During our recent return to Siena we had the opportunity to check out several accommodations, two just outside the walls and one in the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Le Meridiane. One place we wanted to go back this trip was Le Meridiane where we had stayed in 1999 and again for two months in 2005. We met up with Angela who manages the property for her brother Andrea, and she was kind enough to show us the changes that had occurred since we were there last.
First off in the original building where we had stayed they are in the process of undertaking major remodeling of the rooms and that was good news. Second, they have finished the final phase of new apartments, all quite spacious with plenty of room and most with very nice views of the city.
They presently have a total of 27 apartments , with a large in-ground pool and two huge underground parking complexes:
Also available is a wonderful two-floor common area, outdoor wood-fired barbecue space and plenty of play space for children. One of the reasons we enjoyed Le Meridiane so much is that you can leave your car and take the bus into town (15 minutes to the city center) and this still makes it a good value. And speaking of value the prices are still some of the most reasonable in the area. Aside from a required 3-night's minimum in the summer, one can rent for any length of time they choose beginning any day of the week, no required Saturday-to-Saturday like so many other vacation self-catering rentals.
They do not presently offer internet connection in the apartments. And regarding kitchen facilities the referigerators tend to be the small undercounter models, and while some apartments did have four-burner cooktops others just had a two-burner unit. No ovens are presently available.
A very different sort of place is
Fattoria Montestigliano. Managed by British-born Susan Pennington, the
fattoria, a working farm, is only about 15 kms from Siena, perched on a high hill providing some of the most specatcular views not only of the Tuscan countryside but of Siena as well.
The apartments are really more individual "homes" and are all quite spacious (some in fact are very large indeed, designed for upwards to 10 and 12 people), and very well appointed. Parking is ample here and the views, as already mentioned are stunning. Two very large pools are available (Susan refers to them as the "quiet" pool and the "noisy" pool).
Each "house" has its own terrace, sitting area where one can just imagine sitting sitting a glass of prosecco on a warm summer evening before going inside and cook up some fresh pasta bought just that day, mixed with tomatoes, parsley, and whatever else tickles your fancy.
Speaking of food there are two meals provided during the minimum week stay, otherwise you're on your own. Susan is a walking wealth of local information and can help provide you with suggestions for just about anything you might want to see or do in the area.
During our four-day trip to Siena we stayed at the
Hotel Arcobaleno. This hotel is located about a 20-minute walk from the Porta Camollia, the nearest entrance in to the city center. Breakfast was good, the coffee delicious, and a little bar is available for a late afternoon
aperitivo or cup of tea or espresso. For a small fee internet service is available, including Wi-Fi.
There is a very good restaurant located on the lower level, the
Il Vecchio Pozzo (the old well).
The rooms are nice, the staff incredibly friendly; one in particular, Cristiana is a real gem and you should ask for her when you check in. The rooms are clean, well-appointed and we thought reasonably priced (online at any rate). (
photo below: entrance to the hotel off of via Fiorentina.)
The downside is the potential for noise, particularly in the summer time -- it's on a main street coming into the city from the north. While the parking is free it can be a bit hit-and-miss depending on how many guests are staying at the hotel. So check in early.
Although this is largely about Siena I did want to mention
Cascina delle Rose, a place we stayed in the Piemonte region, in the tiny hamlet of Tre Stelle just outside of the village of Barbaresco. For food and wine lovers Piemonte is probably the center of the universe. Giovanna, our hostess at this wonderful bed and breakfast produces her own Barbaresco in fact and was very helpful in helping us find our way around the steep hills and vineyards and lovely villages to discover one delicious meal and wine after a another. Oh and I should also mention, although I'm not original in this thought, but Giovanna's rooms have probably the best showers in Italy. Trust me on this.
For more images from this trip
click here!
