Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Le Piazze's Unforgettable Charm

Locanda Le Piazze Castellina in Chianti Italy

Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Le Piazze's Unforgettable Charm

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the terracotta-tiled paradise that is Locanda Le Piazze in Tuscany. Forget the glossy brochures, I'm here to give you the REAL deal. And trust me, after my week there, I'm practically fluent in Chianti and Tuscan sunsets.

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• Title: Locanda Le Piazze Review: Tuscan Charm, Flaws & All - A Real Experience!
• Keywords: Tuscany, Locanda Le Piazze, Hotel Review, Italian Getaway, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Romantic Getaway, Foodie Experience, Chianti, Italy, Wine, Travel Review, Luxury Travel, Spa Hotel, Best Hotels in Tuscany
• Meta Description: My unfiltered review of Locanda Le Piazze in Tuscany! From the breathtaking views to the surprisingly accessible features (and the not-so-perfect bits!), I share my honest experience. Includes food, spa, accessibility, and everything in between. Read before you book!

The Arrival: Anticipation & Accidental Italian Lessons

Honestly, the drive to Locanda Le Piazze is half the fun. Winding roads, cypress trees that literally LOOK photoshopped, and the undeniable scent of… well, Italy. The GPS, bless its pixelated heart, almost led me astray. A minor detour down a goat track, a frantic "scusi!" to a farmer who looked like he'd stepped straight out of a Renaissance painting, and then… bam! There it was. The Locanda.

Accessibility: Not Quite Perfect, But Trying!

Okay, let's talk accessibility. This is where things get a little… complicated. The website claims wheelchair accessibility, and technically they're not lying. There's an elevator (a lifesaver!), and some ground-floor rooms are designed with accessibility in mind. BUT. This is Italy, folks. Old buildings, charming cobblestones. The pathways to the pool? A bit of a challenge. While there is indeed an elevator, the layout does mean one will have to take a longer route. My advice? Call ahead and be very specific about your needs. The staff, bless them, are genuinely helpful, but navigating the quirks can be… an experience. In my case, I was fine, the ground floor was easy to use, but I'd definitely call ahead, and ask for detailed feedback.

Food, Glorious Food! (And My Stomach's Revenge)

Right, the pièce de résistance. The food. Let me tell you, I’ve never gained so much weight and been so damn happy about it.

• Restaurants/Lounge: Yes, plural! Several restaurants, all with different vibes. One place I did love was the poolside bar. I'd spend hours at it. Poolside bar drinks are essential for a holiday, even the non-alcoholic ones.
• Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, a glorious one! Think: piles of pastries, fresh fruit that tasted like sunshine, eggs cooked to order, and the kind of coffee that makes you want to write poetry (or at least, write a very long, rambling review). There was even an Asian breakfast there! I was not expecting that! A great option.
• Dinner: The A la carte in restaurant dining was where the magic really happened. I’m not even going to pretend to remember all the dishes, but there’s were the freshest of fresh pasta, perfectly cooked meats, and desserts that made me question all my life choices (in the BEST possible way). The Vegetarian restaurant? Che meraviglia! (How wonderful!) Even though I'm a meat-eater, I can recommend it. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was also pretty good (I was not expecting that, I thought I would find only the local options).
• Room Service: 24-hour. Need I say more? Midnight cravings? Sorted.
• The Small Stuff: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water everywhere, Desserts in restaurant… pure delight.

My Most Memorable Meal Experience: A Nearly Disasterous Dinner

So, it was my second night, and I was dining at the main restaurant. I'd finally figured out the wine list (it involved a lot of pointing and hoping for the best, but hey, Tuscan wines, am I right?). Now the soup had a strange aroma, and the salad leaves looked somewhat sad.

I don't want to sound picky, but I would recommend to the hotel to replace a few of the salad leaves, and maybe add some extra herbs. That and the soup's aroma didn't convince, but the other options were a real pleasure!

But the main dish! Omg, the main dish! It was a perfectly cooked rabbit. The chef who prepared it was an artist! But oh dear, I have a problem with being too verbose.

The worst part? I was so flustered by this minor disaster, I had to run to the toilet… and I missed the dessert! I'm still devastated! I asked the waiter to wrap me up the rest of the dish, and I just almost collapsed. All in all, it was a delightful, albeit imperfect experience.

Relaxation Station: Spa Shenanigans & Poolside Bliss

Okay, let’s be honest. This is why we’re really here, right?

