I currently have a hotel room reserved in Siena for two days - followed by a 2-day stay at a hotel in Montalcino. But as a Hilton Honors (Diamond) member, I am also tempted to consider the La Bagnaia Resort. It's touted as a golf resort and I don't play golf. But since it's located almost midway between Siena and Montalcino - and we'll have a car - I wonder if it would be better to stay at La Bagnaia for all 4 days and use it as a base to go day-tripping to Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and all around Tuscany. Does anyone out there know anything about La Bagnaia? This is my first trip to Italy - my wife and I will be there early-to-mid-September so I still have time to change hotels without incurring a $$ penalty. Thanks in advance for any information or opinions.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7328 posts
I would definitely keep the locations you have already reserved, so you can experience the towns in the late evenings and mornings. Dinners are served late in Italy, and the towns are even more lovely in the evening when the day-tourists have left. Save your Hilton Points for a location/country where you want to be staying at the resort as the destination.
Posted by
Nashville
39 posts
I agree with the previous poster - I think you will have a better experience staying in the towns rather than a resort. The early mornings and late afternoons without the tourist rush are the best. It makes you feel like you are seeing the "real" Italy that the day trippers are missing out on.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2118 posts
While we did stay at the Hilton FCO for one night to catch an early flight, I think going to Italy and staying at a Hilton resort is like going to Italy to eat at McDonalds and drink Gallo wine.
Stay in town. I hope your hotels are small and local, the funkier the better. We usually stay in more modest accommodations in Europe. It’s not that we can’t afford better, but being close to the ground is a more rewarding experience.
Posted by
USA
32 posts
I'm Hilton Diamond and I'd stay at La Bagnaia in a heartbeat - it's a Curio resort, not a hotel per se, and as Diamond you'll be treated like royalty there (from many reviews I've read where the guest was Diamond). The amenities look fantastic - I was looking at a stay there for our trip in September, but there is no availability on our dates!