Reviews of Tuscany Apartment in a Castle Hamlet Close to Florence
Machiavelli 3
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Customer Reviews
Overall:
This was a truly wonderful experience. The drive up to the Castle is one that you won't soon forget. Opening the windows the first morning to clear, crisp air and seeing the Tuscan countryside was amazing. We loved the property and would return and send our friends.
Enjoyed Most:
The old world charm, casual atmosphere and very friendly and helpful staff, made our week just perfect.
We loved the wine tasting and castle tour. Very interesting history, good wine, cheese and bread combined with a relaxed evening on the property with lots of fun people.
Unpleasant Surprises:
I cannot think of any negatives. We did have an unexpected visitor: a friendly gray cat found his way through the open window one morning.
Surrounding Area:
Easy in and out and everything was very close to our home base. We put over 500 miles on our rental car and could not have made it without the GPS. We found driving day trips were very easy and fun. Our first trip to the COOP grocery was an experience and we have many funny stories about the checkout counter.
Do not miss Cortona.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Nothing really in walking distnce. It
s very hilly terrane with narrow twisting roads. It's actually less than 12 miles by car to the nearest village, with a great tiny little grocery and place to get a wonderful homemade pannini to go.
Tips or Restaurants:
Plan a little down time in your schedule to enjoy the villa...we had a four room villa with two bathrooms and wahsing machine for mid vacation clean up. Everything you needed was in the facility and if you needed something and it was available on site, it was yours.
Directions:
You must have a car and renting a GPS was the best thing we did in preparation for the trip.Auto Europe was an excellent choice in Florence and our experience with the car was great.
Ken, September, 2011
Overall:
Excellent!
Enjoyed Most:
The property and grounds are beautiful. It's a historic castle with old farm buildings. Beautiful pool area. The views are picture postcard perfect.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It's somewhat isolated.
Surrounding Area:
Easy access by car to all the "must see" sites in Tuscany.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town is 6 km away, so not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a hair dryer with proper voltage.
We prepared all our own meals.
Directions:
Only used directions provided.
Check In Out:
The reception closes at 6:00PM during the week and later on Saturdays. If you were arriving later in the evening, I suppose special arrangements might have to be made.
Catherine, August, 2011
Overall:
This property is amazing. What a beautiful way to experience Tuscany.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything! The apartments are so well done in keeping with their history and surroundings. We rented Machiavelli 2 and 3 because they were adjoined. The breakfast they make and serve in the most charming little building was truly a delight! We also did the wine tasting and olive oil tasting.
Unpleasant Surprises:
No air conditioning. I didn't realize they didn't have A/C. July can be very hot!
Surrounding Area:
It was in such close proximity to many beautiful towns. It was the perfect location. Siena is so beautiful and relaxing. So much to see and do in Florence. We took the train to Rome for a day and it was crazy getting in all the sights, but it was just perfect for us!
Nearby Events or Locales:
I think it was Bergamo and you could walk there, although it would take some time.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would definitely bring a GPS! It was the single most valuable thing on our trip!
Directions:
The GPS was critical. It picked up the address immediately so it made getting there a breeze!
Check In Out:
The staff was so accommodating when we arrived late! They made checking in and out very simple and quick.
Paula, July, 2011
Overall:
It was wonderful.
Enjoyed Most:
The view.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There were wasps in the living area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Casciano is nearby but is not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Enjoy!
Thomas, July, 2011
Overall:
Great. Lovely view from the bedroom window, very idyllic and romantic. Nice kitchen, everything you need to cook. The entire property is gorgeous. Situated at the top of a hill, it overlooks a lush valley and verdant hills that just go on and on. Even the pool has a breathtaking view. If it is warm enough, make sure that you set aside an afternoon or morning to hang out at the pool.
Enjoyed Most:
The staff were wonderful. Very personable, they really helped to make you feel welcome. They were available everyday with suggestions about where to drive, where to eat...and to help with anything you might need. They recommended a wonderful place to eat and even made reservations for a special birthday dinner. As a nice surprise, they gave me a birthday card with a complimentary bottle of the Chianti that the estate produces. Very, very good. I also enjoyed an amazing massage and sound bath (yes, I said sound bath) at the wellness center on the premises. Highly recommended!
