I am planning a getaway for my husband and and I in Tuscany in autumn 2007. Could anyone recommend a nice B & B in the Tuscany area...some small remote place you fell in love with? I have traveled to this region before, as has my husband, but not since 2000.....am looking for a new and lovely place for a week or so. Come on, let me know your recs. I have reviewed my extensive list of B & Bs in Tuscany but am seeking a new spot for exploration based on the recommendations of others, as I have not travelled to Europe since 2000.

Thanks...

Here are a few---have fun !


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN SOUTH TUSCANY

The region from Siena and south is easily my favorite area of Tuscany. Here is a list of accommodations that I suggest in the mid-price ranges.

It does not include weekly rental properties—that is another long story. All prices assume a typical double room—most have more expensive options.

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food choices nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 260E
Lovely B&B near Pienza---very helpful owners---perfect location

2. Le Traverse www.letraverse.it 155E
Also a B&B just south of Pienza—hard to beat at the price—has pool

3. Lucignanello Bandini www.piccolomini.it 150[2] to 244E[4]
These are apartments in a lovely rural setting near San Quirico[pool]

4. Frances Lodge www.franceslodge.it 180E
Very nice B&B on a hilltop overlooking Siena ,only 3 miles away.


B. LOCATION IN A SMALL HILL TOWN, OR IN SIENA:

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 nite stay minimum.

4. Hotel La Costa www.lacosta.it 100 to 150E
Small hotel with great views in small medieval village of Montefollinico

5. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

Here is where my husband and I stayed in May'04.It is very remote, but only a short distance to Sienna.
http://www.borgoargenina.it/
Good Luck Genie

This one is quite convenient as a base to explore Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra and other places, provided that you have a car:

http://www.bardeggiano.it/inglese/index2.htm

http://www.fagiolari.it/

Fagiolari! Giulietta is amazing - you can take a cooking lesson with her - or much more fun- just sign up for dinner with the other guests! Rooms in the main house, on the outskirts, one cottage, amazing pool setting, you can see up the Tuscan Hills, wander the olive groves... And the 1.5 mile trip down the private road to the Fagiolari - unforgettable!

I can't recommend the placely highly enough - we spent 4 nights there in October 2005 and sadly, I haven't written up the trip yet (someone scold me!), but I am planning on returning there within the next two years - there are so many places in the world to see that I do not plan on returning to many - but I can't imagine missing this one!

I see $$$ included with other posts - I honestly can't remember the fee, but I know it was under 125 EU per night. The cooking class seemed expensive when booking it, but was well worth the price (fun, not technical) when we were there. We were in our mid 20's, but made great friends with our mid 60's cooking classmates from MI and still keep in touch with them. It's not too far south of Florence, easy to daytrip to most of Tuscany.

Hi leap,

In 2000, we stayed 4 nights at Hotel San Sano**** in the TINY village of the same name in Chianti. We voted it the most perfect place of a 3 week trip.

I understand now that there is another place that has rooms for rent in San Sano, but then it was the only lodging and only approx 12 rooms. One family run trattoria in town that was excellent!

Pool, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Ancient restored stone farmhouse buildings. Lovely flower/herb garden where breakfast is served and optional by res dinner. Remote, yes, no other tourists, but just a minute off the main Chianti hwy about 20 minutes drive north from Siena. Does take a bit of driving on the windy roads to visit other towns, but worth it. Very near Castello di Brolio.

On the last trip, I stayed in Montalcino at Il Giglio for 3 nights. Very nice *** and loved Montalcino. Owners rather distant, but who cares?
Good value, 85E/nt in Sept. for a double with views of the countryside.

Buon viaggio!

I agree with Bob- the southern area of Tuscany is very beautiful and is also my favorite.

I stayed at this agriturisimo last September and loved it so much I will be returning in May. Although located just 3km outside of Pienza, it felt remote and was very central for exploring the area. They serve a lovely breakfast and each apartment has a kitchen and patio area. I stayed in the Mandorlo apartment and had a terrific view.

fontebertusi.it

Zoe