Beautiful hotel spa and restaurant We have traveled from…read moreTuscany Pisa sienna now here Tolls grab the ticket pay 1-2 euro when you get exit FYI This is located close to town coop is the closest store Shopping and site seeing can be done in the next town Monticantina Location gym is great lots of equipment Full bar and restaurant Good breakfast spread Steam room and sauna

I was sort of surprised based on the good reviews. I expected more from the restaurant and bar,…read moreexpect to pay astronomical prices for mediocre taste and experience. 18-22 euro a drink? Give me a break. Want anything in the room? 20+ euro for 1/3 bottle of wine. ALWAYS go off the resort for dinner and drinks, it's worth the walk. Over priced and under whelming. Staff was not nearly as helpful as all the other hotels we have had. They booked us a taxi to a train station that the taxi driver said has been inoperable for FIVE YEARS. I totally understand missing construction when it is new, but 5 years? Thankfully the taxi driver redirected us to a train station 20 minutes away. I probably wouldn't recommend this place. Worth visiting the Grotta, not worth the price of the hotel or the unhelpful staff

We decided to stay in a hotel in Livorno vs an airBNB, bc we wanted a change of pace. Apts in…read moreItaly tend to be small, and the showers are tiny. The Palazzo is the nicest hotel in Livorno, and has been in biz for over 100 yrs. It has great views of the water fr the rooftop bar & restaurant. Single rooms were about €150,00 including taxes & fees. The rooms were spacious, and the bathrooms were good sized and inc a tub. We indulged in the bar & apps, bfast buffet and dinner during our stay. The service was excellent, but the pricing is high. For an example, an Americano cocktail was €18,00 vs elsewhere the drink would have been €8,00. Secondarily, the buffet is €22,00, but did not have made to order items. The scrambled eggs were runny, and the sausage were like hot dogs. I stuck to the charcuterie, boiled eggs, fresh fruit and croissants. I also grabbed take away for mija & ITC, that dropped the actual cost closer to €7,00/person. Lastly, dinner was +€100,00 for two entrees, a salad, a dessert and one glass of wine. All in all, a positive stay bc of the rooms, the location and excellent service. Apparently the Palazzo is popular for weddings and bachelorette parties too. I'm glad the Italian version of the latter are more tame vs the crap you see in Vegas - LOL!

I know I'm rating hotel, but I have to start with the food. I'll try to take a picture tomorrow…read moremorning of the breakfast buffet. It was beautiful - inside and out. Yes, inside of my belly. They have these small pizza bites (for breakfast - it's like college, I know) that were so amazing. The hotel is clean, the prices reasonable, the Internet fast and free and the parking is absolutely easy and free as well. If you pay for a small upgrade, you get a beach view. There's also a fitness studio with technogym equipment and a spa (spa I haven't tried). The TV has a few international channels. Everything fancy shmancy, you could say. My boyfriend wants me to add: the toilet paper roll isn't properly attached to the wall and there is some mold along the bathtub.

We had the most amazing stay!!! Every single staff member was wonderful. We ate most of our meals…read moreon the premises, and our meals were excellent! Even our driver Marian, our driver for two days, was unbelievable. All of the places he suggested to us were perfect for our group. He was on time and went above and beyond in every way. I would highly recommend Castello Di Casole. You will not be disappointed!!!!

There are certain places in this world that deserve a visit. Not because they have beautiful…read morearchitecture or fantastic gastronomy or the perfect example of nature. But because they are a bit of everything that is represented in what I consider "life well lived". I stole that line from Montage hotels by the way. Anyway, Casole is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Located in the center of Tuscany just minutes from Siena, Florence, Volterra , Montalcino etc. it not only provides a convenient spot to home base your exploration of Tuscany but it does it with a beauty and experience that you will never forget. The grounds are made up of gardens, olive trees and vibrant colorful flowers. The stone work on the grounds and buildings is old world Italy mixed with a modern day burst of colors. The pool is stunning and overlooks the rolling hills. The restaurants are amazing and food is fantastic. And not to forget the service. Unbelievable. It's like the staff should be dining with you. They are your family but never loose sight of there mission. Memorable experience. Note. This is not a resort you experience on a budget. It is pricey, but value for the experience is well worth it. I must make one comment hopefully for the Belmond executives and directors to read. I struggled between 4 and 5 stars. Now based on my review, there is no question that 5 stars should be in order. Here's my only issue and someone needs to address this at the management level. I have been coming to Casole for years. It is again one of my favorite spots on earth. Recently the timbers company sold the resort to Belmond who is owned by LVNH. This is good to me because I am a big fan of the company. Now the issue. There seams to be a disconnect between the timbers resorts and Belmond. Timbers is still in control of the farm houses from my understanding. Those Of us that have fractional access through Timbers use the hotels services and grounds while we stay in farmhouses it villas. This process in the past was always seamless and without issue. But upon arrival we were greeted very differently. The hotel reception was very indifferent and acted as though we could not use the facility's because and I quote, "we were staying with a different company then Belmond and things like room service may not be possible". Now obviously I got this issue fixed quickly but just the separation feeling between the two company's is apparent. Needs to be fixed. I kept my 5 stars anyway because I think the place deserves it even with this issue. Castello di Casole. A must visit in Tuscany.

