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Sleeps:
2 - 4
Single Bedrooms:
0
Double Bedrooms:
1
Bathrooms:
1
Type:
Apartment
Property #:
13992
Nearest Town:
Arezzo
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Washing Machine |
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In City |
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Dishwasher |
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Television |
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Based on 13 Reviews |
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Overall
Peace and Quiet
View
Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
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Overall:
We would definitely go back to Vita Bella - it's a perfect villa rental for 2 people.
To say that our experience was merely "wonderful" is an understatement! It was one of the most memorable experiences we've had in Italy, and we've been there six times. The owner is a lovely man, speaks very good English and provides lots of information. Take his recommendations, he won't steer you wrong! Try to learn a little Italian before you go, there is not a lot of English spoken and the Italians really appreciate the effort.
Enjoyed Most:
Vita Bella is incredibly comfortable and very well equipped. The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to cook, including spices, oil, etc. The bedroom is very dark and quiet, which we loved. There was lots of hot water and good pressure in the shower. It is in an excellent location, within walking distance of everything.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing - it was perfect!
Surrounding Area:
We really fell in love with Arezzo and spent the entire week exploring it, getting to know the locals, visiting every restaurant, bar, store and cafe we could possibly squeeze in. We loved every meal, cappuccino, and glass of Prosecco (and believe me, there were many)! We cooked Christmas dinner in because not too many restaurants were open, but the food shopping is terrific and we enjoyed cozying in. The shopping really surprised us, everything from great fashions, leather, lingerie, etc. to a bustling local market. The main street Corso Italia, is fabulous for the evening passeggiata. Very friendly locals.
Tips or Restaurants:
Don't need to bring a thing. Excellent restaurants for dinner La Curia, La Torre di Gnicche, I Tre Bicchieri, 83 Corso, Osteria Luchina very traditional, Le Chieve D'oro stylish and trendy. Bar Stefano for morning cappuccino. Caffe Costanti for evening Prosecco - very stylish, great music and atmosphere. All of the above are within walking distance.
Directions:
The owner arranged a driver to pick us up at the Florence airport as we felt the trains would be too busy at Christmas. But having read the directions, it would be easy to find.
Check In Out:
One of the easiest ever.
December, 2007
Overall:
Arezzo is a wonderful place to visit. It is not overrun by tourists. We enjoyed the peacefulness of the Piazza Grande, the soft colors of the buildings, the narrow streets in spite of the cars and vespas!. Sitting at the table in our large Tuscan kitchen and listening to opera music we felt that for a little while we could enjoy "la Dolce Vita".
Enjoyed Most:
We loved the location in Arezzo. The apartment was very comfortable and we felt very much at home. The rooms are spacious. The kitchen was well equipped for someone who enjoys cooking.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Parking is very difficult. You need to obtain a special permit to park within the walls and even then you're only allowed to enter or leave the walled city at specified hours. Parking outside of the city walls is not very practical.
Surrounding Area:
We loved the location in Arezzo. It is situated within the walls, behind the Piazza Grande with its lovely fountain, nice outdoor and indoor restaurants under beautiful arches. This is where the movie "A Beautiful Life" was filmed and you can see why they chose this location. It is about 15 minute walking distance from the railway and bus stations. About 10 minutes to the post office and supermarket. Cafes abound. A bakery with delicious breads is right around the corner as well as little shops where very good ready made food is available.
Nearby Events or Locales:
From Arezzo it is very easy to take some day trips to surrounding small towns by train or bus. The cost of public transportation is very affordable and accessible. We took day trips to Cortona and Perugia.
Tips or Restaurants:
We enjoyed buying bread and "brioches" at Pane e Salute where they make it. Purchased take out at Gastronomia Il Cervo where the food is delicious and the owner is a delight. Enjoyed some outdoor breakfasts at Caffe Vita Bella. Had a great lunch at Buca di San Francesco where they have a prix fixe. The gelato at Il Gelato is to die for!
Directions:
Our directions to Arezzo were good. Since it is a fairly large city, it is difficult to get to the property by car because of the maze of narrow and one way streets. The property is all the way on top. If you arrive by train and take a taxi; it is no problem.
Check In Out:
Riccardo, the owner, came to our rescue upon our arrival by car in Arrezo and directed us to the property. He gave us a ride back to the station. When you arrive tired from the trip it is hard to absorb all details provided about the apartment. Luckily, there are reference materials available in the apartment.
October, 2007
Overall:
The unit and surrounding area and town were just as described in your listing. Both were wonderful. Our rental unit had everything.
