Le Ragnaie

The place is nice, and the rooms are clean, well decorated, and fully furnished. There's a reception if you need anything, though you'll mostly get a no unless you're asking for an extra towel or a coffee. The photos make the property look much better than it is, and there isn't a view of the surroundings, which disappointed us. Still, it's a decent stop during a trip, right in the middle of the Montalcino area.

The staff made a sweet gesture for my daughter's birthday. At my request, they had Italian pastries and some flowers waiting when we arrived. I had hoped there might be a chance to taste the wines since we were staying at a vineyard, but that wasn't offered. Sigh. Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment was the largest place we stayed on the trip, with a big kitchen and living room. Everything was clean, the beds were very comfortable, and the sheets were the softest. The showers were the usual small corner type we found all over Italy. One bathroom, the one with two steps down into it, needed more shelves; there was nowhere to put toiletries. It was cool and rainy during our two nights, and we think the heat had already been turned off for the season. It was pretty cold, maybe mid-60 F. The grounds are picturesque, overlooking the vineyard and valley, with a garden and pool. The pool was being repaired, though it was too cold to swim anyway. A car is essential because the road is winding and busy enough that I wouldn't feel safe walking or jogging on it. Montalcino was five minutes away by car, and Pienza about half an hour. Around five minutes south is the tiny town of Col d'Orcia, with breathtaking views and two good restaurants. Breakfast looked appealing, but several flies were on and around the buffet that morning, which put us off eating there. We found breakfast in town instead. The staff brought us a Moka pot of coffee, though there was no espresso machine or cappuccino.

We were there a few weeks ago, and it was very hot, so the cool water in the swimming pool was perfect. Nice place, good people, and big rooms. I liked it.

We had a perfect stay and lovely staff, nothing to fault. Head past the breakfast area to the terrace at sunset for the most beautiful view you'll ever see. The one thing we would have liked was a chance to try the wine from the attached winery.