Villa la Grotta
About the Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel
- Charming restored mansion in the Tuscan countryside
- The large rooms have fantastic views over the Chianti hills
- We were impressed by the pretty gardens, outdoor pool and warm service
- There's free Wi-Fi and parking on site
Overview
Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, ancient hamlets and churches, Villa la Grotta offers guests a quintessentially Tuscan experience in the Chianti region. This pale-pink historic mansion was once the home of the Duke of Aosta and has been sympathetically restored to become a charming 12-room property with pretty gardens, and warm, friendly staff.
The little village of Laterina and its castle are a 10-minute drive away, or it's a pleasant ride on one of the hotel's bikes (charges apply). Don’t miss the Il Borro winery, owned by the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion family, which is a few minutes' drive over the hill. The hotel is an hour by car from Siena and Cortona, traditional Chianti villages that are both worth exploring. Arezzo (15 minutes away by car) is host to one of the biggest antique fairs in Italy on the first weekend of each month.
There is no on-site restaurant at Villa la Grotta, but platters of tasty local olive oil, local salami, cheese and fresh bread are available and a laid-back but tasty continental breakfast is included each morning. The village of San Giustino Valdarno, a 15-minute walk away, has a very good gelato shop (Café Marissa) and pizzeria (Bruno's Pizza).
The rooms are spacious and have stunning views of the surrounding countryside -- the three classic rooms even have a shared roof terrace. Upgrade to a higher category for an extra sofa bed and a small kitchenette, with cutlery, crockery, a mini fridge and hob. One of the suites (Caravaggio) has two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it suitable for families or groups. Some rooms have rustic open fireplaces, but there is an extra charge for lighting a fire.
This is a historic building so there is no lift, but staff will happily help with bags. Pets are welcome at no extra charge and there is free parking and Wi-Fi throughout. The outdoor pool is not heated and is open seasonally, and massages and facials can be organised on request.