We will be visitng central Tuscany in early october and looking for suggestions on 4 star 3 star hotels that are rated well.
We have received posting on Patriaca in Chiusi but fear it would be too far a drive to San Gimignano and Chianti region. we will be coming down from Florence via rented car and will be heading down to Rome after our 3 day taste of Tuscany. We are thinking of turning our car in in Chiusi and taking a train to Rome. I think there is a direct train to Rome. hope luggage on the train is not a problem.
Whew! long message but need help.

Bob

Rob, I'm heading out to Tuscany in September. Once i've booked all my lodgings I'll drop you a line. May or may not help.

Hi RobDeb
It's not that far of a drive, maybe an hour to San Gim. Driving is very easy there. We stayed at the Il Patriarca as our base for Tuscany and Umbria. You'll LOVE this place. The restaurant there is top notch!

You also have most of the hill towns within minutes, it's a great location. You'll be able to see a few hill towns each day. Good location for Umbria also.

I think you're right about the direct train to Rome. Check www.trenitalia.com for schedule. Luggage was no problem for us on the trains.
Enjoy!

Hello Bob,
Here are 2 great options in better locations to see more of Tuscany. We will be at both in Oct.
www.lacosta.it
www.palazzodelcapitano.com

I agree with your Chiusi strategy.

To give you an idea of distances. We based in Montepulciano for a week.

Hit, San g, Chianti, Sienna, Montalcino, Pienza, Orvieto, Cortona, Bevagna, etc and wound up putting on over 1500 km in a week.

We loved Montepulciano but recognize that it would have been more efficient to stay in a more central location.

Hello again,

Thanks for all the advise.I think we will trian from Chiusi to Rome after dropping the car off. Has anyone stayed at the Villa Scacciapensieri in Siena?

Hi RobDeb,
It's actually a little way outside the walls on a nice property, plenty of parking. It is a lovely hotel which we used as the rally point for a large house party 2 years ago. I saw 3 or 4 rooms, all very different by very nice. The staff could not have been sweeter or more helpful. We did not eat there, but did have lots of drinks and snacks on the terrace.

We stayed in Siena at the Santa Caterina. We loved the beautiful garden terrace in the back with views of the tuscan hills. It was right outside the city walls and does offer parking if you reserve in advance. The hotel was very charming and quaint. The baths were all new and very clean. The shower was small as most european showers are, but all new. The breakfast was great and included in the rate. If you are going to Chianti for wine tasting, I highly recommend advanced reservations. We had some trouble getting in some winereies. I highly recommend Castello di Brolio. Good luck!