We stayed 5 nights here on an independent Gate 1 tour, and I loved it! It's classic Europe with…read moresmall rooms, tiny elevator, and probably not great heat/ac. But it's the perfect middle of Tuscany spot for access to day trips. It's in the perfect location to walk anywhere worth seeing/doing/eating/drinking in Montecatini. Easy parking all around pretty close too. I highly recommend. And the temperature in the rooms was great in the fall weather. I never did eat breakfast, but it looked great!

Definitely would recommend. The hotel itself is conveniently located in the city and there are…read moreplenty of eating options in walking distance. The train station is two blocks away. The rooms are comfortable and the bathroom in our room was recently remodeled and upgraded. Breakfast was a very nice selection of typical European breads, cold cuts, fruit, yogurt and eggs. The staff is truly outstanding. They went out of their was to be accommodating and all were very friendly. Our original room was across from the plaza and there was a band playing for a party late, they immediately moved us to an inside room, no questions. Breakfast staff likewise was very helpful. Only reason the hotel didn't get 5 stars is you could feel the faded elegance, like it was once a destination for the upper crust that was now more middle class. Did nothing to detract from the comfort, value, or the staff, just something to be aware of if you are expecting a brand new hotel experience. If traveling to Tuscany and staying in Montecatini, I would stay again without hesitation. BTW, park in any of the blue street parking locations around the hotel and then get the parking pass from the hotel when you check in. The pass let's you park in those spots unlimited.

Il mio soggiorno presso Villa Sermolli è stato niente meno che un incubo. Sin dal momento del…read morecheck-in, è stato chiaro che l'hotel aveva poca o nessuna preoccupazione per il comfort dei suoi ospiti. La receptionist, che ha mostrato una totale mancanza di empatia, ci ha assegnato una camera proprio sopra il loro rumoroso ristorante e accanto a un giardino dove era in corso una chiassosa festa di matrimonio. In quella cosiddetta camera "tranquilla", sembrava di avere un posto in prima fila per ogni pasto nel ristorante. Il tintinnio di posate, il chiacchiericcio dei commensali e il rumore dei piatti sembravano accadere proprio intorno al mio letto. E nemmeno cominciamo a parlare del giardino, che era una cacofonia di rumori che echeggiavano nella nostra camera, rendendo impossibile dormire. Ho cercato di affrontare il problema con la receptionist non una, ma due volte, e la sua risposta è stata completamente inutile. Ha semplicemente scrollato le spalle e ha sostenuto che non poteva fare nulla. Le ho ricordato che la ragione per cui avevo scelto questa fuga in campagna era per sfuggire al rumore e godermi una notte tranquilla. È stata una promessa che l'hotel non è riuscito a mantenere. Come se ciò non bastasse, la situazione del parcheggio dell'hotel è stata un disastro. Si vantavano di avere un parcheggio, ma in realtà non ce n'era uno da trovare. Ho dovuto parcheggiare la mia auto a un quarto di miglio di distanza, il che è stato estremamente frustrante e un notevole disagio. In sintesi, la mia esperienza presso Villa Sermolli è stata un completo disastro. Se esistesse una valutazione che andasse in territorio negativo, guadagnerebbero un sonoro meno 5. Consiglio vivamente a chiunque stia considerando di soggiornare qui di risparmiare i loro soldi e trovare sistemazioni che mettano effettivamente al primo posto il comfort e il benessere dei loro ospiti. Villa Sermolli è un posto da evitare a tutti i costi. My stay at Villa Sermolli was nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment I checked in, it was clear that the hotel had little to no concern for its guests' comfort. The receptionist, who exhibited a complete lack of empathy, assigned us a room right above their noisy restaurant and next to a garden where a raucous wedding party was in full swing. In that so-called "peaceful" room, it felt like I had a front-row seat to every meal in the restaurant. The clinking of cutlery, the chatter of diners, and the clatter of dishes were as if they were happening right around my bed. And don't even get me started on the garden, which was a cacophony of noise that echoed through our room, making it impossible to sleep. I tried to address this issue with the receptionist not once, but twice, and her response was utterly unhelpful. She simply shrugged and claimed there was nothing she could do. I reminded her that the very reason I chose this countryside retreat was to escape the noise and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep. It was a promise the hotel failed to deliver on. As if that weren't enough, the hotel's parking situation was a disaster. They boasted about having parking, but in reality, there was none to be found. I had to park my car a quarter of a mile away, which was beyond frustrating and a significant inconvenience. In sum, my experience at Villa Sermolli was a complete disaster. If there were a rating that went into negative territory, they would earn a resounding negative 5. I strongly advise anyone considering staying here to save their money and find accommodations that actually prioritize their guests' comfort and well-being. Villa Sermolli is a place to avoid at all costs.

