Travellers Reviews
Submitted by Christoph Dr.Eschenfelder, Kiel, Germany
Please specify the price per day/week combined with the included service more detailed. For example: bed and breakfast combined with a daily price suggests a fare that includes the breakfast.
If not, you should specify a price for the breakfast per day and person.
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Casabella is a place to enjoy the beauty of Tuscan nature. There is enogh beauty and place to stay, but you will reach a lot of cities and villages within 30 minutes.
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A stonethrow away from Florence, but located on the hills of the Rufina area in the Tuscany - a peaceful place to stay with all you need for not leaving the Hotel - but close to all relevant cities and places in the area. Combined with an excellent staff: a strong recommendation for a successfull and unforgetable stay in Tuscany.
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Submitted by Pamela Merrick, Tulsa, United States
If you would change the directions to have you turn left at the light instead of the restaurant at Secia.And there are no signs pointing to Casabella. But other than that, everything was great and if you follow directions easy to find.
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The staff was great. The food was exellent! Our cooking class with Atlanta, the chef was most enjoyable. Our stay was very relaxing and exacly what we wished for.
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Situated on a hilltop in the most relaxing and beautiful place.It is the perfect Tuscany experience. Even the wind, and we had some very windy day's, didn't dampen the experinece.
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Submitted by Craig Karlen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Craig has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 75% value and his check-out with a 78% rate. |
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Submitted by Pavleta Todorova, Sofia, Bulgaria
There were less pillows and blankets available than the number of guests but the lady at the reception resolved the problem very quickly
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The lady at the pool bar was not very experienced. The pool bar service can be improved. The restaurant at Casa Bella was working only with reservations.
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They charged us some additional extras that were alredy paid at the pool bar.
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no
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Very nice place - marvalous view, garden, bbq, facilities in the appartments. The only small discomfort was that there is a crossroad nearby and it is a little bit noisy at the morning
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Submitted by Tommy Hellsten, 04130 Sibbo, Finland
It was almost impossible to find the place, no road signs anywhere, except one in the immediate vicinity of the place. Otherwise everything was exellent, the staff was polite and very friendly. We really enjoyed our stay.
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see above
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It was pretty difficult to reach the nearby towns without having rented a car.
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We'd recommend it as a a very nice place with friendly staff and good service. Especially we appreciated the visit to the wine cellar with the tasting of the excellent Chianti Ruffina. The owner Faye (?) really did her best in introducing us to the production of their wine.
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Submitted by Sam Robin, Sherman Oaks, United States
Since we had no car, Casabella arranged for transportation from the train station to the property.
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We loved Casabella! It was the highlight of our trip to Italy. We recommended it to some people we met afterward in Siena, and they had a wonderful time there too.
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Again, they arranged transportation for us to the train station.
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no.
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A charming, pictureque, serene setting with quality accomodations. A great place to unwind.
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Submitted by Alec Lebsack, San Diego, United States
Absolutely wonderful! Polite, friendly, young staff. Beautiful grounds, wonderful food & gorgeous atmosphere! The home is well kept and very authenitc but updated for all conveniences.
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A 'Must Do' in the Tuscany region...perfect as a get-away for a relaxing time! On our list for a longer stay next time. We would definitely recommend anyone to stay here. Children friendly too.
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Submitted by David Thurstans, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia
The Casabella is a wonderful place to stay and is ideally situated for visiting Florence and Sienna. The accomodation is superb and the staff go out of their way to ensure that guests make the most of their time there and that their stay is totally enjoyable.
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Excellent and thoroughly recommended
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Submitted by petra bäumer, Hamburg, Germany
we came by rental-car from Firenze-airport. The description to come to our accomodation in Siège would be much easier: 'turn left at the 3rd traffic light and follow...'
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we had an appartment. During our stay there was no cleaning in the rooms.
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very good impression of wine-business.
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kindly atmosphere - very friendly service - not expensive. you do think to be in an international family, as all the guests are feeling heartily welcome.
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Submitted by Donna Sanderson, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The driving instructions from Pisa to Casabella were fairly clear, however navigating through the Florence area was difficult and we got lost several times trying to make our way through. This was our first time driving in Italy and we found, at times, it very difficult to find our way through the more urban areas where we travelled. The road/highways signs seemed to disappear or not flow well in order to stay on course.
