“It felt like home”
My friend and I left our husbands behind for a week-long cooking school tour of Tuscany. We were headquartered at La Locanda del Castello, where we were treated like royalty. The hotel is quite comfortable and lovely -- not at all like the homogenized hotels in the States. The furnishings are personal treasures of the proprietress, Senora Silvana, a lovely hostess who took marvelous care of us. Her staff was equally accommodating, insuring that we were happy, comfortable, and making the most of our trip to Tuscany. We thought the restaurant was fabulous and were disappointed that our cooking classes conflicted with the dinner schedule, but did have two fabulous dinners there, and lovely breakfasts each morning.
We started our week somewhat worried because we were unsure what the schedule was. Being "stuck" in the little village of San Giovanni d'Asso for a week might be a bit more relaxing than we had in mind. We were sans auto and there was no public transportation, so we considered walking out to the nearest town with a means of conveyance. Not advised, given the narrow, curvey roads, with no shoulders. So Daniella arranged for us to go on a white truffle hunt with a local expert. (Unique, but not quite what we had in mind!) She did make some calls and our marvelous guide was there first thing next morning to give us a wonderful, personal tour of his countryside. Brava, Daniella!!! She saved the day/week/trip!
When we said goodbye, there were hugs and kisses all around, and even some tears. I would return to La Locanda in a heartbeat -- one of the best travel experiences I've ever had!
Marsha Lee
Annapolis, Maryland
“Best place to stay in Tuscany”
My sister and her husband joined us here for our second week in Italy. Both couples were celebrating our 32 anniversaries. Amazing just begins to describe the views, the food prepared by their excellent German chef and the renovations of the suites. Everywhere you turn Lori is there to help with everything! We chose this region because it was central for the wine region and the other areas we wanted to explore. I would return to this castle in a heartbeat for another visit. The breakfast, which is included, was always fresh. Within a day Lori had our order down pat, so all we had to do was sit, enjoy the morning breeze and wait for the feast. The dinner menu was large enough to try something different each evening we were there. All the staff were very courteous, helpful, friendly and accommodating. This is the place, in case you were't sure!
Trip Advisor Member
Rochester, Michigan
“Highlight of two weeks in Tuscany”
Last July, my three teenage daughters and I stayed 5 nights at La Locanda and it was truly the highlight of our time in Tuscany. We had made the reservation on-line after scanning dozens of places in Tuscany, narrowing the choice to 4, and finally deciding on La Locanda. When we arrived after driving from Lucca via Pisa, we were hot, tired and couldn't believe how small the village was. We thought we were in the middle of nowhere. But Silvana, the owner, and Lori graciously welcomed us into their beautiful hotel and after a shower, we went downstairs to the restaurant on the terrace and it was an amazing scene. People had come from all over to have dinner. We met some fantastic people that we have become friends with, and the food was outstanding. We fell in love with the hotel, the restaurant and the people, and came back every evening for dinner after days out in Siena for the Palio, shopping at the Prada outlet and the Mall, touring Pienza, Montalcino, the beautiful Abbey Monte Oliveto and swimming in Trequanda. Silvana did an amazing job with the construction of the hotel, which was beautifully remodeled in a portion of the old castle. It was really the nicest place we've stayed in Italy. It was hard for us to leave and we can't wait to go back this fall for a birthday celebration.
Trip Advisor Member
Portland, Oregon
|
