Travellers Reviews
Submitted by Laura Hajdukiewicz, Andover, United States
What a gorgeous property! Usually when you find something online, you get there and you are very disappointed but in this case - the opposite was true! Breathtaking scenery, huge rooms, great staff! Unbelievable value for the money and the wine is remarkable. Wonderful wonderful wonderful.
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Submitted by Janna Maxey, Windsor, United Kingdom
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The property more than lived up to our expectations. We had looked on so many websites for villas, but until we visited your site, we had found nothing that we found appealing. The pictures do not do justice to Castello di Meleto. It is an excellent get-away and in a fabulous location for escaping busy city life.
Only one negative, we had a problem with our toilet and professionals were brough in to clean out the drains. We were left with a very unpleasant smell for the remainder of our week. Management made every attempt to make it more bearable, deoderizers, bleach, etc...but, it but a flaw on an otherwise fantastic stay. I was also surprised to find that it had been rented following our departure. I would have thought it unacceptable for a new check-in.
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I was looking for somewhere where I could get away from the 'things you are supposed to see' and really experience Italy. Italian people, Italian good, Italian culture. The little town of Giaole was wonderful for this. The history of Castello di Meleto was very impressive and interesting. The tour of the castle was fun. And....the wine, olive oil, and basalmic vinegar ----- Fabulous!
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Definitely.
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Submitted by Andrew Hickman, Summit, NJ, United States
The manager who greated us was lovely and couldn't have been more helpful!
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We loved it! It was our favorite hotel on the trip. It was all we expected and more.
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I asked to check out the night before so we could leave early the next morning and I was completely accomodated without any problem.
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The excellent quality of the products in the enoteca.
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We felt like roylaty. Everything was beautiful. The service was excellent. The pool was exceptional.
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Submitted by G. Sebes, 4761 BV Zevenbergen, Netherlands
Very good services and very helpfull.
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The only comment i have for the app. elenora teresa that its a app. for 5-6 people with a sofa area for two people.
For this they have to work on.
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For the chianti area a very nice place to stay. A charming castle with a rich culture
for a wonderful stay.
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Submitted by Louis Petti, Cinnaminson, NJ, United States
The Castello and our apartment were excellent.
I did suggest to the manager, that additional soft and/or sofa type chairs were needed in the living room area. We were 4 people and every night someone had to either sit on a kitchen chair or lay down on the floor(while watching TV).
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We did find the manager a little snobbish.However she was helpful in many matters.
Your advertizement stated that the apartment we rented had a 'JACUZZI'. There was no such bath available.
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The account manager, first gave us the wrong bill, then had trouble finding my bill, then had to give me 2 bills before we could clear the bill.
GREAT< WONDEFUL
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WONDERFUL.
Gaiole is a special little town.
The Castello is in a great place to use as a base to go to Siena, Florence, Poggibonsi, San Gim.,,,,,etc.
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Submitted by Colleen Vinthagen, Trangsund, Sweden
When we arrived we got a different room than was stated in the agreement, but it was the same standard as agreed upon beforehand. In addition they gave our 14 year old son a separate room with no bathroom-we shared ours with him. They were not full booked, so he got a better bed at no extra charge. This was very nice of them.
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Even though we liked the castle very much, that night was unbearable. 35 degrees Celsius and no air conditioning and no fans available. We didnīt sleep and we heard our neighbor get up and drive away and not return. For 180 Euros one should be able to sleep.
On your site it said one could eat there in the castle at dinnertime, but we were informed that they served dinner only on Thursday evenings. So much for bringing fine clothes for that night and carrying them all over Italy for nothing.
On your site it said that there was wine tasting available. None was set up, none was offered. They didnīt even ask if we were interested in buying wine.
These are all the reasons we chose a castle to stay at. It was a great disappointment. We were shown to our room and soon all the staff went home and left the guests with nothing to do. They easily could have offered a cold buffet of food and wine tasting for a price and Iīm sure most of the guests would have stayed there to enjoy the castle. Instead the castle was empty of most furniture and all lights inside turned off. Guests were forced to drive to the nearest town to eat and then in darkness find a way back on winding roads. Then try to sleep without any breeze, without any fan and without any air conditioning. I donīt know how they expect guests to stay a week with nothing to do at the castle. They need help in putting together a proper package deal for guests.
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see above. It has potential, but they need to rethink their strategy and their meaning for existing as a tourist lodging establishment. The castle itself is wonderful and the rooms are quite nice, but need good air conditioning and/or heaters.