• The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] with that Pool with a view is everything. Imagine: sunshine, a cocktail (thanks, poolside bar!), and the rolling hills of Tuscany stretching out before you. Pure… bliss. The Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? Heavenly, after a long day of eating.
• The Spa: The Massage was divine. I opted for the full-body, and honestly, I think I floated out of there. The Body scrub, Body wrap, were equally delightful. My skin has never felt so… pampered. I got a little lost in there. It was perfect.

Rooms and Amenities: Comfort & Charm (With Quirks)

• The Room: My room? It was lovely, not over the top (thank God, I hate hotels that are too much). Air conditioning, thank heavens. Air conditioning in public areas too! The Blackout curtains were a godsend for the early sunrises. The Balcony, perfect for enjoying the complimentary Free bottled water with the sunset. The Coffee/tea maker was a life-saver (especially after the aforementioned wine).
• The Small Stuff: Yes, there were Toiletries! Bathrobes, slippers! The fluffy kind! The bathrooms phone! A real bonus! The Refrigerator was great for my mid-day snacks. Wi-Fi [free], (in my room) - I could work while lounging and eating.
• The Imperfection: The Internet was a little spotty in the room. I mean, it's the Tuscan countryside, so I wasn't expecting lightning-fast speeds, but let's just say, streaming movies was a challenge.
• Housekeeping. No complaints! Daily housekeeping, was done with a smile. The room was spotless every day.

Services & Conveniences: Hit or Miss, Depending on Your Needs

• The Good: Doorman! Concierge(Helpful with everything!), Daily housekeeping and the elevator.
• The Less Good: The Convenience store was a bit… lacking. Don't expect a supermarket-style selection. Cash withdrawal wasn't the easiest.
• The Quirks: There was a Shrine… I'm not sure why, but hey, it's Italy!

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound

• The Basics: Hand sanitizer everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays.
• The Extras: Seemed a very safe place, and the staff were very helpful.
• The Feeling: I felt generally safe and comfortable during my entire stay, and the staff was very helpful, so I can recommend this hotel, without reservations.

For the Kids (Or Not, Frankly)

• Babysitting service: available
• Family/child friendly: Well, yes. However, if you're coming with kids, this might not be your ideal family hotel… I didn't see that many kids.

Getting Around: Embrace the Slow Pace

• Airport transfer: available
• Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
• Taxi service: available

Final Verdict: Embrace the Imperfection

So, is Locanda Le Piazze perfect? Nope. Is it charming, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable? Absolutely. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of Tuscany, feast like a king (or queen), and almost get too comfortable.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat! I'd embrace the quirks, the slightly-less-than-perfect accessibility, and all the delicious food I could possibly devour. Because let's

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Locanda Le Piazze Castellina in Chianti Italy

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished "Lonely Planet" itinerary. This is my Locanda Le Piazze adventure, warts and all. And trust me, there'll be warts.

Locanda Le Piazze: My Chianti Rhapsody (and Minor Meltdowns)

Day 1: Arrival & the Great Olive Oil Obsession

• 10:00 AM (ish): Florence Airport. Ugh. Airports. The symphony of screaming babies and the mournful drone of delayed flights always throws me off. Found the rental car - a tiny Fiat, which I've affectionately nicknamed "Peanut." Pray for Peanut, she's seen better days. And so has my driving. (Side note: Italians? Drivers? A chaotic ballet of near-misses. I'm pretty sure I aged five years on the drive to Castellina).

• 12:30 PM: Arrived at Locanda Le Piazze. OMG. Seriously, the view. The rolling hills, the vineyards… I actually gasped. (And then immediately checked if my luggage had made it. Priorities, people). The hotel itself? Charming doesn't even begin to describe it. Think sun-drenched terracotta, overflowing flower boxes, and a courtyard that whispers "aperitivo."

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in. Smooth, thankfully. The staff is ridiculously friendly, bordering on suspiciously so. I'm half-expecting them to reveal they're secretly running a kidnapping ring. But hey, the welcome Prosecco helps.

• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Settled in. The room is gorgeous, with a huge balcony overlooking the valley. Spent a gloriously unproductive hour just staring out the window, feeling the jet lag begin to catch up. Contemplated napping. Resisted. Must. Explore.

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Olive Oil Pilgrimage Begins. My only goal during this initial exploration. Found a local agriturismo (farmstay) on the hotel’s recommended list. Had a 'tasting'. Which turned into an entire afternoon dedicated to the divine. The first taste – a fruity, peppery explosion. I'm not exaggerating when I say I saw tiny angels singing. And then, the bread. Fresh, crusty, dipped in that liquid green gold… I swear my soul rejoiced. I bought three bottles and half-heartedly blamed my impulsive purchases on "cultural immersion."

