Hello! I am traveling in September to Italy and I have everything booked except the 4 nights in Tuscany. I want to stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel/Villa. I really like Lacanda Le Piazze but its only available for 2 nights of the 4. I really want to be near walking distance of restaurants or bars. Anyone have any suggestions of where is a good place to stay with restaurants and bars in walking distance? I am contemplating doing Lacanda Le Piazze for 2 nights and then something like Hotel Athena in Sienna for 2 nights, but I really don't want to have to pack up and change hotels... But Lacanda looks beautiful! We will have a car. We are wanting to do wineries one day, possibly Cinque Terre one day, and then Florence for the other day. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated
Posted by
Denver
808 posts
Do you mean that you plan to visit the Cinque Terre FROM your hotel in Tuscany? That's too long of a distance for a day trip. If you want to visit the Cinque Terre, spend at least one night there.
I don't have any knowledge of 4 or 5 star hotels, as I don't stay in those types. We did enjoy La Cisterna, in San Gimignano, which is a 3-star with tremendous views over the countryside, and a pretty good restaurant with the same views. There are a number of very good restaurants in San Gimignano.
Which kind of wines you prefer may factor into your hotel selection, as well. Locanda Le Piazze is in the Chianti area, whereas Siena is closer to the Brunello area.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Okay, well since I only have 4 nights in Tuscany and the rest is in the South of Italy, I didn't want to over do it by having another stay elsewhere. So I guess I will cut that out. I have seen plenty of private driver day tours though. Regardless that isn't the most important of my worries. Ha.
Why don't you like to stay in 4 or 5 star? Do you have any knowledge of places that are within walking distance of a small town? I just wanted to be able to venture into town for Dinner and drinks in the evening time.
I enjoy Prosecco, and most all red wines with the exception of Cabernet.
I really like the look of Lacanda Le Piazze but it is only available for 2 of the 4 nights I will be in the area, and I really would rather not change hotels... But I am contemplating it.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Or on a different note, If I do stay 2 nights at Lacanda Le Piazze, where would you all suggest doing the other 2 nights?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Locanda Le Piazze looks lovely, and is located in the middle of the Chianti countryside. If your heart is set on it then enjoy the views and the luxury for your full day here. Move on to Siena and/or Florence for a night or two, choosing central locations close to the sights.
Close to Siena, this property offers a similar experience to Locanda Le Piazze ... http://www.aiamattonata.com/
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Also in Castellina...http://www.collelungo.com/en/ easy walk into town.
Since you will have a car, try to stop in Montalcino on your way south. The 2010 Brunello is to die for!
Posted by
48 posts
I just returned from a trip to Italy that included a stay (with a large group) in a Tuscan Agroturismo named Borgo di Cortefreda Relais
and it was fine. It was 1km from two towns but they didn't seem terrible lively. We did eat at two much smaller agroturismos and think they were super nice. If we were not w a large group, these would be a far better choice and I would recommend researching. (While these had suburb food and views, I can't speak to their proximity of nearby times).
Fattoria Poggio Alloro (which is a working winery)
And
Relais Gli Ulivi (Which may actually be in Umbria)