Enjoyed Most:
The best parts were the location in an old walled city, beautiful well stocked kitchen, and charm in every room. The washer was small but worked fine and was essential to a long stay. We stayed 3 weeks and always found things to do in town and the surrounding area.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The worst parts were the lumpy living room chairs and couch, hard and lumpy bed, and temperamental shower (you need to run it for 5 minutes to get the continuous hot water heater to stop cycling on and off).
Surrounding Area:
Arezzo is the perfect combination of an old walled city and modern suburbs, so you can eat lunch and dinner at about 20 excellent restaurants and visit the hill towns of Tuscany by day. We had a car but took the train to Florence and Rome to avoid parking problems. The train station was easily accessible in Arezzo and close to most things in Florence and Rome.
October, 2007
Overall:
If you are looking to live like the people in Italy, you will love this place. If you are looking for an American style hotel, this won't be for you. You have to walk from here to get just about anywhere, but it is close. It was perfect for us.
Enjoyed Most:
It was very convenient. We were about a 10 minute walk to the train station. The bus station was outside the train station and there was an excellent tourist information office that was a huge help. There were a lot of very good restaurants within a few blocks of the apartment, and we were close to a very nice bakery and other stores to get everything we needed.
The apartment is in a building that was build in the late 15th or early 16th century. There is a fresco on the wall dated 1568 that was uncovered when they renovated it. It was very clean and nicely decorated. The owners were just great. They filled the refrigerator before we arrived with water and left us a welcome basket which really came in handy.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We liked everything. If I had to put something, I would say it is at the top of the hill, which seemed to be the case with a lot of places in Italy. The walk home at night up the steep hill was a little tough a couple of times after a big dinner.
Oh yes, the taxi driver we got at the train station could not find it. It is tucked behind the Piazza Grande on a small street that wasn't on the maps.
Surrounding Area:
We loved Arezzo. It was a beautiful town. There was a good bit to see. The people were friendly and helpful. Arezzo has one of the better train stations and it is easy to get anywhere. We took the morning train to Rome and took the bus to Siena and Cortona which is a must-see place.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in Arezzo. Everything was convenient.
Tips or Restaurants:
You need good comfortable shoes, and plan to do a lot of walking. In September the weather was great but you need a light sweater at night.
The apartment is directly behind the Loggia on the Piazza Grande. There are several good restaurants in the Loggia, but they are all fairly expensive. There is an excellent restaurant across the plaza by the fountain I cannot remember the name that was outstanding and more reasonable.
Directions:
The directions we had were good, but the taxi driver could not find it. The roads in this part of Arezzo change names without warning and the street where this apartment is located is only about a half block long. We called the owner however and he met us at the Piazza.
Check In Out:
The owner had a welcome basket for us, and had stocked the refrigerator with water. He was very nice and very helpful.
September, 2007
Enjoyed Most:
It is very spacious.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Shower lacked water pressure.
Surrounding Area:
It was heaven! It was a central location and it was very quiet.
Check In Out:
Owner was a real gentleman, very friendly.
November, 2006
Enjoyed Most:
This property was fully equipped. It was steps away from the Grand Piazza and about a block away from a beautiful park. It was exactly as described on the website and exceeded our expectations. The location was excellent. Right in the heart of the old city of Arezzo. Also, the property was spotless and fully equipped with everything you may need. Highly recommend this property
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing I liked it all.
Surrounding Area:
It was an easy trip by train to Florence. Florence was wonderful.
Tips or Restaurants:
There are too many good restaurants to mention, all within walking distance. The only caveat I would mention is that the apartment may be difficult for someone who has difficulty walking, as it is situated on a steep hill that is paved with cobblestones. However for us that was not a problem. Arezzo is a beautiful city-town and plenty to see, people were friendly, and the food was great. There are many other towns nearby that you can reach by bus or car, however we chose to spend a day in Florence, and another day by train to Milan, and the rest of our week we explored and enjoyed Arezzo.
Check In Out:
There was a slight delay in meeting at the property but all was resolved quickly . I would suggest that renters contact the owners prior to arriving.
October, 2006
Overall:
Some here have faulted the view but we liked it. The kitchen and living room windows overlooked a small plaza on which residences fronted. Bright sunlight would pour in and we'd hear the nearest church's bells plus those from the nearby Piazza Grande. The owner, Riccardo, who speaks fluent English, could not have been more welcoming, helpful and nice. He greeted our taxi on arrival, showed us every feature and appliance, gave us lots of advice for our visit, and at the end arranged for our early morning taxi to leave.