Unpleasant Surprises:
While it was close to Florence (about a 20 min drive), it was a bit longer driving to most other places. If you want to really explore Tuscany you might want something a little more centrally located. But if you are in the mood to just explore the Chianti region, and to have a lovely retreat, it is perfect.
Surrounding Area:
Views, Views, Views--everywhere you looked or drove.
Tips or Restaurants:
Loved the tasting menu at Badia a Coltibuono. Had a superb meal at Ristorante L'Antica Scuderia. Beautiful location, right next to an abbey, great food. Just ask the staff. Also Il Fedino in San Casciano is really good and they have a lovely outdoor seating area with a gorgeous view of the valley.
Directions:
We used a GPS. I don't know how we would have found our way around without it!
Kym, June, 2011
Overall:
Just what we expected and wanted. It offered a perfect setting to just relax and enjoy our vacation in between hectic sightseeing trips.
Enjoyed Most:
Quiet, peaceful, very clean, well kept. Property manager was helpful but not at all in the way of our good time.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Should advise people that it is an old castle and has many steps. Even in the apartment. Would not be good for someone who has a hard time getting around. The road up the hill is steep and curvy--it might be challenging for those who are not confident drivers.
Surrounding Area:
Every turn of the road offers another great view. The property is close to many tourist towns for day trips.
Nearby Events or Locales:
There is a little town at the bottom of the hill, but there is nothing there. San Casciano is 4 miles away and has all the things you need along with a pedestrian walking street with great restaurants.
Tips or Restaurants:
Mama Rosa's restaurant is very close and and a very good restaurant. The Nnew owners are really trying hard. Just stop by the COOP in San Casciano and get what you need to relax.
Directions:
The GPS did not recognize the property but the directions were very clear.
Alan, May, 2011
Overall:
Very beautiful surroundings and grounds around the villa and castle.
Enjoyed Most:
The age of the property and it was maintained very well. Also, the surrounding area was beautiful. The staff was great too.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The adjoining villa was a little noisy, and you could hear most of the conversation being conducted by its guests.
Surrounding Area:
Bellisamo!
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Cascian was a 2 mile drive.
Directions:
Used a GPS which was invaluable.
Check In Out:
The sign for the reception area was not easy to see. Park out front and walk into the complex. The reception area sign is easier to see.
Fred, April, 2011
Overall:
From start to finish we had an excellent experience, from the villa selection to the list of helpful hints from our representative. There were people on site to answer questions, provide a detailed map to an excellent COOP market...even donate a hairdryer with European voltage.
Enjoyed Most:
The property was amazing, high on a hill with endless views, and the farmhouses restored with great care and taste. Some of the antique furniture came from the main villa, still owned by descendants of the Machiavelli family. I will never forget opening the window Sunday morning and seeing a gorgeous hot air balloon getting ready to take off, right beneath another gorgeous castello silhouetted against the sky. The pool was a wonderful way to cool off and meet people...French, German, and Canadian...compare notes on the day's adventures, and enjoy sunset wine and cheese...even impromptu dinners. You would never believe the bonus we were barely five minutes from an entrance to the Siena-Florence highway, which made getting around a whole lot easier in Chianti.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Expect families with children, because some of the accommodations are large. And Europeans travel with their dogs, who are generally well behaved.
Surrounding Area:
We had just spent a week in southern Tuscany, and the Chianti area was more "market towns" than fortified hill towns. We drove into Florence several times, surprisingly not a problem, with plenty of parking garages, public and private. Siena and San Gimignano are not to be missed, but we loved experiencing daily life and "stumbling" on hidden valleys and towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
You definitely need a car.
Tips or Restaurants:
There was a truly fantastic restaurant in Pienza...a young man with a one star Michelin restaurant in Castellina just opened it in the Chiostra hotel...called La Terrazza, and what a view! His name is Maurizio, and he makes the kind of food you dream about finding. We made reservations for lunch, and had the best table in the house. And three e-mails personally welcoming us to Italy!
Frankie, July, 2010
Overall:
Fantastic! We loved the castle and the surrounding area. When we arrived there was a wedding going on and it made for a lovely settings. The infinity pool overlooked the vineyards and was relaxing because it was so hot.
