Montepulciano- Is it more convenient to stay by the Piazza Grande or by the gate with a car?

Have you considered staying at an agriturismo ? We travel to Tuscany often and have never stayed "in a town" because the agriturismos are so much fun !

yes, we have but I was thinking town would be more interesting for my son. Where do you suggest? Please tell me more

Some of the hotels at the top of town have parking and email you a permit so you can drive up to them and park there.

You can't go wrong either way. The town is small. I like Meuble Il Riccio at the top on piazza grande http://www.ilriccio.net/en/index.html

Agritourismo's are perfect if you have a car. A nice country farm place to stay and just drive to your hill towns during the day. If your son would want to explore the town at night it'd be best to stay in town. But if you will both be together the agritourisno could be the way to go. Google some of them in the area and look at some pics if you think you might like to stay in one.

Robert- Yes, we will be together. What do you do at night at a Agriturismo?

I am a big fan of Montepulciano and of staying in town; stayed there for two weeks a few years ago. It is nice to drive out during the day to the surrounding towns and such, but to have a city with bars, many restaurants etc at hand in the evening. We always exited by Piazza Grande so I am guessing that is a good place with a car; we had an apartment about half way between the two and had to wind through narrow streets to get to our parking lot

You can't drink and drive in Italy so unless you would eat every night at the agriturisimo that would be an isolating choice.

We also stayed at Meuble Il Riccio and wish we had stayed longer. Parking was in a lot across town from the hotel but not a problem at all. A GPS made touring by car low stress but calling ahead and meeting the owner so I could follow him to the lot the first time was very helpful.

I prefer staying in towns and getting to experience places without the day trippers. I also enjoy being able to walk home after dinner and drinks.

Thank you for your responses.

I think we will keep our plan to stay in town so we can be close to activity and don't have to drive.

We stayed at Mueble Il Riccio in 2007 (gosh, was it really 2007?!) and would highly recommend it. As another poster noted, being in the town after the tour bus crowd has left for the day is a plus.

We stayed in town and loved it. We had a parking spot that the host helped guide my husband to. We stayed two nights and enjoyed Montepulciano a lot. It is one of our favorite places!