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I suggest clarification that the second restaurant is open from May until October. We expected two restaurants available during our stay in March. However, it was not a huge inconvenience but we were expecting two available while we were there.
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After a drive up narrow country roads complete with hairpin turns where the countryside is dotted with classic stone Tuscan houses, rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, you come upon Casabella, everything you dreamt about for your first of many Tuscany experiences!
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Submitted by Molly Johnson, Menlo Park, United States
We loved our stay at Casabella. The accomodations were fantastic and the staff was wonderful. We highly reccommend it. It was hard to find the firt time (late at night) but it looks like they have updated their directions on the pamphlet.
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We enjoyed eating there very much- the best food we had in Italy- however it was so much food! Would have been nice to have an option of a smaller set course for a slightly smaller fee.
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Of course
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Submitted by Charlotte Hewett, DURBANVILLE. 7550, South Africa
Most friendly host who made us feel extremely welcome
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Food was excellent at all times and we were offered the opportunity to wash our clothes in their washing machine provided.
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Other than we would love to go back!
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Very comfortable accommodation, beautiful views and great food. The owners and staff made one feel like part of the 'family'
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Submitted by Yvonna Hofsteede, Basel, Switzerland
We were not told of renovations going on in the appartment below us and the builders disturbed us on three mornings.
The appartment floor appeared to be thinnly insulated so we heard them very clearly.
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I would describe it very positively. The children were well catered for in terms of the activities available ie egg hunt.
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Submitted by Debra Peterson, Attica, Indiana, United States
We tried using our gps but didn't have the right address so we did some wandering around a bit but finally found it. Their directions may have worked had we used them. Expect to drive a ways on very windy narrow mountain roads with spectacular views.
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We weren't here very long so didn't have much time to see and do things, but we were also told that a few things were not available to see as they were busy. It was late April when we stated there. It is a gorgeous place that we enjoyed. Wish we could have stayed longer. If we had given them more notice as to what we wanted to do they may have been able to accommodate us.
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This farm is run like a business with a very able and professional staff. Helpful English speaking staff available day and evening. A computer is available for use for those who don't bring theirs.
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A beautiful farm spread out over the top of a mountain in Tuscany surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. More than just a postcard for Italy, this place is a real working farm in a gorgeous place with lovely people to make your stay relaxing and memorable.
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Submitted by freddy marannes, mortsel, Belgium
Beautiful location, very kind owners, delicious breakfast.
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Submitted by Michelle Rawbone, Fairfax, United States
The driving directions were confusing and too brief...we turned off too quickly, got lost, was late, and in bad spirits when we arrived. Part of it was our fault for not having a detailed enough map, but villa is in the middle of nowhere.
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Wine tasting was not made available as stated in website. Cooking classes were done morning instead of afternoon.
Couldn't work gas hobb in kitchen area.
Loved the restaurant and villa. Staff were great with our kids...a priority for us!
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Perhaps mention the family who own/run it a bit more...is always an attractive thing that it is not just a commercial operation but has a personal touch.
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A lovely villa on the top of a hill situated amongst vineyards and olive trees. It houses the pool and restaurant, and some rooms, while a building with apartments is a few hundred metres down the road. Apartments are basic but comfortable.
The villa is decorated traditionally but with great style. The pool area and outdoor seating area is particularly stylish and beautiful.
The staff who run it are relaxed professionals.
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Submitted by Christine Sabo
Beautiful! Wonderful! Casabella exceeded all of our expectations. The olive oil, windmill, winery, and ceramics tours were exceptional. The chef's creations were magnificent!
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Submitted by Henrik Kristensen
The directions ought to be improved significantly! They say: 'From the Motorway A1, exit at Firenze sud and follow the exit road until the final fork which is after you cross the Arno River. At the traffic lights, turn right and drive towards Sieci until you reach the main square (follow the signs for Sieci Centro). From the square turn left on the corner with the restaurant 'Arrosto Girato'. Follow the road, Via dello Stracchino, for 7.5 km until you reach a cross roads. Turn right and go straight on for 300m. On your left you will find a large stone with 'Agriturismo Casabella''
However, there are no signs for Sieci anywhere, and the directions don't say that you have to drive through a lot of other small towns. It sounds like Sieci should be the next town after Firenze. Additionally, it would be easier to drive a bit further before turning right in Sieci. There is a sign for the Fattoria about 1-200 meters later than the restaurant and this road is much better than Via dello Stracchino.