Enjoyed Most:
The setting and the scenery and the overall compound were well kept and quaint. We also liked the fact that there was a reception desk at the castle and the ladies there were very helpful. There were all sorts of brochures from horseback riding to hot air ballooning to spa treatments, restaurants, shopping grocery stores, etc..
Unpleasant Surprises:
One of the showers was so small that you really would have to be a child to get in. If you wanted to wash your hair you would have to open the door to move your arms around, needless to say we used the other shower. We selected this villa because it contained a washing machine. However, it was not working properly and our clothes did not really get clean. The washer would fill up, but would not rinse the clothes so we would have to open the door and pull the clothes out and ring them by hand, and then hang them up to dry on a clothes line so they were a little stiff putting them on. We did contact the reception area and they came to fix it several times until they finally contacted a repairmen, but by that time we were leaving to head to Venice.
Surrounding Area:
Bucolic, quaint and breathtaking.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Casciano was nearby, but you definitely could not walk to it. We had rented a car to get around the Tuscany region. There was a supermarket called The COOP and it was an experience shopping for food.
Tips or Restaurants:
Stop at the local supermarket to pick up a few things that you will need for breakfast the next morning like milk, cereal, bread, eggs, coffee, butter and jam. We packed a jar of peanut butter and a bag of pretzels that we brought form the USA with us. Our favorite restaurant was in the small town of Bargino. It was called Trattoria Del Pesce, and the seafood dishes were fantastic, as well as, the lemon sorbet between each course and the desserts were heavenly. We liked it so much that we ate there 2 nights. We went to the town of Arezzo about 1 1/2 hour drive from the castle and they had a fabulous antique market there, which we enjoyed.
Directions:
We rented a GPS NeverLost from Hertz, by far the best investment we made for our trip, it really helped us navigate the surrounding area and get us from one city to another. We drove from Florence to Tuscany, and then from Tuscany to Venice.
Check In Out:
The best service and they were there everyday from 9-5.
Susan, July, 2010
Surrounding Area:
I liked all of the small towns, vineyards and scenery.
Lewis, May, 2010
Overall:
We had a wonderful experience at Machiavelli 3. The location was central but the property was picturesque and pastoral. The staff was helpful and friendly.
Enjoyed Most:
The castle was beautiful, as were the other buildings - old stone tastefully restored with all of the modern conveniences. We picked fresh figs for breakfast and often sat and read by the pool, overlooking the valley nearby.
Unpleasant Surprises:
You can hear the highway nearby, but it was not intrusive. Also, the unit's windows are directly opposite the office for the property so you could often hear conversations and the two dogs who are at the office most of the day. Not a big problem for us since we were up by 8:30am anyway.
Surrounding Area:
Easy access to the highway for day trips. We also took several walks along the road to the property to nearby farms. The countryside was beautiful and the people were very nice.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Bargino is just down the hill, but for most things - groceries, cafes, etc, San Casciano was the nearest town and it is not walking distance. Also, the road down from the property is narrow and winding with no good pedestrian space, so a car is needed.
Tips or Restaurants:
This property really supplies almost everything you will need. Kitchen was well-supplied. Do bring a washcloth and laundry soap - there is a washer and a rack for drying clothes. We enjoyed Trattoria Nonna in San Casciano.
Directions:
We used GPS during our trip and I highly recommend having it. We used the address to get to the property and had no problem.
Check In Out:
The staff are there on Sundays now, and were very accommodating. Check out took 5 minutes.
Martha, October, 2009
Overall:
Wonderful overall experience. It was the first time traveling internationally. Everyone was incredibly gracious and helpful on the Villa property.
Enjoyed Most:
The views - the beautiful view from our Bedroom window, and the breathtaking view from the pool area.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Neighbors for the first week. There was an adjoining room with only a door separating the two rentals. Couple had a very loud 2-3 year old boy. Not really the fault of the property owners, however.
Surrounding Area:
Plenty to see and do within easy access.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Bargino and Monteriggioni were both in walking distance, though had to be very watchful of fast Italian drivers and mopeds.
