Souther Tuscany Hotel Recommendations
 

Do any of you have a good hotel recommendation for Southern Tuscany. When I look at the town of Montalcino it sounds very appealing due to the wine region, however, I cannot seem to find one hotel in the Fodor's Italy book. I am looking for a nice hotel (not over $250 a night) near wineries.

Thanks for your help.

Nicoleg--I would think a text search on this site would give you some info. Also the Castello Banfi winery website has lots of useful information. http://www.castellobanfi.com/montal_stay.html I have no experience with hotels in Montalcino save planning and booking for our trip this October and a prior day trip there. Hope this helps. Ciao, Paul

Here is my trip report from last fall with pics for the area. The better 4 star in Montalcino is named Vecchia Oilviera and is very nice. Have fun !

http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/TripReport.asp?tripid=185

Hi, Nicoleg,

Check out the Palazzina Cesira: http://www.montalcinoitaly.com/home_cesira.htm - our group is staying there in September for 4 nights. They only have 5 rooms with double beds (78-103 Euro, the higher price being for mini-suites). The rate includes breakfast. The place looks wonderful and has gotten a few great reviews. The proprietors have been very helpful in our email exchanges.

(The Vecchia Oliviera was our other choice, but I think the Palazzina Cesira looks fantastic at roughly half the price).

They do not accept credit cards. They require 30% deposit (just send a US check by registered mail -- they charge a 5 Euro bank fee, but it beats any other way of paying in this manner.

In any case, please do post comments when you return, no matter where you stay.

Happy travels.

John H

Thank you all for your help, I will post responses when I return from holiday in September.

We used Il Patriarca near Chiusi as a base for S. Tuscany. It's a beautiful villa-hotel with a great restaurant.

niceleg, we just returned from Montalcino last week and stayed at the Hotel Vecchia Oliviera. Great location, panoramics views and friendly staff. We paid 165 euros per night.

Although we did not stay there, I recommend Il Paradiso Di Frassina. They have apartments and bed & breakfast accomodations. (B&B rooms are 124 euro according to their site.) http://www.alparadisodifrassina.it

It is just outside of Montalcino. It has spectacular views, and not only is it close to a winery, but it *IS* a winery. The sound of music fills the vineyards as they experiment with the vibrations from the music and its affect on the vines/grapes. Fantastic wines. We bought the "Do" and "Gea" wines. Fantastic. Diana is wonderful, she gave us a wine tasting even though we did not have an appointment.

Darnwright,

Do you know if the Hotel Vecchia has a website, I like the sound of that hotel. Also, how did you like staying in that town? Anything you would recommend?

Thanks,

Nicole

Nicoleg, this is the hotel website:www.vecchiaoliviera.com/
They had a great patio on the side of the hotel. We did not get to use the pool because it wasn't quite warm enough for us (we're from Texas). The view is incredible, the town is charming and the people friendly. We enjoyed our dinner at Grappolo Blu and be sure to ask for the cappuccino at breakfast at the hotel. Oh, I want to go back! Enjoy your trip.

Has anyone stayed at the Al Paradiso Di Frassina? I am very much interested in staying at this hotel, but I would like to learn more about the rooms, food, etc? Sounds excellent and reasonably priced.

Try Palazzina Cesira.It's one of the best values in a great town in the midst of beautiful wine country.

jabez:

We are considering Palazzina Cesira for 3 nights in February. The price, location and photos sure look great! What about the car? Do they provide parking? Il Giglio is also on our list because it's been reported here that they can park the car.

Can you tell me more about the Palazzina? Room size? Did you eat there?