I'm going to Tuscany for a honeymoon in June and could use your personal advice with the following hotels: Villa Vignamaggio, Borgo San Felice, Il Falconiere, Villa Scappapiense (sp?). <BR> <BR>I've read the forum and I know I saw recommendations for some of these once but can't seem to relocate them and my eyes are getting blurry! We plan to see Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti and Cortona (and of course Florence). I'm looking for something with beauty and charm around $175-275 per night. Any help would be greatly appreciated! <BR> <BR>On a side note, anyone ever stay at the J&J in Florence? thanks! <BR>

Villa Vignamaggio is great. We've stayed there twice. The second time we booked room 21, based on a Fodorite's recommendation, and were extremely pleased. The "room" was really a loft with a large bedroom upstairs and a large separate living/dining room downstairs. The bathroom was huge with a two person Jacuzzi. There was also a private terrace with table and chairs. The swimming pool was adjacent. There are also rooms in a large farmhouse, but I don't think those are as nice. Our five days went very quickly. We've stayed at Borgo San Felice and it's a great resort, but we definitely like Vignamaggio better. At Vignamaggio you don't feel as if you're in a resort but just lounging in the Tuscan countryside. The rooms at Vignamaggio were much larger and more comfortable than the one we had in San Felice. Villa Vignamaggio is geared for longer stays (refrigerators, stoves, some dishes, etc.) One of the advantages of Borgo San Felice is that there is a restaurant with good food. Vignamaggio serves wonderful breakfasts and occasional dinners. Villa Scaciapensieri is outside of Siena. It's very nice and we spent two nights there the first time we visited Siena. On our second trip we stayed inside of Siena since we enjoy being in the city and wandering when all of the tourists have left. In Florence I strongly recommend the Lungarno. Make sure you get a room with a balcony overlooking the Arno. We really enjoyed the Lungarno and can't imagine ever staying anyplace else in Florence. Have a great trip.

Marija- thank you so much for your advice. Its great that you've visited so many of the hotels mentioned! <BR> <BR>I am definitely eyeing Lungarno - however my travel agent suggested the J & J so I thought I would check out 'public opinion'. <BR> <BR>again, thanks for the wonderful advice!

kay, You have picked the best in all <BR>of Tuscany and I would let location <BR>decide for you. The Villa Scappensiera <BR>is a great location just outside of <BR>Siena and hard to beat for day trips. <BR>Cortona is too far east for my taste. <BR>The one you do not have is Castello <BR>Spaltenna near Gaiole--in the same class. Hard to go wrong.

Bob the navigator- <BR> <BR>Thanks for the suggestion - I'll check out the one in Gaiole as well. I'm pleased that you responded because I've read many of your other postings and you seem to have a great deal of knowledge on Italy. <BR> <BR>So here's a question for you: we are thinking about going to Positano for two days at the end of the trip. I'm wondering if it will be worth the effort ( I know its beautiful but from a practical standpoint, a little out of the way). I have been to Venice though my fiance has not so that may be a substitution. Any suggestions or opinions on another area in June in addition to Florence & Tuscany (though not Rome- been there)? <BR> <BR>thanks!

Kay, Contact me directly at above. I will need to know more details before <BR>I could plan well for you. How long do <BR>you have in total?--are you driving? <BR>where is your arrival and departure <BR>location? I have planned several <BR>honeymoons for others, but hard to do without the facts---lots of variables.

Villa Vignamaggio hands down - great central location for day trips - a slice of heaven.... <BR>

Beth- any particular room you would recommend in Vinamaggio? Marija said earlier that she thought room 21 was the great and someof the rooms in the main house didnt appear to be as nice. <BR> <BR>would welcome your thoughts!

The Brunelleschi in Florence. A converted prison and tower in it's own tiny piazza--almost hidden in the center of Florence. 5 mins to everything. Good restaurant, too.

as for room recommends - go for one of their 1 bedroom apartments - very nicely equipped - try to get near the pool and lovely outdoors lounging area

Kay, we'll be in Tuscany thanksgiving for 4 days and then to Florence for 3 days. I too need hotel info could you share how i can preview (website's)the hotels you mentioned specifically the ones in Siena and S gimignano. Thanks so much, I'll return the flavor when i return with useful info. i hear the j&j <BR>is $$$$$$ but...GREAT.

The perfect honeymoon residence is Locanda dell Amorosa, near Sinalunga, in Southern Tuscany, assuming you have a car. Believe me, it's perfect. They have a website -- I think it's their name, then .it -- you can find it with any search engine, I'm sure.

Another destination you might consider in June is the Italian Riveria. Wonderful food, views, and people. Walk along Cinque Terre - shouldn't be too hot at that time of year. We made the walk in August (1998) and almost expired - but what a view! We stayed in the hills above a town called Lavagna. Views were wonderful and the town was small town Italy. This area is very close to your other stops in Tuscany. We did one week in Tuscany and one week in southern Italy last year and loved both but it's a long trip for two days. I think Positano could wait for another trip because there's so much to see in that area as well. Bon voyage . . .

Donna - <BR> <BR>here are some of the wesbites of hotels that I listed: www.vignamaggio.com <BR>www.lasuvera.it <BR> <BR>I can't find the other websites right now but a helpful Italian hotel site is: <BR> <BR>www.thetravelsite.com (then choose italy) <BR> <BR>I think that lists a few of the others as well as some different possibilities. Hope that helps. <BR> <BR>p.s. staying at Hotl Lungarno in Florence but it's really pricey. Also heard Brunelleschi and J & J were good alternatives. In Tuscany I've heard great things about all of the four places mentioned earlier. <BR>