Tips or Restaurants:
San Casciano is about a ten minute drive away, the map we were given when first checking in was very useful. We primarily shopped at the local COOP supermarket and ate in. One of the best places to go for reasonable prices and essentials. We also brought our own coffee press, which was much easier to use then the small press in the kitchen.
Check In Out:
Very easy process, all of the hostesses are incredibly gracious and helpful.
Don, September, 2009
Overall:
We loved the location, the rural setting was peaceful yet close enough to grocery shopping, not to be a hassle. It was very convenient to Florence, Siena, Lucca and some of the most delightful smaller villages and hill towns.
Enjoyed Most:
We likes the conveniences that the apartment had to offer. The kitchen was rustic but had all the modern conveniences. The baths were spotless and the showers were excellent.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It was very hot while we were there but a nice fan was provided. We had no porblem sleeping, but it was warm during the day. Is also seems that it would be better for the office to be closed some day during the week other than Sunday. Editor's Note: Although the office is closed on Sunday, the manager is available at any time on her cell phone. The number is given to clients.
Surrounding Area:
It was lovely just to drive through the deserted country side and see the vineyards and olive groves. Every hill top offered a lovely view or village.
Nearby Events or Locales:
No towns within walking distance but only a short drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just take the advice of the ladies in the office, they never sent us wrong.
Directions:
We did use GPS and it worked perfectly except in downtown Florence where so many streets were closed for construction.
sam , September, 2008
Enjoyed Most:
The atmosphere, the grounds, coziness of the apartment.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We could hear the next door neighbors every time they turned on the water. Also, the TV only had 2 English stations.
Surrounding Area:
San Casciano was a quick 5 minute drive away, easy access to the highway, beautiful scenery.
Lauren, October, 2006
Enjoyed Most:
The property was exactly as described, and offered the most gorgeous views of the Tuscan landscapes. The people at the reception office were always very helpful and kind to us.
We cooked every night a big dinner, and were impressed by how well equipped the kitchen was.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The size of the shower was extremely reduced, and the hot water didn't last long. We solved this problem by having two people have their showers in the morning and two in the evenings.
Surrounding Area:
The property's location was ideal for us who wanted to drive around Tuscany. We visited many of the Tuscan towns - San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Siena, San Gimignano, Greve, Arezzo, Montefiridolfi, Bargino, and Cortona.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Bargino were not at a walking distance but easy and close enough to get there by car in less than five minutes.
Tips or Restaurants:
We brought a mesh bag to carry our groceries from the supermarket to the villa, and thought that was very convenient since they charge for the plastic bags.
On our last night we had dinner at Mamma Rossa's, and it was by far one of the best restaurants we visited. This restaurant is very close to the property. We didn't have any problems with bugs due to the cold weather, but were told that it is full of mosquitoes during the summer, so bring your bug spray!
Sara, March, 2006
Overall:
The villa was well equipped and had everything we needed to cook and make ourselves comfortable. The staff was also quite helpful.
Enjoyed Most:
The best part was the gorgeous property and it's convenience to Florence. You really felt like you were in the countryside, but we easily drove into Florence and parked the car in around 30 min. with light traffic.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The noise. It was unexpected since the area is very quiet, but our neighbors, separated only by a thin door, and the people who worked on the property, made quite a bit of noise. This occurred primarily in the mornings. Our unit was right next to the reception area so if our windows were open we could hear them. Also, there were no screens on the windows and bugs were plentiful.
Surrounding Area:
Everything. The area is filled with olive trees and vineyards and is beautiful at any time of day.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small towns were Bargino and San Casciano. Neither were in walking distance, but easy to get to by car.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring bug spray.
Joan, October, 2005
Overall:
We were very satisfied.
Enjoyed Most:
Views and sense of history were spectacular.
Unpleasant Surprises:
If I had to pick something, I'd say breakfast was pointlessly expensive. Also, the castle should have been open for access more.
Surrounding Area:
Access to Florence was great and the nearby towns were very interesting.
Tips or Restaurants:
Check out the restaurant in the hotel in the town just before San Casciano. Excellent!
