Advice required! We're planning a trip to tuscany and want advice on good quality hotels with character and great places to visit. <BR>Any ideas?

Wow, Andy. Could you be more specific? How about price ranges, interests etc. Do a search on this forum for Tuscany, do your homework and them I'm sure we'll have lots of advice to give.

There a hundreds of wonderful places to stay in Tuscany. One of my favorites is Relais La Suvera. <BR> <BR>www.lasuvera.it <BR> <BR>This is a wonderfully elegant place without being the least bit stuffy. The Principessa, who owns the place, comes down to feed the cats pasta! No tie required for the al fresco dining. Even the least expensive rooms are charming and comfortable. Great service. Good food. Beautiful!

Sandra--thank you for the la suvera recommendation. I just checked the website and it looks incredible. Which building do you stay in? Is there any difference among them? Do you recommend a particular room?

Carol, <BR> <BR>I stopped by La Suvera on my last trip and it really is fabulous! I certainly put it on my "next trip to Tuscany" list! <BR> <BR>Dona

Villa Vignamaggio is great! It is located in Greve and is a great location for day trips all around the area. <BR> <BR>Also, Locanda Dell Amorosa is a great place if you are thinking about visiting Montalcino, Montapulciano.

Pick up the May issue of Bon Apetit for some great recommendations. I wish I had read this magazine before I went to Italy last month! It will definitely give you a 'feel' and a hint of the heart and soul of Tuscany!

We aregoing in June and staying at the Villa Scacciapensieri---anyone have any ideas about this hotel?

San Gimignano is a great town and La Pescille just outside the city is a fab- <BR>ulous old converted farmhouse. We also liked Siena and Palazzo Ravizza inside the town itself is very nice w/ a great dining room. See Fodor's Rivages 3rd edition for many ideas on places to stay. See all that you can -it's superb!! We also enjoyed Castellina in Chianti and the countryside there.

Sally is so right! We just returned from Tuscany and the Palazzo Ravizza was fantastic! They include dinner in the rate and they do not scrimp - the first night I had crab gnocchi, grilled sea bass and roasted vegatables, and fresh berries for dessert. It is really easy to get into the hotel and the parking is also included. <BR> <BR>Also - I loved Tuscany so much it is painful to read the May issue of Bon Appetite! <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any questions. <BR>I'd be happy to help. <BR> <BR>Tracy