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The comments about dinners on Thursdays only and about lack of wine tasteing
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Absolutely beautiful, but poorly thought through. Great potential.
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Submitted by Paul Stein, Lakeland, United States
We had a tour of the castle and it was very enjoyable.
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We had a wonderful stay - would definitely recommend. Staff were very helpful. Room was very clean and the view from the castle was breathtaking! Wine and olive oil tasting was fun - both were excellent.
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Very good. No problems.
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The restaurant below, which belongs to them, is excellent!
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Romantic, clean, very Tuscan experience!
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Submitted by George Radmiller, Simi Valley, United States
We spent one golden afternoon on the grass terrace overlooking the vineyards, and drank the complimentary wine that was in our room. What a fine experience!
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I would say that if you are willing to drive, which I did not think was too difficult, that the location is central to Florence and Siena, and convenient for touring. The castle is exactly as shown in the pictures, and the place is peaceful and beautiful.
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Submitted by Peter Lillelund, Virum, Denmark
A beautiful location in a wonderful area of Tuscany. Everything was very carefully planned by the landlords, even special towels to use in the swimmingpool area.
Can be recommended to everyone that likes a good relaxed luxirous stay in Tuscany
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Submitted by David Cheek, Isle of Wight, PO33 4RB, United Kingdom
One of the best family holiday's we have had, the accomadation was great, the pool was great, the staff were friendly and helpfull, we would go back tomorrow.
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Submitted by Kim Levesque, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, United States
WE had a wonderful experience staying here and will recommend it to friends. What a beautiful setting! Thank you!
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One staff member was not as nice as the others - I believe her name was Gabrielle. The other two (one from Holland and one with an english accent were fantastic!)
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The only thing would be to be sure guests know they absolutely need to have a car. WE almost just took a cab from the train in Siena and would have been stranded at the castle if so. While we loved staying there, we would have been dissappointed not to get the see the rest of the area. We only decided at the last minute (and because of a suggestion one of your staff made in an email) to rent a car.
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An awesome experience! It was very cool to get to stay in the tower room and the grounds are very nice. I loved to wake up in the morning and look out over 'my kingdom' from my tower room window. I felt like a princess! The tour of the castle was worthwhile and we enjoyed the pool that 'falls off the edge of hillside'! The staff gave us an excellent recommmendation for a restaurant in a neighboring village where we had the very best meal of our trip!
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Submitted by Deirdre Hodgins, Mijas Costa, Spain
I used ItalyBy/TuscanyBy to book all our reservations while we stayed in Italy. The overall accommodations in all locations were absolutely fantastic - wonderful staff, clean and beautifully decorated rooms, ideal location. I choose well but your websites for all places was what convinced me to choose each one. I stayed in Hotel Calzaiuoli in Florence, Castello de Melleto, Tuscany and Hotel Belvedere in Bonasola (absolutely wonderful views from the balconies and extremely helpful and friendly staff).
Thanks for a great website and pass on our thanks to the various resorts should you be in contact with them.
Kind regards
Deirdre Hodgins
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Breathtaking views, a most relaxing, get away from it all romantic castle thats a must for those who appreciate great wine and spectacular scenery.
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Submitted by diane parsons, claremont perth, Australia
Easy and quick
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Fabulous castle experience with lots of extra entertainment options, dinner in castle, tour of castle, wine tasting..great holiday
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Submitted by susan silver, sault ste marie, Canada
We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to have the wine tasting in conjuction with a tour of the castle and a formal dinner.
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The Castello also provides tours to non guests during the day. This allows guests a greater choice of tour dates and times.
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Wonderful! A quiet and beautiful setting.
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Submitted by Sara Weinrich, Roveredo in Piano, Italy
There were some things like a dinner on Tuesday nights that was only offered during peak times that was not available for us. We had also asked in advance for wine tasting and tours and were told we could arrange that when we got there. We did get to taste 3 wines from Meleto but they did not open any others because it was not their peak season and they were unable to arrange other wine tasting tours.
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The farmhouse and castle were wonderful. The grounds were kept very clean and the staff was very kind. The house itself was lovely. The only thing I would suggest is that tourists would be told it only had a stove range, not the oven itself for cooking. Otherwise, it was lovely.
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I would like to see more photos of the individual houses. We had no idea beforehand what our farmhouse would look like. We were pleasantly surprised to find such a nice home. It had ample space for 6 people.
