Tips 1 - 9 of 9 Tuscany Hotels & Accommodations
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Piccolo Hotel Puccini: Delightful 6-Day Stay in Lucca
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Tip Rating:  Satisfaction: 
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We stayed in Lucca for six nights at the Piccolo Hotel Puccini, a delightful small independent hotel in the historic section near the Church of San Michele in Foro.
The service was outstanding. As a privately owned and operated small hotel, the owner/manager called us by name, gave us marvelous tips on where to eat, shop, and park. One night, we bought a delicious cake dessert, brought it back to the hotel, and shared it with him while we talked and talked.
Our room was a corner room that looked out on the Puccini Statue that is famous in Lucca. We had two large windows, a queen-sized bed, big chest, end tables, lovely small chair with material that matched the drapes. The ceilings were so tall with beautiful wood trim. Our bathroom was average size and adequate. It was quiet, comfortable, and quite attractive.
Unique Qualities: We had the perfect view, color TV, direct-dial telephone, private bathroom, firm bed, and pleasant surroundings.
All-in-all, it was a lovely six days at the Piccolo Hotel Puccini.
Note: No breakfast was served at this hotel, and that was the only drawback. However, because of that, we were able to try several places around the hotel.j
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40
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Phone: 0583/55421-55239
Address: Via Di Poggio, 9, 55100 Lucca
Directions: Across from Saint Michelle In Forno Church
Website: http://www.hotelpuccini.com
Other Contact: e-mail:info@hotelpuccini.com
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Giardino Segreta: Moon Garden & Sun Garden Add to the Ambience
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Photos:
1. Inside our Giardino Segreta Hotel room in Pienza.
2. Looking out our hotel room at the garden below.On April 25 & 26, 2001, Allan and I stayed at Giardino Segreta in Pienza while on our Tuscan vacation. The place is located in the historical center of Pienza, and the owner has transformed a large 18th century family home. There is also a splendid enclosed garden where guests can relax in the quiet peaceful atmosphere (which we did).
See Photo: Our rooms were the first two windows on the left side.
The accommodation is comprised of three apartments and two double bedrooms, all of which look out onto the garden. We stayed in one of the double rooms. The original style and features of traditional Tuscan homes were maintained with the restoration. Our room/s (bedroom, bathroom, sitting room) had terracotta floors, original wooden beams, and simple furniture.
The owner did not speak English; however, we communicated regardless of the language barrier. The rooms were absolutely spotless. There were many English language magazines in the sitting area as well as information about Pienza and the surrounding area.
The bathroom was really beautiful and so modern. It had the best shower of all the places we stayed in Tuscany! We loved the location because we were able to walk everywhere.
Breakfast did not come with the room, so we had a walking adventure each day to find a spot to have fresh orange juice and some kind of roll.
Unique Qualities: The Garden was very special.
It was divided into two areas:
The Moon Garden is more shady, and it is ideal for reading, resting, and meditating.
While the Sun Garden is more open to direct sunlight, it is the perfect place to sunbathe. When we would look out our window, we saw flowering trees, huge pansies, green-green grass, and lovely lawn furniture.
The whole area was walled and private.
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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80
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Phone: 0578/60452
Address: Via Condotti, n 13 53026 Pienza
Other Contact: cell:0338 8995879
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Plaza Hotel Lucchesi: Good Location in Florence With Garage Included!
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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The first time that we were in Florence (1997), we took the advice of my friend, Jill Martin, who told us about the Plaza Hotel Lucchesi,which overlooks Fiumo Arno.
Another plus about this hotel is that it is about two blocks from the Uffizi Gallery, an extraordinary art museum.
Our room looked out over the River Arno. It was a medium-sized room with elegant furniture, a beautiful chandelier, and a wonderful private bathroom.
As we had a car, it was great that the hotel provided a garage, which we certainly used. We parked the car, and we did not use it while there.
It's not a great idea to drive in Florence.
Unique Qualities: The room included breakfast, which was buffet style and was abundant and delicious.
We stayed for two nights, and we, indeed, enjoyed breakfast each morning.
On the same block as the hotel were lovely shops. One that I remember vividly was a stationery shop that had wonderful paper, pens, post cards, photographs of Florence, and lovely gifts for the home.
The hotel room included a hair dryer, plenty of closet space, a chair for reading, marvelous shampoo and conditioner, which we still have a sample of today! The towels were of luxury quality and gigantic in size.
