the trip advisor user awards 2006 are out - with good coverage in Italy - you may like to check that list out?

Thanks for this great thread. I had been wondering about the same thing. I had already booked Castello Velona for my May trip, but was hunting for something just outside Florence or Cortona. I just booked Villa la Massa, although it was a tough choice between La Massa and Il Falconiere. Decided to go with La Massa so that I could experience drinks on the terrace and watch the sun set, like many suggested.
Thanks for all the great recommendations. Fodorites never let me down.

Loved Il Falconiere and Cortona. The restaurant was unbelievable and it was a great base for touring. Trattoria Toscana and Gelateria Snoopy were other favorites in Cortona.

My choice will be Villa Castrum, anyone stayed here?

http://www.tuscanweb.com/property/?ID=4474

you may well have solved your finest tuscan accommodation question by now.....but have you considered renting from one of the owners at castello di casole.....absolutely incredible luxury renovated villas and farmhomes on a 4200 acre historic estate.....incomparable housekeeping and concierge staff for each home.....fantastic meals prepared by housekeeper .....they can arrange anything from a rental car delivered to your door to an in-home cooking class to a private meal at a wine estate with the owners or a private driver......the timbersclub company in colorado developed it with an intalina company.....you can see their website at http://www.castellodicasole.com/defaultHTM.php
take a look
have fun!

Hallo Squeak,

Have you been to the following places

Lucca (Tuscany)
Chianty Region (Tuscany)
Spoleto (Umbria)

They are not too big, very charming and with some excellent restaurants.

For some fine hotels in the a.m. places, you should look at: www.placesinitaly.com

Enjoy it