Enjoyed Most:
The apartment is about 150 feet from Arezzo's exquisite Piazza Grande, in a small residential building. It's an easy walk to any part of Arezzo, including the train station and Avis car rental office. The apartment is charming, comfortable, quiet and completely equipped. The owner is extremely helpful and welcoming. He greeted us with well-organized travel information, tips on local restaurants and sights, and a kitchen basket filled with pasta, cookies, orange juice, bottled water, canned tomatoes, local olive oil, and a loaf of fresh bread. We couldn't have felt more welcomed.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Parking is difficult because the apartment is in the center of town. The bedroom has only a very small window so it is dark and we wished there was brighter lighting to make it easier to read. The TV only receives Italian television and we were wishing for CNN, but maybe it's okay to really get away sometimes!
Surrounding Area:
Arezzo is a very beautiful, small city, famous for its frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In addition to touring Arezzo itself, it is also an ideal place from which to tour Tuscany and nearby Umbria. The train station is on a train line that goes through many famed Tuscan towns and it's just a little over an hour to Florence.
Tips or Restaurants:
There is no telephone, which is increasingly common for such rentals, so bring your own cell phone. If you love to cook, the kitchen is a dream and there's every pan and tool you could need and the local markets are excellent. There's a TV, but only Italian stations, a VCR and a CD player if you want to bring movies or music. The owner provided a few thoughtful toiletries, such as a shower cap, in the way a hotel does. And there's a hairdryer.
Directions:
If you arrive by train, there is a taxi stand in front of the station. The apartment is an easy 5 minute ride. If you are driving, be prepared for narrow, one-way streets -- you may want to call the owner as you approach Arezzo to arrange a rendezvous point so he can guide you to the apartment's exact locale and help with parking.
Check In Out:
Riccardo could not have made the process any easier or effective.
September, 2006
Enjoyed Most:
The location in the old part of town, near the park and close to square. Also, the apartment was spacious and well equipped.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The view and lack of nearby parking.
Surrounding Area:
Arezzo was a fun town to walk. Also, easy access to major roads to day trip to other Tuscany towns.
Tips or Restaurants:
Plan on parking outside the city walls. Inside is reserved to residents most of the day and you will be fined if any cameras catch your car license plate.
Directions:
Arezzo is very difficult to navigate once inside the city. Since you are required to park outside the city walls, a parking lot needs to be located before hand that is close to the apartment.
Check In Out:
Owner of property met us during the designated time frame. He was very helpful.
October, 2005
Overall:
The owners are wonderful. There was a welcome basket of food and they took such great care of us. The personal touch was so nice
Enjoyed Most:
lLved Vita Bella.. Beautiful, comfortable, easy place to be.
Surrounding Area:
So easy to walk all around Arezzo. Tiny shops, good food, very family oriented
Tips or Restaurants:
Go to the park at the top of the hill around 10 or 11 at night. The whole town turns out to socialize and it's great. My nine-year old kicked his soccer ball around and had a great time up there- There is a playground, as well
Check In Out:
The owner's mother met us and explained everything and was so nice
July, 2005
Overall:
The owner are very nice and helpful, both Riccardo and Laura speak English. And ladies, if you like Prada, the outlet is only a half-hour drive away! Ask Laura for direction.
Enjoyed Most:
Convenient and a lot to do.
The apartment is right next to the Piazza Grande. We stayed there for three weeks, and didnt get bored. There is a lot to do in the city itself, everything is within walking distance, from the park to the train station, the churches, museums, many stores and restaurants. Outside the city, there are many historical hill towns within an hour drive - Cortona, Monte San Savino, Anghiari, Pienza, Montepulciano etc. Easy train ride to Firenze - 45 minutes on the IC - InterCity train, and Roma - 2 hours on the IC.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful rolling hills, olive trees, and grape vines. Beautiful frescos in the churches. Old towns with hundreds or thousands years of history.
Tips or Restaurants:
The apartment has some travel books and novels. It has pretty much everything we need, including a coffee maker and hair dryer. In the kitchen, the owner give us milk, water, cereal etc, enough to get by until we were ready for the grocery store. There is a PAM near the train station. There is another PAM and Ipercoop, like a Walmart in the US farther away. There are many good restaurants in Arezzo. The owner has a folder in the apartment that has all the information you need. If you can't wait till 8PM for dinner, Gastronomia IL Cervo is a good place to get home-made pasta, pasta sauce, cooked meat, salad etc to bring home. We went there five times, all very tasty.
