hi all, cross-shopping if you will, between these 2 towns for a 4-night stay in the Val d' Orcia.
both seem to be exactly what i am looking for but it is apparently difficult to find "nice" accommodations within the city walls.
this is all i have come up with so far:
Appartamenti al Poggiolo
Meuble il Riccio
Vicolo dell'Oste
would really appreciate any insight on the above or advice on others to look into.
thank you!
I've stayed at Meuble il Riccio and thought is was very nice. The optional breakfast is excellent. No experience with the other two lodgings, but I can tell you that Pienza is a very small town. I much prefer staying in Montepulciano.
"Nice" is a very individual term. Both towns are rather small, very old, and traditional in style, with restricted car use. Pienza is roundish, tiny, and flat, so it's the most popular with tourists. You can walk through the entire city in thirty minutes. Montepulciano is larger, more oblong, hilly, and it's built atop a steep hill. Walking through Montepulciano is a serious workout, and the walk could take some time. To come here with luggage and a car can present a challenge for some.
Accommodations in both places tend to be the B&B or full apartment type. There aren't many "hotels," not in the sense that we Americans think of a hotel. Reviews for the most popular lodging places are well documented. "Nice" can depend on your budget. Prices typically vary according to location, amenities, room with a view of the valley, etc.
There's no such thing as a modern, luxury property with numerous rooms. Everything is a variation on Italian traditional, leaning toward old but well-maintained. You study a map, look at the website photos, read the user comments, and decide from there.
As long as you avoid places designed for students, it's hard to go wrong on a lodging choice. The choices are what they are. One isn't necessarily that much "better" than the other, especially in the city center locations. I tend to favor places that offer a great view.
Rick Steves, and many on this site, recommend this agriturismo.
http://www.cretaiole.it
Copied from their site --- "Cretaiole is located just outside of Pienza, between Montepulciano and Montalcino in the heart of the magnificent Val d’Orcia (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and one of the most photographed landscapes in the world."
I haven't been there --- yet!
The Moricciani family own three properties in the Val d'Orcia, including Cretaiole. They have an excellent reputation. Like many agriturismi in the area, they recommend visitors come with a car.
I forgot to mention, La Locanda di San Francesco is also "nice," but you have to reserve far in advance to get specific dates. Many places only have a few rooms. They offer parking in the piazza out front.
Another vote for Meuble il Riccio. Get room with view of valley below -heavenly!
Mike
DC
