Chalet Vecchio Rifugio - Monte Amiata

The staff were helpful and friendly, and there’s plenty of parking. The chalet is close to hotels and restaurants, with a rustic feel, a lovely fireplace, and a nice shared area. The rooms are spacious and have a mountain style. It’s also near the slopes.

Even the bad weather didn’t spoil it. The place felt authentic, was spacious and clean, and had a well-equipped bathroom and living and sleeping area. There was a fireplace as well as plenty of extra heating. Breakfast was wonderful, and dinner at the hotel was very good. It’s quiet in the middle of nature, a great spot for all sorts of excursions. The service stood out too: the staff were superb, always ready to help and full of useful excursion tips.

An informal terrace with outdoor tables looks across a big lawn and the plateau’s woods. You can even sunbathe there in your swimsuit. They have both meat and fish dishes, and the first courses are excellent, including tortelli, tagliatelle, and pici with meat or mushroom ragù. There’s also sliced steak, steaks, tripe, and eggplant parmigiana, plus cheesecake, divine Sacher torte, homemade ice cream, coffee cream, and more. It’s open every day, and I’d recommend it to young and old alike. It’s like an extended bar.

We booked three months ahead, but about 20 days before our holiday we got an email saying our reservation had been cancelled because of overbooking. When we called to ask what had happened, they told us it was cancelled without giving any reason. We found the place unreliable.