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I already sent this website to several friends. I told them the area was amazing. I can't imagine how great it would be in the summer when the grapes are in full bloom. The castle and grounds were very clean. It was just beautiful and well worth a relaxing week. It was peaceful and quiet but within exceptible driving range from other points to visit.
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Submitted by Simon Liebman, Wynnewood, United States
We were delayed getting to Castello DiMeleto and they arranged for the keys to be left for us, they made things very easy, we checked in the next morning.
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We had some problems with the drain in the shower, they moved us to a different apartment (larger) without our asking, everything was beautiful and easy.
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We enjoyed a barbecue one evening that gave us opportunity to meet the other people staying. It was an enjoyable event.
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This was a fantastic place to stay, very comfortable and easy to get to. Great jumping off point to visit Florence, Sienna and the rest of Tuscany.
Fantastic value for the money. I spent a summer at another villa south of Sienna a few years ago, This was a much more enjoyable experience.
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Submitted by nathan harrison, london, United Kingdom
The castle produces its own wine and olive oil.
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A rustic castle set in a stunning location, with beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.
Hiring a car is a must to get out and about.
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Submitted by Lisa Brown, Upper Tantallon, N.S., Canada
We cannot control the weather. On our arrival we sat in our car for half an hour waiting for the rain to subside. Penny and Gabriel went out of their way to help us. Our original room in the castle was flooded so Penny set us up in Luminae 1 a Garden Apartment. The power went out. The thunder and lightning was unbelievable. The ladies had their hands full trying to look after their guests. Despite the rain for two days our stay was beautiful. At least we had sunset by the pool and I swam everyday.
I would highly recommend Castle Meleto.
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It was the most relaxing part of our journey.
We needed the rest between the cities. A great combination for travel.
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Submitted by Ralph Müller, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
Wonderful place that you must see but the Price for the room is very high.It's to expensive for a family with kids!!!!
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Submitted by Yvette Blauvelt, Newcastle, United States
It was exactly as described. Often hotels are disappointing in real life - we were thrilled with the location and accomodation.
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I booked a number of hotels using either Tuscany.net, Italy.com or France.com and I will certainly use you services again.
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One criticism, the staff member on duty when we checked in was very rude. Had I not prepaid, I would probably have left. We were told that since she had a wine-tasting on we had to wait an hour to be checked in. She seemed extremely put out even having to speak to us. But, I believe the only reason for this is that they are understaffed. They are expected to deal with guests checking in, as well as visitors doing wine-tastings. But, it is always important to remember to treat your customers well. (Especially considering I was adding an extra night to my booking!) Even so, I will still highly recommend the place and would certainly stay there again myself.
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The castle was perfectly situated in the area - one of the main reasons I selected it for my stay.
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The perfect setting from which to explore Chianti Classico.
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Submitted by Khristy Wilson, Aurora, Colorado, United States
The castle is a 45 Euro taxi ride, the castle does not provide a shuttle and we were not informed that you can't rent vehicles on the weekends. As a result we were unable to see anything outside of walking distance. There are no eating facilities, we had to get a cab to eat or walk.
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There was a wine tasting mentioned, the English version was cancelled due to the fact that we were the only two there. We felt like interlopers. The wine shop was unvailable to us, the receptionist had a few bottles in a basket in her office if we were interested.
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We arranged to leave early with one receptionist who failed to tell the morning receptionist. The morning receptionist was late arriving, as a result we ended up missing our train back down south.
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You NEED a rental car.
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It was a lovely room, but there is no radio, telephone or television, so you are pretty isolated if you don't have a way around.
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Submitted by Robert Perrier
No
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As described on internet. Internet pictures do not do it justice. Prettier.
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Submitted by Donald McFarlane
We enjoyed our time there so much, that we could have stayed longer.
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You may wish to point out that there is no food or refreshment service (other than wine) at the Castello. For example, if you want a bottle of water you need to go to the local grocery store to get it. The other small suggestion is that the castello states that they offer BBQ's twice per week for guests. The days that they are offered are Tuesday and Thursday, so if you are there for a long weekend (like we were) there is no access to food services on site.
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It was everything we could have wanted and more. The room in the castello was beautifully rustic and we felt transported back to a simpler and more relaxing time. The beauty of the area around the hotel matched or surpassed our romantic images of Tuscany.
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Submitted by Stacey Coderre
Beautiful scenery.
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Submitted by James McDonald
We were welcomed by the staff who were polite although due to busy reception/shop we had to wait a little while to be attended to.
