Agriturismo I Casali del Trebbiolo

The older woman who checked us in was quite rude. We asked about the restaurant and she said it would be closed for two nights. I pointed out that it was advertised as having a restaurant, but she just shrugged and said, “You’ve paid for a room.” We were walking Via degli Dei and had no other options, since there’s nothing nearby. She gave us a mobile number, but our messages went unanswered. There’s never anyone at reception; they all seem to be sitting in the back room. Looking at the five-star reviews here, they seem to come from “local guides,” while the poor reviews seem to be from actual visitors.

The setting and views of Tuscany were lovely, the sheets and towels were clean, and the service was good. The dinner starter, something like a quiche, was delicious. The rest of the set menu was just okay and cost €30, not including drinks. We had to choose it because there was nowhere else around. There was a lot of pasta and bread with only a few vegetables on top. The tiramisu was average, and the ladyfingers could’ve had more coffee. The shower looked nice but didn’t work well: it took five minutes to warm up, there was no bath plug, and the body sprays didn’t work. The bed frames were old and squeaky. It was an average stay, nothing special, but nothing too bad either.

The location is beautiful, but the place felt run down and badly in need of an overhaul. WiFi only worked in the main lobby. The pool deck was a mess, with uneven, loose wood planks, and I hurt my toe just trying to cross it. Service was the worst part. There was none to speak of. Asking a question seemed to insult the staff, who offered no smiles, just stares. Replies were rare, and someone even slammed a door behind us as if telling us to get out. The mattress was the worst I’ve slept on. Of the six places we visited in Italy, this was the worst stay. I’d suggest driving farther to somewhere that wants to welcome you.

It’s full of charm, though not flashy or modernized. The staff are really friendly and accommodating, and the scenery around the property is amazing. It feels cosy, almost like its own little world. There are lovely countryside walks right from the hotel, and I’d highly recommend it for a romantic getaway.