I'm traveling in Italy for seven weeks, trying to keep to an average overall budget of less than $100/night including tax. (Definitely going over that in larger cities.)
I need to spend two nights in Pienza, or within 8 miles North, East or South. I'd consider staying 4 nights if outside Pienza. I've seen some nice hotels in Pienza but out of my budget. I'm skeptical about those within my budget. I've also seen two reasonable agritourismos about 8 miles north of Pienza that I'm considering, but they are slightly over $100 with tax.
I have a car and do not want to be in a walled city like Montepulciano overnight. Also would like to avoid dark interiors and those with ruffles on the bedspread and/curtains.
Any suggestions, based on experience, would be sincerely appreciated.
Grazie Mille.