Brendan, September, 2005
Overall:
Our sincere thanks for making this holiday so special for me and my Mom. The staff at the castle were very courteous, and we felt very safe, which isn't always the case when 2 women are traveling without their husbands.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything! It's difficult not to gush about this place - we would return in a minute. Two things stand out - the excellent customer service from the young women staffing the office. They were available for any help we needed, including how to use an Italian coffee maker!
Also, the apartment and grounds were gorgeous - my Mom said it was much nicer than where she had previously stayed. We felt safe, enjoyed the views, peace and quiet, and gorgeous pool.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Only one thing - our unit got a lot of noise from the adjoining unit - it was like they were in the same room with us, and they had a noisy dog.
Surrounding Area:
Everything - a fun area to drive with pretty views.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Nearest town by car that we frequented was San Casciano - a lovely spot we enjoyed.
Plus, Florence was easy to get to and spectacular of course.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a good map and your bathing suit - if I'd already seen Florence I would have spent the week at the pool!
Darla, September, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
We booked the property looking for a peaceful break, yet not far from key towns in Tuscany. The property met all these requirements.
Unpleasant Surprises:
A small thing really, the pool was in the shade most of the afternoon. Ok if you do not like full sun but if you are a sun worshiper, not so good. However, if you do this type of holiday, you probably would not be too concerned about obtaining a tan. But we liked a late afternoon dip after a hot day sightseeing and the sun was missing.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful Tuscan country. A car is essential.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Casciano was about five km away, not really walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Mamma Rossa, down the hill is an excellent restaurant
David, August, 2005
Overall:
There is so much to see, I felt like we needed another week to just take in the Tuscany Region. I would definetly come back, and stay at this castle. I highly recommend the massage from Bruna, and do the wine tasting if it is offered.
Enjoyed Most:
The location and the accommodations exceded our expectations. The grounds, especially the pool, where just beautiful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The mosquitoes were unbearable. For the first few nights, were had to sleep with our windows closed, not being able to enjoy the wonderful evening Tuscan breezes. Then we found out that we could get room repellents to plug in, which made a world of difference!
Surrounding Area:
Being in the center of the Chianti region, yet being so close to Florence and all the other hill towns. Favorite town was San Gimignano, a must for anyone traveling to this area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Casciano was the closest town, but not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Definitely ask for the plug-in bug repellents when you check in, especially if you are visitng in the SpringSummer season. We loved Mama Rosa Trattorina, which was located very near to the castle. A beautiful outdoor seating area, lit with candles and interesting food, great service.
Cyndi, June, 2005
Overall:
It was a wonderful break. We traveled with a young child and they were very helpful. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Enjoyed Most:
The views; the staff at the property were very helpful. The location was excellent for day trips to Siena, Lucca, Florence etc. The property had a charming rustic feel with city comforts.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Some of the utentials in the kitchen were ancient. They should invest in some more kitchen knives etc.
Surrounding Area:
The peace and quiet. Wonderful flowers and blooms everywhere. In the morning all the singing birds woke you up.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Castiano was a short drive away. It had all the shops you would need plus a market day every Monday for fresh fruit, meat etc.
Tips or Restaurants:
Conside bringing some basic kitchen tools, like a can opener and a good cutting knife.
Directions:
It is easy to find. Make sure that you a comfortable driving on very, very narrow roads with hairpin turns.
Check In Out:
It was fast and simple. In fact, we were late and they were very relaxed about it.
Sara, April, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
It was a wonderful mix of old age charm, history and convenience to destinations around Florence. The setting was magnificent and the villa was lovely, with the modern conveniences we desired inside the ancient exterior. Our Travel Advisor did a wonderful job finding the answers to the many questions we had about this property. We loved it and would enjoy going back to it.<
Unpleasant Surprises:
The winding road up to it!
Surrounding Area:
We were able to visit our son in Florence easily as well as a multitude of fascinating places all in a day's time frame.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town we visited once but it would be a difficult walk because of the narrow winding and hilly roads. It was not really within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would suggest that if you are interested in arranging for a chef's lesson, which we were, and a tour of the castle, that you understand that the times are limited and you should book it before their trip. We also did not know until too late that there was a Cantina on the property that could be opened on request. When we tried to arrange these things it was too late.
Susan, March, 2005