All-in-all, we enjoyed our stay at the Plaza Hotel Lucchesi in Florence and would highly recommend it.
Note: The price indicates per person.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80
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Directions: t was 1997, and I do not have the address. It was on the River Arno about two blocks from the Uffizi Museum.
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The Hotel Santa Caterina: Once a Villa: Now a Small Hotel in Siena
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Photos:
1. The breakfast room of Hotel Santa Caterina.
2. Outside eating area of Hotel Santa Caterina.
3. Allan on balcony of our room at Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena.Our first trip to Italy in 1997 included Siena. We drove from Verona to Siena, and once we arrived, we had a difficult time finding Hotel Santa Caterina. We knew that it was near Porta Romana, and so we parked near there and walked until we found the hotel.
The friendly hotel clerk told us to park in front of the hotel, which we did. This three star hotel used to be an 18th century patrician villa; today it is a 22-room hotel, all with private bathrooms. The bathroom in our particular room was fantastic.
Although our room was small, it was located at the backside of the hotel which overlooks the lovely countryside and is quiet. People with rooms on the front side of the hotel near the street complain of noise. So, ask for a room in the back.
I remember that our room was the only one with a small balcony.
The room was decorated in typical ancient Tuscan style, which added to the romantic ambience. The rooms all have direct telephones, Satellite TV, a mini-bar, and air conditioning.
Unique Qualities: I vividly recall having a delicious breakfast on the glassed-in porch area. The view was magnificent because this veranda overlooked a wide garden as well as the Sienese countryside.
The Hotel Santa Caterina is such a smart place to stay while visiting Siena because of its privileged location, its cozy rooms with splendid bathrooms, and the helpful and friendly staff who work there.
We paid under one hundred dollars in 1997; however, after looking up the price for 2004, I was surprised to find that the price has gone up considerably. Nevertheless, it's still an excellent choice for a hotel in Siena.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120
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Address: Via E.S. Piccolomini,7 53100- Siena
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Hotel Moderno: A Moderately-Priced Three Star Hotel in Siena
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction: 
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Photos: All from Hotel Brochure I received when we signed in.
1. Where we ate breakfast at the Hotel Ristorante Moderno in Siena.
2. Outside of the hotel.
3. Map of Hotel Ristorante Moderno's location in Siena.The second time that we visited Siena was in 2001, and this time we stayed in Hotel Moderno. This three-star hotel is located near "Porta Orvile", and it is just in front of the new escalator which takes you to the historic center of Siena. That is a real plus. [10 minute walk]
Our room was of average size with a long, narrow bathroom that was quite up-to-date.
There are 63 rooms in the hotel, and they provide hairdryers, direct-dial telephone, color TV, and air conditioning.
Unique Qualities: Fortunately, for us, the hotel has a private garage as well as a large outside parking area. Since we had luggage in the car, we wished to park inside for a small fee.
The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. The only time we used the restaurant was for breakfast where a delicious buffet-style meal was available.
There is also a pleasant garden in the back.
The hotel is comfortable, clean, and in a convenient location. The price is excellent.
However, we preferred the Hotel Santa Caterina over the Hotel Moderno. That could be mostly because we enjoy the smaller hotels more.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80
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Phone: +39 0577 288453
Address: Via Baidassarre Peruzzi 19=53100 Siena ITALY
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Hotel L'Antico Pozzo: A Jewel Among Small Inns...
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Photos:
1. Room in Hotel L'Antico Pozzo in San Gimignano.
2. Crowd scene in street outside hotel.On April 29, 2001, Allan and I stayed overnight in the picture-perfect Tuscan hilltop village of San Gimignano. It was an Italian holiday, and the town was brimming with tourist, mostly Italian. We loved the cobbled streets, the 14 tall towers, but especially our small inn called the Hotel L'Antico Pozzo. It had just been renovated but, thank God, they kept its original and authentic character.
The name comes from an antique stone well (the pozzo) that is softly illuminated just off the lobby. The inn was a 15th-century townhouse that was once a residence of a wealthy person. I loved the timeworn stone staircase that we walked to reach our air-conditioned room.
The walls were made of thick stone; the floors were terra-cotta; our room was decorated in a lovely blue; the room was small but elegant, and the bathroom was fabulous and, oh, so modern and sleek.
The location was in the center of everything and quite convenient for all our exploring of the lovely San Gimignano.