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Just excellent!
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The best place I've ever been in Toscana!
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Submitted by Harald
Beatiful surroundings
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Peaceful. Good communication to Firenze by train.
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Submitted by Doug
We absolutely enjoyed our stay. We will recommend Lavacchio to our friends and we hope to stay again in the future.
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The accommodations were clean. The scenery was beautiful. The staff was great. We had an enjoyable experience.
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Submitted by Eirik
Fantastic!!
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Submitted by julie
Fattoria Lavacchio was wonderful! We had a lovely apartment and a spectacular view! The staff was very accommodating and we had a lovely time!
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Submitted by Kirk
Wonderful place, had an outstanding vacation there.
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Wonderful place, would stay there again and recommend it to friends.
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Submitted by Salvatore
Gorgeous, beautiful and every other adjective that describes magnificent!
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Submitted by Thomas
Beautiful place. They just have to add the you should make a left at the stop sign in Pontessieve at the end of the road after you turn at the restaurant.
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I would go back, my stay was very enjoyable.
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We purchased wine from them and they packed it very nicely and secure.
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Food was amazing. Wine was excellent, even the table wine.
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Absolutely gorgeous and friendly staff.
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Submitted by Jean-Claude
Thank God we had a GPS because the road indication for Fattoria Lavacchio were not that great. We passed the house where we were to stay. Fortunately we ended up at a place where the owner leaves and she gave us the indication for the building where we were to stay.
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We had a fantastic stay. The staff spoke English, French and Italian. So this is very comforting. They provided us with train schedule information and how to find the train station. They were very helpful in making reservation for us at the restaurant. The room was clean. The place was very quiet at night.
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Food quality at the restaurant. The breakfast with the fire place was also very enjoyable since the weather was rather cool in April it was nice to have the fire place. We had the pleasure of being there when it was a little out of season. We had the impression of having the entire house for ourselves. I enjoyed sitting in the living room and reading my book.
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This place is a paradise on earth. The staff, the ambiance, the art work, the quietness, the food at the restaurant, the availability of the Internet, eveything was absolutely perfect. It was worth the little problems we had finding the place.
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Submitted by Margaret
We had been before so knew where to go etc, but all were friendly .
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Second visit , therefore we already liked the place! and friends have been several times too!
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Your web site was comprehensive.
Its being there that gives the full essence of the family friendly feel. Difficult to describe that. Faye & her team are always so charming.
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Bellissimo.
Well worth a visit for a quiet relaxing peaceful time
If you want to visit Florence without stayinmg in the city. then go to Casabella. Take the local Siece train, Casabella can book your Uffizi tickets for you......
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Submitted by Peter
We are very glad we had a car. I suggest writing it on the website so people understand how difficult it is to get there without one.
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We loved it. There were enough activities to fill our days, and the location is perfect for day trips to Siena, Greve, and other towns in Tuscany. The only disappointent was that the cooking class was not offered the week we were there because of a wedding being held the following weekend. We were looking forward to the class very much, and we wish it had been offered on a different day during our stay.
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A beautiful old estate in the hills of Tuscany. Quiet and perfect!
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Submitted by jodie
jodie has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 83% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Gordon
you really need to improve the directions!!! Fortunately we had e-mailed Casabella and asked for more detailed directions. When we tried to follow yours we got very lost!
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We know that humidity is a problem in bathrooms around the world but certainly in Italy. Our only suggestion is that they bleach the showers more often and replace shower curtains after each guest to ensure that the ever-present mildew is less of a problem.
The staff wes fabulous! Very warm and welcoming. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay and will highly recommend to other people. Everyone from Faye to the housekeepers were very helpful.
The fact that there was an excellent restaurant within walking distance was an added bonus that should recive more recognition on their site.
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See above comment on reataurant
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A lovely, authentic Tuscan vinyard/olive farm/resort, conveniently located about an hour from Florence and Sienna.