Really enjoyed our stay here. It was peaceful with lovely surroundings. Best shower we had in…read moreItaly. Both the hotel and restaurant staff were lovely, accommodating and helpful without being stuffy. And the food was very tasty. Definitely recommend staying and dining here.

This hotel is great! The room was spacious and overlooked their beautiful garden. It was very clean…read moreand well kept. My wife and I stayed for three nights while in Siena. They had a lovely continental breakfast every morning, which we ate in the garden overlooking the incredible view and hillside of the Tuscan landscape. I highly recommend this hotel over something that lacks the views.

Just amazing! Our room looked out over the garden and the hills beyond Siena and it was as if we…read morewere looking out at a painting. The room itself was just beautiful with a lovely bathroom. The staff were super friendly and the whole experience just first rate. The hotel is convenient to all the attractions, great restaurants and also a nice little supermarket. They have an electric kettle and instant coffee in the room as well as a fridge. It was so nice to be able to enjoy a coffee before heading out for the day. They do offer parking for 10 Euros a day, and clear instructions on how to get in and out of the City without getting fined! Remember, the City center is a no drive area for non residents. Just do as the hotel indicates and you will be fine. The other recommendation is to book directly, they assured me they charge less than going through Booking or Expedia and will also discount if you pay in cash.

The best hotel I've ever stayed in. Period. My wife and I stayed here on our honeymoon and hardly a…read moreday goes by when I don't think about it. The grounds are beautiful, our room was enormous and the staff paid attention to every detail during our stay. My wife and I just renovated our house and we put in a pool and landscaping that borrows from the aesthetic of Castello del Nero's pool area. We are already planning to return for my 40th birthday...3 Years from now. We spent 3 weeks in Italy at 6 different hotels and this is the only one I think about and have to return to. The restaurants are both amazing and the breakfast is the best we had on our trip. If I could give 10 stars I would, so if you're even considering a stay at Castello del Nero I'd say look no further...it's time to book a reservation.

My husband and I stayed here 4 nights of a two-week trip to Italy to celebrate our 10 year wedding…read moreanniversary. This hotel is a really high-end boutique hotel that really goes above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience for all guests. The hotel is conveniently located in a small town about 30-40 minutes by car from Florence (between Florence and Siena). It is in the Chianti wine region of Tuscany. We stayed in a basic room, which was very nice. It was very large (one of the largest hotel rooms I have ever stayed in that wasn't a suite). There was a welcome bottle of champagne (already chilled for us) as well as a bottle of red wine and a huge basket of fresh fruit ready for us on our coffee table. There was a hand-written note to us that was a nice personal touch. The room had a beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside. The things that really stood out to me were: 1. Complimentary welcome champagne and wine 2. Abundant fruit basket that got replenished daily. 3. Complimentary bottled still and sparkling water replenished daily. 4. A pillow menu for guests! 5. Full breakfast every morning included with the room - there were 10 different kinds of milk out to suit everyone's preference (almond, soy, rice, goat, etc.) 5. The very nice spa 6. The setting of course! You literally couldn't ask for a more picturesque place! 7. Complimentary up to date movies on your TV 8. Great hiking trails right on the property My only (very small) complaints are that there was no dresser or shelves in the room - I had nowhere to unpack any of my folded clothes (there is only hanging space in the closet), and the mattress is very firm (this is just a personal issue though!). This hotel is very special and truly understands how to deliver a higher than 5-star experience to guests. I would highly recommend it for honeymooners, or anyone wanting a relaxing getaway in a beautiful place!

