I would really appreciate some help in finding a great place to stay in Northern Tuscany for 3-4 nights as part of our honeymoon in November. On our last trip to Italy we stayed in Pienza and explored Southern Tuscany, so this time we would like to visit towns further north, such as San Gimignano and Volterra. As much as we enjoyed staying at an Agriturismo on our last visit, for our honeymoon we really don't want to have to worry about anything, and would like to find somewhere that offers breakfast and has a restaurant on site or close. Ideally a place in the countryside (since we will have a rental car) that is romantic and nice, without breaking the bank. Ideally not more that 215 Euro per night, though if its a little more and worth it, we might make it work. Unfortunately, a lot of places that got great reviews from slow travelers are closed in November, so our options are somewhat limited.

Here are some of the contenders so far:

Villa Bordoni- I think we are leaning toward this
La Collegiata
Villa Il Poggiale
Villa Vignamaggio- We are concerned this may not be as full service as we would like.
Castello di Tornano
Villa San Paulo
Una Palazzo Mannaioni
[Locanda dell'Amorosa is a little more expensive and a little further south than we would like, but if its that much nicer than the others, we might consider it]

I'd really appreciate feedback on these or other suggestions. Thanks!

TTT

I would put Amorosa in a category by itself, and it would be a very special place for a honeymoon stay. I probably wouldn't stay there on a "normal" trip because of its rates and dress-up atmosphere, but honeymoon's are (hopefully) once in a lifetime and worthy of a splurge. Congratulations!

We just spent 4 great nights at villa san paolo. Staff and facilities were top notch. Views from the balcony looked over the whole Valley. Breath taking to say the least!

Thanks for the advice!

So I think Amorosa is out, and we are leaning towards Villa Bordoni or San Paulo. Any thoughts?

Ok, I'm a newbe and somewhat slow--what is ttt

Hi Amy,

If you are interested in the Chianti area, I would recommend Hotel Residence San Sano. It would be a bit of a drive to SG, but we loved it best out of a 3 week trip in 2000.

San Sano is a TINY, TINY village just of the S222 about 20 minutes drive north of Siena. When we were there, the small hotel (about 12 rooms + pool) was the only lodging in the village. Now I understand there is another place that rents rooms. There is also a small family-run trattoria that was outstanding!

The only tourists you will find will be guests at the hotel.

The hotel is a 4*, so I don't know what their rates might be now and in November. They offer a lovely breakfast and optional dinner. Meals will be inside by the fire in November.

Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. We asked for their largest room, Gli Archi and it was very comfortable. The hotel is in the ancient, stone village buildings and is very near Castello Brolio.

See it at www.chiantinet.it.

Buon viaggio!

Hi Amy,

If you are, in fact, considering the Chianti area, I would highly recommend the bed and breakfast Ancora del Chianti. I stayed there in April and loved it! We used it as a base for exploring San Gimignano, Siena, and smaller towns like Castellina and Radda. It is off the beaten path (up a dirt road, so a rental car is a must), and they have a lovely olive orchard and vinyard on the property. Nice breakfasts are served out on the terrace and the town of Greve is just a few minutes away for restaurants and a little shopping. It was our favorite stop in our 2 week trip, and the least expensive as well. About 100 euros per night. Here's their website if you're interested... www.ancoradelchianti.it/english/

I think you would miss a lot of the charm of Locanda dell'Amorosa in November. It might be too cold to enjoy breakfast under the trees or relaxing by the pool in the afternoon after a hard day of touring. It also takes a REAL gourmet to appreciate the fabulous formal dining room - I found myself wanting a little more of mama's cooking in the kitchen. They do have a less formal Bistro open on some nights.