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Submitted by Kathy
Faye was very nice, and our room was larger and more comfortable than expected for the price! The farm house was very clean and had a 'home-like' comfortable feel. The staff made us feel welcome, and were very helpful even carrying our suitcases up to our room.
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We loved our stay at Casabella! The room was very large and comfortabe. The bathroom was also large and had a bathtub my mother throughly enjoyed. The breakfast was also wonderful, plenty of variety. We also went to the restaurant on the property, excellent food and very large potions! Our waiter Sebastion was great!
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The price at check-out was more than quoted on the voucher. I was expecting this because when the quote came through I thought it was too low based on the exchange rate I was finding at the time. This really was not a problem, the room was great! and we still came in under our budget for rooms on our trip.
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The restaurant on the property is open 7 days a week. There was no lift in the house we were in, the web site may hve stated this I don't remember. This was not a problem for us, my mother could handle the 1 flight of stairs
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Very cute comfortable field-stone farm house. Comfortable large rooms with large bathroom with tub. The Casabella is a home away from home with comfortable public spaces, helpful staff and great food!
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Submitted by verena
unfortunateky our rooms very pretty dark!
Also the sofa was worn out and the kitchen equipment could have been better!!
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the whole location is situated in a very wonderful and private area of tuscany. very desireable.... better than expected
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s.above!
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Submitted by Udo
negative: Restaurant is not always open.
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Very friendly, welcoming to children, great location, excellent food.
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Submitted by Lesley
The staff at Casabella went out of their way to ensure our stay pleasurable and happy. The grounds were gorgeous and quiet. We did not drive as it would have been a bit too much for us, but they had someone ready and available for us when we needed to get to town. We will definately be back to visit again, and we shall recommend Casabella to our friends and family. Thank you!
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A breath taking get-a-way that is enhanced by it's people! I felt so at home!
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Submitted by Sarah
Directions were confusing. Instead of saying 'drive 7.5 miles' to the agriturismo, it should say 'drive until the road dead-ends. Then turn right' to the agriturismo.
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There were a lot of activities advertised, but these all cost extra money. So the price we paid to be there really didn't include anything except the room and breakfast.
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Submitted by Peter
Reception not clearly marked. Rushed check in.
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We had to bring the numerous problems with the accomodations to the attention of the staff, which should have been addressed and repaired prior to our arrival/stay. Pool was open, but there was no poolside bar service as advertised. It seemed that the amenities were very seasonal, but were falsly advertised as being available.
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Nearly an hour wait to check out, waiting for management to arrive.
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7.5 km from the town is correct, HOWEVER the road is winding and steep and the trip takes 20-30 minutes. There should be a clear sign at the top of the hill, directing to Casabella/reception.
Not all amenities are offered all the time. Cafe is closed in September. Tours of the wine cellars and olive oil tours and wine tastings are rarely available, unless you are part of a large group, if at all.
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Tired. Disappointing. Awful. Amenities were poor and the buffet breakfast was cold.Restaurant is rarely open, depending on whether you were part of a large group. No information was available/presented for the ceramic classes, cooking classes, or Italian lessons as advertised. The guided tours of the estate were not available as advertised.
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Submitted by Anonymous
The guest has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 91% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Anonymous
The guest has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 91% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Anonymous
I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
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Submitted by Anonymous
beautiful place, excellent service, fantastic holiday
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we nejoyed every moment of it and will go again
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this is the plae to go and enjoy toscay in its full beauty.
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Submitted by Anonymous
Casabella was the highlight of out trip. The environment and the staff were amazing.
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Submitted by Anonymous
The guest has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 83% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Anonymous
The guest has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 66% score, his arival experience with a 72% value and his check-out with a 100% rate. |
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Submitted by Anonymous
Since it is so remote, people should know that having a rental car is helpful if you are staying for more than 2 days, so that you can go on excursions easily. Also, People arriving by train should be notified of the bus schedules, so they can get a ride up to Casa Bella, or should be told that they should have a pickup from Casa Bella arranged prior to arriving.
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Beautiful and relaxing, but very remote.
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Submitted by Anonymous
The guest has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 70% score, his arival experience with a 100% value and his check-out with a 16% rate. |
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