Travellers Reviews
Submitted by Agneta Jönsson, Sweden
he location of the monastry was fantastic though very hard to find. It went well thanks to a phonecall. The directions of how to go to the monastry was not only confusing it was totally misleading.
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We are very satisfied with our stay at Santa Maria della Pace. It was the most rememberable of all our fantastic experiences during our one week stay in Italy. The nuns were very friendly and chearful and they did everything in their power to make our stay perfect. We donnot speak any italian and only one of the sisters spoke english but that was not any problem at all. 'Joyful and easy' seems to be the brandname of the sisters.
Concerning your question about quality of the rooms. We got what we expected. We did not expect a luxurious suit at a 5 star hotel.
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We got the impression from your web site that we could pay with a credit card, which seemed fantastic but that was not true. We had to go to the bank to get cash and go back again.
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Fantastic and un extraordinary experience that I would recommend.
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Contact Agneta now!
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Submitted by Anthony Calleja, North Perth, Australia
Tranquil.
Beautiful setting.
Spiritual atmosphere.
Ideally positioned for site seeing.
You need your own transport as its too far to walk to facilities.
Austere but adequate facilities.
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Submitted by Thomas Maher
the staff were extremely helpful.
the location was very peaceful and tranquil.
the scenery was stunning.
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please feel free to edit my comments as above for inclusion in the details on the web site
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off the beaten track but well worth the effort involved in getting there
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Submitted by Ruth Harris
We had a difficult time because we arrived later than expected due to plane delays and could not pick up our hire car as expected. When we got to Santa Maria it was very late and we had to arrive by taxi. We had some problems then with getting money out and we needed help but it seems no-one spoke English. If there was someone, she was apparently ill. We felt slightly out in the sticks because of this difficulty to communicate. After the difficulty of the first day or two, everything was fine.
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There seems to be no-one to speak English- unless the lady that did has come back. This is quite an important point if people are not Italian.
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Beautiful location, easy to get to once you have a car but very in the middle of nowhere without one.
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Submitted by Holly
The nuns are extremely hospitable and the monastery is beautiful and quiet. It is a great base to explore Tuscany.
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Submitted by Boris
When we arrived nobody answered on the dor bell, so we had to use the phone.
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They do not accept any credit card - only cash. This information is very important and should be listed on the web site.
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Very peaseful with beautiful souroundings, 'in the middle of nowhere'.
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Submitted by Leslie
The directions to the monastery were only from one direction (Firenze) and the map wasn't large enough in scale. Written instructions need to be very exact as it's so easy to get lost in the Tuscan hills.
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Everyone at the B&B was exceptionally welcoming and we stayed three nights. The monastery has been completely modernized but retains its heritage.
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We were fussed over. Breakfast included farm-fresh eggs and each morning a huge slice of a different local bread or cake that we were encouraged to take with us for later in the day.
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More detailed instructions for finding the B&B from both directions on the autostrade and from nearby towns such as Montespertoli. The dot on the map threw us off.
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Guests should be aware that the monastery is gated and well-secured so establish arrival and departure times. Setting is lovely and quiet, rooms modern and furniture comfortable, and the building is beautifully and carefully restored. The nuns and the other guests couldn't have been nicer to us.
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Submitted by lorraine
The nuns were very acommodating. We arrived at the monastery around 10:00 p.m. A Nun showed us to our room and the motioned us to follow her into the dining room. In a few minutes, she set a wonderful meal out for us. We asked about directions to the train station. She gave us good advice on which station to go to. She then then offered to lead us to the train station in the morning so we wouldn't get lost. We gladly accepted her offer.
The other Nuns were wonderful, especially to our 11 year old granddaughter. A Nun, after kissing her on both cheeks, took our granddaughter's hand and led her into the dining room for breakfst. They doted over her, making a special hot chocolate for her.
We would definitely stay there again.
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Check our was fast and easy.
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The site if located on a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Inside the monastery, which is 500 years old, is a large square with a small stone wall surrounding the original water well. The square is roofless. As one can look up to see the moon and stars. Surrounding this square are the rooms with private bathrooms. These rooms all have roofs! Very peaceful
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Submitted by Raphaela
At time of our arrival (18 Sep. 2004)the information on the web site about how to reach the monastery was not completely correct (You suggested leaving the Fi-Pi-Li at Ginestra, not at Montelupo Fiorentino). But you already changed this.
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As far as I can judge it: In contrast to your description on the web site Italian breakfast is served, not 'continental breakfast'.
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Maybe the information would be helpful, that the monastery lies on the top of a hill.
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It is a very charming, peaceful place with an impressing view over the hills. It is not only worth staying for a while, but returning.
For all those, who appreciate the atmosphere of monasteries, I can strongly recommend this estate.
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Submitted by Anonymous
Very welcoming, even though we arrived quite a lot later than we thought we would.
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They have a really tiny sign by the door, which is quite easy to miss from the road, especially if you arrive in the dark. A slightly clearer sign would be helpful, so that you could be sure you had arrived at the right place. Of course, being warmly greeted by a nun helped confirm that!
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Very friendly, with comfortable but quite basic accommodation.
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