stayed at a nice little hotel called Hotel Residence Montalcino, ate in 3 different restaurants nearby in town, and loved the entire experience. (the hotel even has space for you to park your car if you advise ahead) We have visited Montepulciano and Pienza, and have eaten at restaurants in both; but my choice would be Montalcino first, Pienza second. I think a little more searching would yield many other satisfied travelers who enjoyed all those towns, and more places to stay and eat. <BR><BR>That isn't to say that anything is wrong with San G, Cortona, or any of the other Tuscan villages; but a smaller village IMO has a lot more character, even if it is sometimes limited in "night life." If what you want is heavy night life, you do need to go to a larger town. But if you enjoy just strolling around the villages, visiting one or two of the trattorias for an after-dinner glass of wine, and seeing the Italian people enjoying themselves, then stick to the smaller places such as the 3 you named.

Debbie -- I just topped your other thread on this, in which I responded highly recommending Vecchia Oliviera in Montalcino. There was at least one other good suggestion on that thread as well.

We stayed in Pienza and found it a very convenient base to go to Montalcino, Montepulciano and a few other Monts as well. We stayed at Il Chiostro and liked it a lot. It is a hotel, but a small one. It's right in the middle of town, close to several restaurants. Our room at $170 US was large and had lovely views. At least one other poster has written that her experience was not as positive so be sure to specify your needs/wants very clearly. I included info about Pienza, Il Chiostro and surrounding towns in a lengthy trip report which you can find by doing a search on my e-mail address which at that time was [email protected]. I hope you find my comments helpful. You'll love Southern Tuscany wherever you wind up staying.