Staying for two or three nights in October. Choosing between Castello Di Vellona and Locanda Dell'Amorosa. Any advice in choosing between the two? Thank you.

My advice is to understand the location difference and let that decide for you. Tuscany is large--what are you most wanting to see? Also, look at La Saracina.

It is my understanding that are in the same general area, within fewer than 10 miles from each other; so I really do not have a location preference (at least I am not aware of one). I will look at la saracina as well; thank you.

Actually, according to mappy.com, Montalcino (Castello di Velona) and Sinalunga (Locanda dell'Amorosa) are 38 km or 43 minutes apart.

Thank you. I mistakenly thought Castello di Velona was in Montepulciano, not Montalcino. That being the case, any comments on the differences between the hotels and their respective locations?

I can only speak to the location. Sinalunga is just that extra bit further away from what interests me in southern Tuscany, whereas Montalcino is more or less in the middle of it: Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, the abbeys of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, San Galgano and Sant'Antimo, the natural beauty of the Val d'Orcia. Montalcino and Montepulciano both have excellent restaurants. (Have you looked at the Castello di Velona offer at luxurylink.com?)

Thank you. I will check out luxurylink.

I will be staying @ Castello di Velona July 28th for 3 nights....keep an eye out for my trip report!

Just wondering why I do not see reviews of Castello Banfi's Il Borgo suites here....has anyone stayed at Banfi?

http://www.castellobanfiilborgo.com/

We haven't stayed at Banfi but visted there on our trip 2 weeks ago. I would stay there in a New York minute. Everything was beautiful and top notch at the winery and restaurant when we were there.

Thanks for the response! I never see it mentioned here although other high-end Tuscan inns get lots of chatter..it certainly looks beautiful on the web site...