Podere Pontepietra

The owner was charming, and the place was lovely and restful.

The garden and the view are spectacular, and breakfast has plenty to choose from. Inside, there’s a lounge with a fireplace and rooms that are really well cared for. It feels like a little piece of Tuscan paradise. Such a beautiful place!

Good morning, Marco. I hope you’ll take this as I intend it: a sincere, constructive note, not an argument. As you said when we left, you’ll probably reply to my review. Reviews seem to have become a source of anxiety and pressure for everyone, and I don’t believe anyone or anywhere can be perfect. I also think guests should be free to write honestly. The note in the room about reviews made me feel that an owner expects five stars, or silence. A critical review shouldn’t be seen as an attempt to hurt a business. It can be a chance to make a stay better for future guests. Our room was pleasant and perfectly clean when we came back in the evening, the property itself is nice and easy to reach, and you were always available when we asked for tips on places to see. Still, the plumbing in the next room was quite loud when you’re trying to sleep. I’m sensitive to noise, and the other guests weren’t very considerate when they showered after midnight or at dawn. I know we were unlucky and that you can’t control how people behave at night, but a written reminder about keeping noise down late might help. I would have preferred that acknowledgement over being told to look for somewhere more secluded next time. Breakfast was at one table with the other guests, which I understand may be because space is limited. It would be nice to have some local products and a small choice of fruit beyond apples. As for options like eating outside or having shower soap, it’s hard to ask for something when you don’t know it’s available. About the incident in the bathroom when we arrived, it wasn’t minor. If you can put yourself in my position, my only mistake was not telling you about it straight away. Please don’t dismiss a less than positive review. I can see you care about your business. A few things went wrong, perhaps just bad luck, as I haven’t had this happen before and neither have you. Good luck with the business.

We came to the Soriano countryside for a quiet, relaxing stay surrounded by greenery. You mostly hear nature, though a car occasionally passes on the nearby provincial road. Thanks, Marco, for being so kind and welcoming. 😀