Unique Qualities: This family-run hotel was convenient, beautiful, romantic, and had the added benefit of a lovely "secret" garden patio.
Breakfast came with the room, and we enjoyed it the next morning.
If you are interested in an elegant, meticulously clean, conveniently located inn, then you, too, will love staying at the Hotel L'Antico Pozzo.
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Theme: Inn
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120
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Phone: (0577) 94 20 14
Address: Via San Matteo, 87 53037 San Gimignano, Italy
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Palazzio Cerisa: Fabulous Bed and Breakfast in Montalcino
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Tip Rating:  Satisfaction:
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Photos:
1. From our Balcony, we could take a photo of the Sign for the Palazzia Cerisa Bed and Breakfast in Montalcino.
2. Allan standing next to our balcony in our room at Palazzia Cerisa B&B in Montalcino.
3. Dee in our room at Palazzia Cerisa B&B in Montalcino.Our accommodations in Montalcino was Palazzio Cerisa Bed and Breakfast. It is a fabulous place. We had a room with a balcony from which this picture was taken. It is located in the center of the historical district.
All rooms differ, but all have antique furniture, hand painted trim on the walls, terrific modern bathrooms, and real flowers in the vase next to the bed. Every detail is perfect.
Our room had unusual and varied wall hangings, unusual petal lamps on antique tables, and French doors with lovely window panes which lead out to the balcony.
Guests have a choice of American or Italian breakfast, ordered when you arrive.
The breakfast was remarkable...fresh homemade chestnut marmalade, eggs of choice, fresh breads, just-squeezed juices, and steaming coffee or cappuccino.
Soothing classical music plays in the background, and great conversation abounds at the table with Roberto and Lucilla, the owners. They were well educated, interesting and quite hospitable.
Unique Qualities: The wonderful owners who go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome and comfortable.
The custom-made breakfast and the opportunity to have a custom-made dinner if ordered ahead.
Once a 13th century palace, the elegant residence has an interesting history, which owner Roberta is happy to share.
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Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120
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Phone: +011-39-0577
Address: Via Soccorso Saloni, 2 Montalcino (SI) Italy-53024
Other Contact: cesira@montalcinoitaly.com
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Hotel Italia: Located in the Historic Center of Cortona....the
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Photographs:
1. Our room in Hotel Italia in Cortona
2. The breakfast room in Hotel Italia in CortonaHotel Italia is a family-run hotel located in a 15th Century Palace in the Historic Center of Cortona.
When we were there, it had just been refurbished, and all of its 27 rooms had en-suite bathrooms. The room had a direct dialing telephone, a TV, lovely antique furniture, and a great bathroom. With its tile floors, beamed ceiling, and antiques, there was a "rustic" feel to this hotel that we enjoyed.
Its location was perfect...just a few steps uphill to the town center with all the great shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Unique Qualities: The hotel had an elevator, which was convenient since we were on the third floor.
Breakfast was included, and next door was a restaurant.
An unique feature of the hotel was its 4th floor where there was an enclosed roof terrace with fabulous views of the plain of Valdichiana and of Trasimeno Lake in the distance.
At the time, we paid 170.000 Lire, which then amounted to about $100.00.
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80
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Phone: (+39)0575/630254
Address: Via Ghibellina, 5-7-9 I-52044-Cortona, Italy
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 Comments for deecat about Tuscany | | | | |
JessH Tue Jun 16, 2009 04:54 UTC
I'm planning our Tuscan honeymoon next year (my poor fiance has never been to Italy!). Your tips will certainly be useful, thanks for sharing! I see Scotland on your wishlist - I'm going back in 16 days, you *must* visit the Highlands! Jess :-) | lcskelly Thu Jun 4, 2009 14:36 UTC
Hi Dee - thanks for all of your great tips. My daughter (19) and I are going to Tuscany for a week in July. We're staying in a villa in Cortona. What are your top 5 suggestions for us -- where to visit/eat/sightsee? Thanks! Linda | Yaqui Sun May 24, 2009 23:00 UTC
Oh my Dee, I have to admit I never look at peoples travelogues. Your is very sobering about the customs and memorials loved ones leave behind. Oh, the bust with all the lovely birds made me smile too, thank you! | misterrabbit Mon May 18, 2009 20:30 UTC
This is mighty fine work here, Dee. Good travelogue, beautiful photographs, and memorable writing. Hotels and restaurants were excellent. |
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