Ambiance is great, food and service mediocre. Very salty and heavy on sauce. We did not have…read morereservations. Not sure if that had any influenced?

The food is delicious, beautifully prepared, the service excellent and the view is a treat. We have…read moreenjoyed coming here for 15 years whenever possible and the past 3 weeks Sunday lunch has been a gift. Thank you

The pros: Service in EVERY AREA of the hotel was 5 stars. Our Maitre D' said it best "we want the…read morespirit of our service to match the manner of our service." The room was matchless, expect the normal wear and tear of a older hotel, we opted for the suite, good decision. I would visit here any time of year. Not just the summer, as I write this a thunderstorm rages in the ocean across the street. I am a steam room, (Turkish bath), aficionado, theirs is the best so far, (compare to Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara). The staff was matchless throughout the hotel. The breakfast was more than expected, They quickly learned how I liked my coffee and would bring it to me as I arrived, much to my delight. The food was more $ than I expected, however - it was less $ than it should have been, our best meal in Italy. The con: The spa needed some mild training, (I think if my Italian was better or their English was a piccolo better it would have been easier, but the facility was impressive. Expect function over form.

We stay for a week until July 20,2018 We had a one bedroom…read moresuite. Rooms are okay, service is not. I think the management have to do some changes before they have other unhappy customers. For examples , the tv on the bedroom doesn't work properly, the entrance door handle was loose for a long time until broke done completely. We went to the pool and order coffee and the biggest surprise ( never in other 5 starts hotel uraound the world) after we give the bar tender the room number we had to sign first before the coffe was serve. Just doesn't make any sense. For the car parking we were told $29 per day. On the bill was $39 per day, the explanation was that the car was inside in the parking, not outside. That's okay if we were told up front and we can deside if he have choice.

Very nice hotel...the location is perfect! The breakfast in the on site restaurant is…read moregreat...endless choices and great cappuccinos. The suite was beautiful...shower was amazing You want for nothing and you can just sit on your porch and take it all in. Soany great place to eat...highly recommend Torre out near the castle on the end of the point. The ferry is like 100 feet away and you can ride it all day for a flat fee. Saw all 5 villages and had a blast. My only negative was that the bed is super firm...you might like that but I do not. There is a wonderful spa that is tied to the hotel...highly recommend to relax and set the tone for your stay. Portovenere is quiet at night and full of life during the day. They even have a private beach across the street! This is a.magival place...it is full of history and adventure.

The Grand Hotel Portovenere is a most beautiful hotel in a prime location. My stay here was the…read morehighlight of my trip! The area is incredibily beautiful: at the entrance of the Gulf of Poets: the deep blue Mediterranean sea becons with islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto in view along with dramatic San Pietro. The hotel is elegant and retains its history in its respectful and beautiful architecture. In the midst of such beauty, the staff and management make everything truly magic! From the warmest of welcomes to taking care of every detail with genuine kindness and consideration, the experience is heartfelt and magic!!! Great compliments to the chefs for the preparation of meals with delicate flavors highlighting the high quality ingredients. The team even made a dish that I had spoken to them about... a true surprise and absolute delight!! I recommend enjoying the experiences that can be arranged by the gracious staff. I had wonderful experiences in the cooking class with a truly talented chef who was informative, made delicious dishes and was fun! In addition, the sunset cruise experience was truly breathtaking! The boat was beautiful with a great Skipper, who showed me the natural beauty of the Portovenere area that can only be appreciated from the aspect of the sea: the black and gold marble caves, the beautiful islands and the views from the sea towards the Carrara mountains. The lovely aperitivo prepared by the hotel team made it perfect! The beautiful property, prime location and wonderful experiences make this a wonderful and grand place but what truly makes this a special Grand Hotel is the amazing staff led by their General Manager, Mr.. Polesel. They are gracious, warm and phenomenal at what they do!!! I am grateful to have been able to spend time here and will return soon!!!.