Directions:
We met Riccardo at the train station and he led us to the apartment. It is tricky to drive in Arezzo, many streets are one way, plus certain areas you can't drive during certain hours. We had Italy GPS, which was very useful.
May, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The kitchen was absolutely incredible. It was fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes - everything you could want - and on top of that there is a fresco in the bedroom that's incredible.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was a bit of construction in progress while we were there - which took away from the view, I believe - but aside from that, the property was amazing.
Surrounding Area:
Right around the corner - quite literally - is a huge park overlooking the entire area. Arezzo at one point was a walled city - and this park eicorporates one of the old fortress towers. There was a great place up on top of the tower-building with a field that we sunned in - and the lower part of the park is great for walking or running and is frequented by many locals. Also - the antique fair, the first weekend of each month, surrounds the apartment . The front door is approximately 50 feet from the square where vendors set up camp. If you like antiques, it is worth it to try and get there the first weekend.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The apartment was at the top of Arezzo - and by at the top, I mean it. To get downtown was fine, but returning home was a bit of an uphill trek, depending on the route taken. However, everything was within walking distance, assuming decent health
Tips or Restaurants:
The apartment was fully stocked - though bringing a portable music player or some books for park lounging may be a good idea. We spent hours laying in the warm sun listening to music and reading. In the apartment there was a huge notebook filled with suggestions on eateries and places to see. And if you don't mind a 15-minute walk to, and probably a 20-minute walk back, there is a supermarket for stocking up. Thers also a great fruit and veggie market halfway down the hill. The guys working there were incredibly helpful and tried to teach me some Italian, too. The property has a unique bathroom - a rain-like showerhead with no curtain and the entire room is stone - so it takes a while if you like a hot shower.
Directions:
By chance, the owner was able to pick us up at the train station. As recommended, a taxi would be the easiest route, however, it would be possible to walk. There were only three turns, but the walk is uphill, and I don't recommend it if you have a lot of luggage.
April, 2005
Overall:
This was a city apartment. Thus there was no garden, but the hosts had flowering window boxes. Being in the city, the outside view was not its best feature, but the inside had a genuine fresco which was wonderful to have for our own for our stay. We had a hard time leaving and would love to return to the same property. Good access to bus and train--maybe 10 minutes., historical churches, shops, etc. And it was fun living so close to the sights in the movie, Life is Beautiful. We were just across the street from where Maria threw down the key! And the evening stroll was special and close to our apartment.
Enjoyed Most:
Great location. Good access to Arezzo and surrounding area by bus or train. The hosts were wonderful and very accommodating. Very well stocked for our convenience. Didn't feel like a tourist.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It would be handy to have your own phone.
Surrounding Area:
Toscana is beautiful with many small towns and even larger cities within 1-3 hours of Arezzo by bus or train. Cortona, Siena, San Gimignano, Assisi, Florence, etc. We even took the train to Milan and near Venice. The APT was very helpful in informing us of times, routes, helping make reservations in Italian as needed. But Arezzo was fun to just wander around in and enjoy itself.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Arezzo was fun itself and you could walk easily from the apartment to much of the historical district.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a sweater in March as the walls are thick and keep the apartment cool. The heater works well. It was great to have a washing machine--but the instructions were in Italian.
Directions:
Make sure you can use the Italian telephone system so you can let the host know you have arrived in town. We took a taxi to the apartment by his instructions and he met us there. It would have been tricky to find on our own the first time, but not after we knew where it was.
March, 2004
Overall:
We loved the central location and the city of Arezzo. The owner was accessible and always very accommodating to our needs.He left a scrapbook with suggestions to help us acclimate ourselves to Arezzo and its surrounding areas. We were very comfortable and would not hesitate to go back there again.
Enjoyed Most:
The shops, antiques, churches, museums, restaurants all within walking distance. We never felt like tourists in Arezzo and we enjoyed shopping in the awesome supermarkets. We loved the people and of course the Tuscan food.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Parking situation was problematic at times. Food stores close early on Saturday and all day Sunday.
Events or Locales:
Lake Trasimeno, Cortona and Siena. Piero della Francesca's 15th century frescoes in Arezzo are beautiful!
Tips or Restaurants:
Future renters should be aware that the apartment is at the top of a hill and may be difficult to access for some people. Restaurant "La Curia" and the restaurants in Piazza Grande (Loggia Vasari).
August, 2003
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