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Had the pici alle ragu. Pasta perfection. I nearly licked the plate. The Chianti Classico? A revelation. I’m starting to see what all the fuss is about. (And I'm already plotting a return trip just for this meal). But! I knocked over a glass of water IN the middle of my ravioli – I was far too captivated by the flavor. Embarrassing.

• 9:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted, happy, and slightly tipsy. Tomorrow: More olive oil, more wine… and maybe some actual sightseeing? We'll see.

Day 2: Castle-Hopping & a Moment of Existential Panic

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast buffet! Cold cuts, pastries, fresh fruit, and THE COFFEE. I'm convinced they're using magic beans. This is the most positive I've felt this week. I can face anything now!

• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Attempting a bit of culture. Visited a nearby castle, Rocca delle Macie. Beautiful, historic yada yada. Honestly, I was more interested in pretending I was a medieval princess. I even tried to balance a gelato on my head. (Don't judge me. It was hot. And the gelato was delicious). The problem? All the descriptions and history, I’m just too lazy for. My attention span can accommodate only so much learning each trip. I had to flee the castle after spending 2 hours there.

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at a trattoria in a tiny village. Randomly picked a place based on its charming name. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It turned out to be incredible. The simple pleasures, eh? This is what life is all about. (And the wine, of course).

• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Existential Crisis. Wandered back to the hotel, sat on my balcony, stared at the endless green, and suddenly… felt it. The weight of the world. The meaninglessness of existence. Impending doom. (Drama queen, I know). Thankfully, the mini-bar had a tiny bottle of something that numbed the edges of the fear. Crisis averted.

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool time (and a little retail therapy). Gorgeous pool. I mostly bobbed around in it, enjoying the sun and the silence. (Except for the incessant cicada symphony. Seriously, those bugs never shut up). Decided I deserved a treat and bought an unnecessarily expensive scarf from the hotel shop. No regrets.

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. Tried a new restaurant in Castellina. The food was good, but the service was a bit… slow. Which gave me plenty of time to people-watch. (My favorite pastime). There was a very loud American family at the next table. I tried to avoid eye contact.

• 9:00 PM: Back to my room. Another glass of wine. Planning the next day. Maybe I'll try to conquer my fear of hills and actually go for a hike. Maybe I'll just stay in bed. The possibilities are endless. And slightly terrifying.

Day 3: The Chianti Road is Long & Wending (and I'm a Disaster)

• 9:30 AM: Breakfast. Fueling up for the day. Another stellar coffee!

• 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: The 'Scenic Drive' (aka, the Great Navigation Failure). Attempted a self-guided driving tour of the Chianti region. It sounded lovely in the brochure. In reality, it involved getting hopelessly lost, navigating hairpin bends, and nearly driving Peanut off a cliff. Thank God for Google Maps (and the occasional sympathetic Italian farmer who pointed me in the right direction). Managed to visit a couple of wineries. The wine was, as expected, fantastic. Also, I accidentally parked on a cobblestone street in a town with a one-way system and panicked for a solid ten minutes, imagining the hefty fine and the permanent damage to Peanut.

• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch & Recovery. Found a random osteria and ordered more pasta. The pasta was amazing and I was so relieved! The waiter gave me some sympathetic looks, and I ordered more wine. Wine and good food are, honestly, essential for my well-being.

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free time. Decided to just chill at the hotel for the rest of the day. Relaxed at the pool, read a book, and basically recovered from the morning's trauma. I felt like I did more in those few hours than during the previous two days.

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. This time I decide to try the hotel's wine tasting dinner. OMG. Amazing set menu AND matching wine? Yes please!

• 9:00 PM: Bed. Tomorrow… packing. And the brutal reality of heading home. (But first, one last glass of wine… or two… or three… don't judge me).

Day 4: Farewell, Tuscany (and Peanut)

• 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Squeezed in one last espresso. Savored it. I actually felt a little bit sad packing my things.

• 10:00 AM: Final goodbye to Locanda Le Piazze. It’s hard to leave. I was tempted to hide out and never come back.

• 11:00 AM: Return of Peanut. Drove back to the airport, praying I’d managed to avoid any traffic violations. And I'd done a good enough of a job that Peanut was still in one piece, more or less.

• 1:00 PM: Florence Airport. Crowded, chaotic, and I was suddenly dreading leaving. The memories I had made were worth every stressful moment.

• Conclusion: This trip wasn't perfect. There were misadventures, moments of panic, and way too much pasta. But it was mine. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I learned that wine is good for the soul and that the best travel experiences are always the ones that surprise you. And I’ll definitely be back. Maybe next time I won't try to drive.