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We had problems with the air conditioning unit in our room which resulted in a large pool of water on the floor for most of our stay. We had mentioned this on the day after our arrival and workmen were sent but it took two more trips before workmen actually came to effect repairs. This did not, however, spoil our stay and we had a wonderful holiday in a most beautiful setting.
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The complete tranquility should be stressed.
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The most beautiful accommodation in the most beautiful location with everything one could ask for - complete chill out experience.
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Submitted by Allison Mori
There were two people at reception when we arrived. One person was extremely friendly, accommodating and polite. The other person who was asked to show us to our room seemed to be 'put out' at having to do this. So that was a bit disappointing. When we asked her questions about some local information, she simply said she wasn't from the area and couldn't help us - not very accommodating. However, the other person certainly made up for this.
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We were very pleased with the accommodations provided at Castello di Meleto. And would definitely return to the same place. Beautiful property with great views and really quite 'central' within the Chianti Classico region.
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No problems with check out. Very polite and efficient service.
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Wonderful walking trail (circuit walk) from the castle through the hills of Tuscany. A great way to experience the region.
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A typical Tuscan castle atop one of the many hills in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards with spectacular views of surrounding castles and vineyards. 2 km from the quaint community of Gaiole in Chianti.
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Submitted by Jennifer
an incredible castle in the hills of chianti....a serene place to spend a week if i could have
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Submitted by Padma
Gabriella who waited for us to arrive at Meleto was extremely helpful although we only got in at 8 pm and it was very late. We truly appreciate her time and patience that night. We also thank her for being so flexible in offering us the churchhouse room as an alternate to the castle room.
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i think that you should warn drivers into Gaiole in Chainti that the road is very long and winding and the signs do not indicate Meleto til quite late. Also, from the Valdarno exit, you should also tell drivers to head towards Montevarchi first because the Gaiole in Chianti directions only start once you hit Montevarchi.
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Absolutely beautiful and authentic in its atmosphere and picturesque setting.
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Submitted by Amy
This was a fabulous escape from reality in one of the most beautiful areas of Chianti. Castello di Meleto really knows how to host itīs guests and the experience was exactly what a vacation should be. The surroundings were georgous, the accommodations were spectacular and the staff were helpful and accommodating.
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Submitted by Kathleen
This place was fantastic. We called ahead for more detailed directions & were given very explicit information. We drove there with no problems. The views from the windows are wonderful. And the infinity pool is absolutely breathtaking. Its views are even more fabulous. The breakfast had plenty of variety & was quite good. This is one of the places we can't wait to return to.
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The views from the infinity pool & the fact that there IS an infinity pool. It is just gorgeous.
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As a wonderful old castle with fabulous fittings but modern conveniences.
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Submitted by Nanette
Beautiful Castle and views from the rooms!
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Very peaceful setting - nice room and everyone helpful and friendly. The dinner in the Castle Dining room on Tuesday night was the highlight! Wonderful!!
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Submitted by Wendy
We had a great time. Everything was lovely. The restaurant recommendations were superb. We had the best meal on our trip there. The castle is beautiful and the grounds are very well kept. And the wine is great too.
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Submitted by Peter
Very welcoming
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We had a fantastic time and were made to feel very comfortable and looked after throughout our stay
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Submitted by john
We had toured and tasted at the Castello on a previous trip and were enthralled to be able to stay there. The staff was most helpful and wasted no time in getting us to our rooms and into the complimentary wine tasting, a great way to start out our stay there!
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The scenery around the Castello is panoramic providing great views from our castle rooms. I recommend the castle rooms for short stays, they were quiet and spacious. The pool was an added plus at the end of a hot day!
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It has a good location within the Chianti region for touring. We were also able to take part in the Tuesday night tour, tasting, and dinner at the castle. What a unique experience and a great way to meet other travelers. They offered other activities through the week that guests could sign up for as well.
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Submitted by Danny
Danny has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 87% score, his arival experience with a 91% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Janet
A beautiful place to stay, would highly recommend to friends. Hopefulyy we can go back some day
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Submitted by Maribeth
Due to difficulties leaving Florence on time, we were very, very late arriving at Castello de Meleto. After calling to communicate that we would be arriving past the check-in time, the receptionist was extremely understanding and arranged for us to get the room key from kitchen staff who were cleaning up after a dinner. Very much appreciated.
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Quiet, serene, beautiful views, wonderful breakfast, great place to unwind from the city.
