Borgo Santa Maria in Valle

The Tuscan setting looks lovely, and the estate is beautiful from the outside. But our apartment was so neglected that it felt as if nobody had checked it before the season started. Dust covered surfaces, there were cobwebs and dead insects, the fly screens were broken, and the bathroom had mold, cracked tiles, and worn grout. The lighting was poor, the fans were dirty and broken, and there was no air conditioning. We couldn't feel clean or comfortable, let alone relax. Getting there was another problem. The steep, rocky dirt road damaged our car. Maybe that's usual in rural Tuscany, but guests have to drive it several times, so the condition should be improved or at least mentioned in advance. There was no real host to welcome us or help when issues came up. We couldn't communicate with anyone, and one evening the caretaker started a chainsaw, disturbing what little peace there was. The pool also shuts at 8 p.m., which isn't much use for cooling off after a hot day. I spent seven nights at Borgo Santa Maria in Valle and regret every one. The photos suggested a charming retreat, but the stay was a personal nightmare. Tuscany is beautiful and worth visiting, just stay somewhere else.