Searching for interesting lodging in Tuscany for parents in Sept. 1998. They are interested in food, wine, and art. Have heard about an old monestary turned into lodging and an old vineyard turned in to lodging but can't locate names. Would greatly appreciate any information. Thanks.

The Certosa di Maggiano is a 14th C. monastery now a luxurious hotel just outside of Siena. FAX 011-39-577-288189. Only 6 rooms so book ahead. The Villa Sn Michele in Fiesole (a "suburb" of Florence) is a villa from the 14th c. Locanda delle Amorosa is a whole village turned into a hotel--perhaps that was the winery one you heard about. It's in Sinalunga, near Siena. Tenuta di Ricavo in Castellina in Chianti is a very quiet hotel in the middle of the Chianti countryside which occupies a series of small houses. It's a very unique place. Castello di Spaltenna was once a castle--it's in Gaole in Chianti--restaurant next door. There's got to be more that I've missed. Good luck, but book ahead!

My wife and I spent two nights at the Relais Borgo San Felice in Tuscany. It is a small village that has been converted into a small luxury hotel. Each building in the village has been converted into a part of the hotel. It has an excellent dining room and a great pool for relaxing. It also has its own vineyard and enoteca. It can be booked through Relais & Chateaux.

We've stayed several times at Rasina, a converted 14c monastery on the borders of Tuscany and Umbria. Nine bedrooms all individually furnished. House party format - all eat together in the evening, no menu but Michael, one of the owners, will always cook pasta or suggest a restaurant if his chosen menu doesn't appeal. English owners have converted and furnished Rasina with a wonderful eclectic mix of antiques and curios. Very individual - possibly eccentric! Great if you want to meet interesting people in a beautiful setting. If you're looking for hotel class room service look elsewhere. You can book or get further info through Crusader Travel on 0181 744 0474

We loved the Hotel Pescille, just outside San Gimignano (visited in September '90). It was featured on CN Traveler's Room with a View page. We had a simple but comfortable room, with a covered terrace looking towards the towers of San Gim'. Hotel is outside town amongst vineyards (hence quiet and away from tourists). The hotel also had an excellent restaurant(reserve ahead), lovely garden and a small pool. Best visited with a car, but you'd need that for touring the vineyards anyway. Buon viaggio!

My wife and I stayed at Hotel Pescille last June and it was absolutely wonderful. The view is spectacular. Its very quiet and peaceful. The pool was refreshing and relaxing. The rooms were light, clean and comfortable. At the time, the price was 145,000 lire.
Telephone/fax is (0577)940186.
It is conveniently located a few miles from S. Gimignano which is a must see -- one of favorite towns.

The second place we stayed in Tuscany was also very nice, although a little more rustic. A nice two story brick farmhouse with four nice-sized rooms with a library/reading room with soft music. We took our wine outside -- they have tables behind the house in a small field. The best part is the restaurant downstairs. The owners contracted the restuarant to a local couple and the food was outstanding and the service very friendly--so much so that we ate there more than once. The name is Locanda "La Bandita". It is near Montepulciano in a small town named Sinalunga just off the A1. I think we found the description in Fodors. Their number is 0577-624649 hotel and 0577623638 restaurant.

We have our notes, receipts, etc from the trip to e-mail if you need more information.

Dear Richard I would be very interested in your notes, and if any of the places you mentioned had email addresses, and fax numbers that would be helpful too. Can any of the great places you mentioned be reached without a car?

Thanks for all and any information you can send us. We are leaving for Italy on June 28.

Grazie!
Kathy

Thanks for the great information. I have forwarded it on to my parents and they are starting to contact the various places mentioned.