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painless and professional. Obtained great assistance with driving directions to Pisa.
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better driving directions from points around the area.
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well worth the travel and money.
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Submitted by Shelley
Organized and friendly staff.
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The room was tremendous.
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Check out was easy.
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We stayed in a beautiful ancient castle on gorgeous Tuscany. It was a totally unique experience.
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Submitted by Dennis
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There were more than enough facilities to make coffee,but none for tea drinkers. Had we known, we would have have taken our holiday kettle. Italian coffee culture is world famouse and good to taste but international clients would like to make tea as an option.
My sister fell on some stairs and was concussed. The staff called out the emergency sevices right away and she was given first class treatment at the hospital in Siena
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It was the pure magic of Italy.Warm,charming and absolutely breathtaking.
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Submitted by Erlend
Have been there once before so we knew where to go and what to expect.
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Very nice place in very nice surroundings. Excellent starting point for trips and wine tastings in Chianti.
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Submitted by Lisa
A very beautiful castle. The rooms inside the castello are very nice (not luxury with Tv etc.) but very original. The atmosphere is perferct for a stay in Toscany. The surroundings are very beautiful.
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Submitted by Jon
There were a lot of people visiting the winery, so it was not clear where to check-in (versus the winery reception desk0.
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Nobody mentioned when the tours of the winery were given (although we did not inquire). It would have been nice if something in the room elaborated on this. Also, a map and description of the recommended restaurants would have helped since we could not eat at the Castello di Meleto.
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The Clerk was very helpful in allowing us to check-out in the evening b/c we had to leave early the next morning.
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Perhaps some of the history which was fascinating.
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Beautiful and charming. I loved the Castle and the surrounding area. I would recommend it.
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Submitted by Cheryl
The directions from Florence are the most complete on your website and were clear; although the exit actually just says Valdarno and not Montevarchi so we went past it and had to turn back. The other part of the directions were great.
We were offered the room we booked, or a larger room if we wanted which we be more quiet because there was a wedding in the castle that evening. We took the larger room and it was wonderful.
It might be nice to offer a map of the region to guests when they check in. The roads can be difficult for someone not familiar with the area. We went to Siena for the day, and had a very hard time finding the right road to get on for the way home. We then bought a detailed map of the region!
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Pictures usually look better than actual, but in this case the castle was just as wonderful if not more so in reality! A wonderful place to stay - I highly recommend it to anybody. The rooms were very clean - and you could tell our rooms had recently been refurbished.
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We had to leave early one morning so we took care of it the night before. Very helpful.
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No. It was very complete. A schedule of when the cooking classes or tours are might be helpful, if they are held regularly.
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A wonderful place! I think it was one of the most beautiful settings in the entire Chianti region. We will definitely go back.
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Submitted by Simone
A great place to stay in beautiful Tuscany. Close to all the main cities in Tuscany and beautiful nearby towns like Greve. The Castello di Meleto restaurant is a must to dine at. Highly recommend staying at Castello di Meleto.
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Submitted by Mari
It was a little cold duirng the night probably because of the season. The room was very spacy and beautifully decolated. Very nice isolated location on a mountain.
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We had a little trouble that had no relation with the hotel, but the lady at the reception was really helpful and we greatly appreciate her kind assistance.
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We were delighted with a half bottle of complementary wine made by Castello di Meleto. It was a really good one.
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Submitted by Gregory
the apartment we stayed in was beautiful... I think our information had stated that there would be a jacuzzi, and there was not. The unit was very cold when we arrived, and took a long time to heat up, but then it was fine. The castle tour was interesting, though I wish more details had been given on the tour, such as what life was like during the early years of living in the castle.
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There was not always someone available in the office... we tried to call several times and only got a recording. When checking out in the early morning, there was no place to leave the keys, such a mail slot.
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It was a charming place to stay... very quiet in the wintertime. Make sure to get the tour of the castle. The rooms were clean and attractive, and the complimentary wine and fruit was a nice treat.
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Submitted by Scott
A very quiet room, and beautiful landscape from our window in the castle.
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A great experience. the castle was very intriguing, and a great accomodation for our trip to the coutryside. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Submitted by Glenn
Having lived in England a few years, we were familiar with roundabouts and motorways. The directions on the internet were very simplistic compared to the actual route needed to be taken. Getting out of the airport and onto the correct section of the A-1 was challenging. We exited the very first time we saw the name indicated for |
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