Uncover Tuscany's Hidden Gem: Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella!
Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella: Tuscany's Hidden Gem? Let's Find Out! (And My Honest, Unfiltered Thoughts…)
Okay, so you’re dreaming of Tuscany, right? Rolling hills, vineyards galore, that perfect Instagram shot… But let's be real, the region is packed. Finding something truly special, a place that whispers "authentic" instead of screaming "tourist trap," can feel like searching for a four-leaf clover in a wheat field. Well, I think I've found one. It's called Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella, and I’ve just finished my stay there. And honestly, I'm still processing it. It wasn't perfect - nothing ever is, right? - but it's definitely got its own thing going on.
First Impressions & The Rambling Start:
Right off the bat, this place isn’t your standard, cookie-cutter hotel. It's locanda, a traditional, smaller-scale inn, which is already a good sign in my book. Getting to Civitella is part of the adventure. Expect winding roads and breathtaking views. It's a little bit out there, which is precisely the point, isn't it? The feeling of escaping.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, As Always…
Let's talk brass tacks: Accessibility. This is super important, so I'm going to get down to it. They do list "facilities for disabled guests" but it's not entirely clear what that entails. There’s an elevator, which is a huge plus. However, this isn't a modern, purpose-built place, so maneuverability might be a challenge for some. I'll be honest: check directly with the hotel. Don’t assume! They also list "Rooms sanitized between stays," which is a huge plus.
Rooms: Cozy, Character-Filled, and Possibly Slightly…Rustic?
Alright, let’s delve into the details. (Available in all rooms): Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (YES!), bathroom phone (Seriously? Is this 1995?), bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker (thank goodness!), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor (some rooms), in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available (cool!), internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar (yay!), mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (meh), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale (seriously?), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers (a must for me), smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella (hallelujah!), visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and window that opens. Phew! That’s a lot.
My room was definitely charming. Think exposed beams, local art, and a general feeling of "lived-in elegance." The bed was comfy (essential!), and the free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). Though, the internet speed wasn't lightning-fast. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services). But hey, you're in Tuscany! Embrace the slow pace. I personally think it was a fantastic set up for a nice getaway.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: An Italian Feast (Mostly!)
The restaurant at Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella is a highlight, offering a lovely (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). The breakfast buffet was a good start, with a mix of fresh fruits, pastries, and all the coffee you could possibly want. Lunches and dinners offered amazing regional dishes. The (Happy hour) at the bar was a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. I was definitely happy. The (Poolside bar) was also great if you wanted to just relax outside.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Delights & Poolside Bliss… Mostly.
The spa! (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). Okay, here’s where things got really good. The pool with a view? Instagram gold. Seriously, I spent hours just lounging there, gazing at the Tuscan hills. The sauna and steam room? Heaven. I didn't go to the (Gym/fitness), because, well, I wanted to relax! The massages were divine. Honestly, I felt like a limp noodle afterwards.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic-Era Realities
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). They were taking it seriously, which I appreciated. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, masks were encouraged (though not always adhered to by other guests, sadly), and everything felt clean. Everything, and I mean everything, was spotlessly clean. That's a huge relief, and it made all the difference.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, essential condiments, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, projector/LED display, safety deposit boxes, seminars, shrine, smoking area, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, xerox/fax in business center. They have all the little things that make life easier – laundry service, luggage storage, etc. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations and bookings. The staff were friendly and attentive, always with a genuine smile.
Getting Around: Road Trip Required!
Getting around: Airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, valet parking. You absolutely, positively, need a car. Civitella isn't a place you can easily reach by public transport.
For The Kids:
Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Babysitting service, Kids meal. I didn't travel with kids, but the hotel seemed well-equipped for families, offering babysitting services and children’s meals.
The Good Stuff: What Makes Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella Special
- Location, Location, Location: The views! The tranquility! The feeling of being a million miles away from the crowds.
- The Food: Seriously good Tuscan cooking. Simple, fresh, and delicious.
- The Spa: A true oasis of relaxation.
- The Staff: Warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful.
- The Overall Vibe: It doesn't feel like a sterile hotel; it feels like a home away from home.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- Internet Speed: Not ideal for anyone needing to do serious work (though, again, embrace the digital detox!).
- Accessibility: Limited information. Double-check specifics if you have mobility needs.
- It's a Bit Out There: If you crave constant action and nightlife, this isn't the place for you.
So, Should You Book?
Absolutely, if you're looking for a relaxing, romantic, or simply peaceful getaway in Tuscany. This isn't a flashy, impersonal luxury hotel. It's a charming inn with a real heart, offering an authentic taste of Tuscan life.
Here's My Unfiltered Take:
I'd go back in a heartbeat. Despite the minor imperfections, the Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella really felt like a genuine, special place. It's a place where you can unwind, disconnect, and reconnect with yourself and the beauty of Tuscany.
SPECIAL OFFER (Because I Loved This Place So Much!)
Book your stay at Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella before [Date - Insert Date Here] and receive:
- **A complimentary bottle of local Tuscan wine upon arrival (Value: Pric
Alright, let's do this! Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella in Val di Chiana… sounds fancy, right? Truthfully, I went in a whirlwind, half-expecting to be surrounded by perfect, Instagram-ready Tuscan perfection. Ha! Reality… well, it's got more character, let's just say that. Here's the itinerary, or… the chaos-diary of my trip:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive Oil Revelation (and Maybe a Little Meltdown)
- 14:00: Arrived at Florence Airport. Good lord, the lines. I'm pretty sure I saw a woman weep openly because her luggage was delayed. Me? I was on the verge, until… taxi! Found a charming vintage taxi to Civitella. The drive was scenic, but I spent most of it battling my travel anxiety and muttering about whether I brought enough phone chargers. (Spoiler alert: I didn't.)
