Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa

I enjoyed the rooftop pool, and the service up there was great. My room looked out across the whole valley, with birds flying high outside, and I could open the windows for fresh air and sunshine. Monastero di Cortona was even better than the breathtaking views from the top of the mountain in Cortona, Italy. It's a romantic sort of hotel for couples, but I was on my own and loved it too. I wish I'd stayed longer and had time to try the spa.

Reserve the paid parking if you can. Public parking costs money too and is a hassle, and getting my Citroen C5 out of one of the hotel garages was quite an ordeal. The staff were very helpful, though. The hotel itself was incredible, with vaulted ceilings, original frescoes and a spectacular pool area. Dining was five-star, with thoughtful touches and exquisite service, and breakfast felt fit for royalty. It's a three-minute walk from the center of Cortona, a lovely little expression of Tuscany with Etruscan heritage. I slept in one of the most comfortable beds I've ever tried and woke feeling like an Italian princess. I also had a dreamy prenatal massage.

Parking takes some nerve: the narrow streets nearly brought me to a panic late at night. After a couple of drives, though, it got easier. The hotel itself was wonderful, and Cortona is such a lovely village that we loved our time there. The customer service made me feel truly valued. The bartender made amazing cocktails, breakfast was great with wonderful staff, and the spa gave me one of the most relaxing massages of my life. Huge thanks to all the staff. I'd recommend the hotel wholeheartedly, five stars all the way.

We chose Monastero di Cortona for our 10th wedding anniversary and were delighted. The room was spacious, with a comfortable bed, Bulgari amenities and turndown service. They left us anniversary gifts, a lovely sign of how much they care about their guests. Sleeping in this historic place, now fully renovated with real comfort and good taste, was incredible. Breakfast was excellent each morning, in a beautiful indoor room or on the atmospheric outdoor patio. We also loved the pool area and its view over the city, and the spa in the ancient baths was well worth experiencing. We had dinner at Gli Affreschi, choosing the tasting menu with wine pairing. The historic atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service made it a special evening, and the experience felt worthy of a Michelin star. Taziana's excellent service stood out. I'd recommend Gli Affreschi to guests and non-guests alike, it's worth a trip to Cortona if you're nearby. The service throughout our stay was excellent. Everything was a 10/10, and I plan to return whenever I'm in the area.