- 16:30: Check-in at the Locanda. Okay, the building? Stunning. Stone walls, ivy everywhere, a courtyard that screamed "poet needs a cigarette and a moment." My room, though… charmingly "rustic," aka tiny. The window, however? HUGE. The view of those rolling Tuscan hills was the first thing to make me calm.
- 17:00: Wandered around the borgo (the little village). Civitella itself is smaller than a postage stamp, with streets that wind like a drunk snake. Found a tiny shop selling local products. Bought a jar of something that might be jam. The shopkeeper grinned… I have no idea why.
- 18:00: Olive oil tasting at the Locanda. They gave us these tiny little cups, and poured this vibrant green liquid. The chef, a burly man named Luca with eyes that crinkled when he smiled, talked about the olives, the terroir, the magic. And then… I tasted it. Whoa. Like, actual mind-blowing, tears-welling-up-in-my-eyes, I-understand-everything-now olive oil. It was like the sun distilled. I bought a bottle. Probably shouldn’t have.
- 19:30: Dinner at the Locanda's restaurant. Okay, now the real test. The pasta? Hand-made happiness. The wine? I'm not a wine snob, but this one was… perfect. Sat next to a couple who didn't seem to be talking to each other, so I just ended up watching the pasta being made. A little awkward, but the food did it's job.
- 21:30: Stumbled back to my room, feeling pleasantly full and slightly tipsy. Tried to call home, failed. Fell asleep promptly to the sound of crickets and the faint smell of olive oil.
Day 2: Medieval Mayhem and a Chicken-Related Crisis
- 08:00: Wake up, finally fully feeling the effects of the wine. Breakfast at the Locanda. Not as grand as the dinner, but the croissants were heaven.
- 09:00: Explored the castle. Looked like a movie set.
- 11:00: Found a cute little shop and bought some postcards.
- 12:00: Lunch. I ordered a salad (trying to be a decent tourist).
- 13:00: The Chicken Incident. Okay, so picture this: a tiny, elderly woman walking through the borgo, carrying a live chicken under her arm. She tripped. The chicken took off. Pandemonium. I, in my infinite kindness, tried to help. The chase was hilarious. I’m 90% sure the chicken won.
- 14:00: Sat in the courtyard. Seriously, the architecture of this place is incredible. I found a bench under a fig tree and just sat there, zoning out. I needed it after the chicken fiasco.
- 16:00: Cooking class at the Locanda. Luca again! He was surprisingly patient with my complete lack of skill. We ended up making (and eating!) fresh pasta. I thought I couldn’t cook. Turns out? I can kind of, sort of, make pasta.
- 19:00: Another dinner at the Locanda. Luca caught me admiring the kitchen. He shared the recipe for his pasta. I'm going to attempt it when I get home, wish me luck!
- 21:00: Took a walk, got lost, and had a conversation in Italian with a dog. Ended up back at the Locanda.
Day 3: The Hunt For Perfection and a Lesson in Letting Go (aka, More Wine)
- 09:00: Breakfast, coffee, and the lingering scent of olive oil from the bottle I bought. Yep, that was still making the room smell wonderful.
- 10:00: Attempted to recreate a scene from a movie, failed, and got scolded by a local.
- 11:00: Wandered again. I was trying to find something…. magical. The perfect photo. The perfect memory. The perfect… well, you get the idea. It was starting to wear me down. I wasn’t enjoying the moment because I was too busy trying to enjoy the moment.
- 12:00: Found a bench, stared at the hills, and realised I was being an idiot.
- 13:00: Lunch at the Locanda. Luca saw my little moment and poured me extra wine.
- 14:00: Started packing.
- 16:00: Started drinking more, just to forget about packing.
- 18:00: Final dinner, with Luca, who was now practically family. Seriously, he was so welcoming.
- 20:00: Stumbled out of the Locanda, hugged Luca goodbye, and felt a pang of sadness. This little Tuscan village, with its wonkiness and its imperfections and its olive oil, had somehow gotten under my skin.
- 21:00: Waiting for the taxi, clutching my bottle of olive oil and grinning at the memory.
The Imperfections? Oh, there were plenty:
- I didn’t see everything. I got lost. I panicked. My Italian is… questionable.
- The weather? It drizzled a bit one afternoon. Drama!
- I probably spent too much on olive oil. But, seriously, it was worth it.
The Verdict?
This wasn't a perfect vacation. It was messy, chaotic, and sometimes hilarious. But it felt real. And that, I think, is much more important than perfection. I'll be back. And next time, I might even attempt to catch a chicken. Wish me luck, Italy!
Unbelievable LEGO Fun: Your LEGOLAND California Hotel Adventure Awaits!
So, what IS this place, really? Locanda Antico Borgo Civitella... sounds fancy. Is it?
Okay, location. Where *exactly* is this magical place? And is it a pain to get to?
The food! Tell me about the FOOD (and the wine!). Is it any good?
What's the vibe like? What kind of people go there?
Alright, alright, let’s talk rooms. What are they like? Are they… comfortable?
Is there anything to *do* there, besides eat and drink and stare at the view until my eyeballs explode with joy?
What if I speak ZERO Italian? Can I still enjoy myself?
Are there any downsides? Anything I need to be warned about?
Okay, the single best experience? Please! Make me dream!