Tuscany, I love you. And Peanut, well… Peanut, you were brave.

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Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Le Piazze - Your Burning Questions (and My Equally Burning Opinions) Answered

Okay, Tuscany. Locanda Le Piazze. Sounds dreamy. But is it *actually* dreamy? Like, ditch-everything-and-run dreamy?

Dreamy? Honey, it's *Tuscan*. Everything about it is designed to make you sigh dramatically, clutch your pearls (or whatever your equivalent is, I'm a t-shirt and jeans kinda gal), and question all your life choices... in a good way. Locanda Le Piazze, specifically? Well, let me tell you, the first time I saw it? I actually tripped. Right in front of the entrance. Elegantly, of course. (Lies. I totally sprawled. Gravel rash. Still worth it). The views? They'll genuinely take your breath away. The rolling hills? You’ll want to yeet yourself into them. It's... well, it's almost *too* perfect. Which, you know, can be a problem for someone like me who thrives on a little chaos.

What's the vibe? Is it all white linen and hushed whispers, or can a regular slob like me feel comfortable?

Okay, so, *some* white linen is inevitable. But the whispers? Mostly replaced with the clinking of wine glasses and the enthusiastic Italian of the staff (and a whole lot of my poorly-attempted Italian, which they were incredibly patient with). They're not judging your slightly-too-loud laugh or the fact that you're, you know, *alive*. I'd say it's effortlessly elegant, not stuffy. Think relaxed sophistication, with a side of "hey, you dropped a grape on your cheek and it's kind of adorable." (True story, totally me.) Seriously, you can definitely feel comfortable. Just maybe pack a slightly nicer pair of jeans. You’ll want to look *at least* like you're trying.

The food. Oh God, the food. Tell me about the food! (I'm already drooling.)

*Deep breath*. The food. Right. Prepare yourself. Because you will, and I repeat, *will* gain weight. And you won't care. I arrived, like, a healthy 140. I left... well, let’s just say elastic waistbands became my best friends. The breakfast buffet? A crime against willpower. The dinners? Pure, unadulterated bliss. They say the pasta is made daily, and I believe it. It felt so good in my mouth. The wine? Flowing. The olive oil? Literally dripping with flavor. I had a specific truffle risotto at one point, and I'm pretty sure I saw God. It was that good. And the best part? The Italians. They're very proud of their food! And they are always happy to talk about it!

Is it good for families? Or more of a romantic getaway kinda place?

See, this is a tricky one. It *can* be good for families, but I'm leaning more towards romantic. The pool is beautiful, so the kids could have a blast in the water. But honestly? It just *screams* romance. Candlelit dinners, gazing at the sunset, and hand-holding. I saw a couple proposed there. You know, I'm thinking of going back by myself and pretending I'm married just to soak it all up. It really depends on your kids. If they are the "quietly reading a book under a tree while the parents get wine and cheese" type, fantastic. If they're the "running around screaming at 6 AM" type... maybe not. Unless you REALLY want to push your luck...

What are the rooms like? Luxurious? Cozy? Tiny?

Ah, the rooms! They're lovely. Really. Not like, "wow, this is a hotel room," but more like, "I could live here forever, even if I had to eat only pasta and wine." The decor is classic Tuscan - think stone walls, exposed beams, the subtle scent of lemon and fresh herbs, and comfortable beds you will never want to leave. The bathrooms are big, the air conditioning is good, and the views from the windows are insane. I definitely spent a good amount of time just staring out of my window, contemplating the meaning of life while sipping my morning coffee. Which, incidentally, was excellent. Seriously, the breakfast is very good, which you might as well skip and enjoy the day.

Okay, okay, what about the service? Are they super-attentive? Overbearing? Do they actually *care*?

The service? Phenomenal. Genuinely. It wasn't just “smile and nod” service. They actually *care*. They remembered my name (a feat, because I'm terrible at remembering theirs). They were helpful, friendly, and totally genuine. One day, I managed to accidentally lock myself out of my room (don't judge, it was the wine). It took me all of thirty seconds to get back inside, it was that fast. They anticipated my needs and were there to assist without being intrusive. It actually felt like they wanted you to have a good time. Which is a rare and wonderful thing.

What kind of activities are there? Or is it just about sitting around and looking pretty? (Which I'd be okay with, tbh.)

Okay, look, there's a *lot* of sitting around and looking beautiful. And it’s encouraged. But there are things to do! They can hook you up with cooking classes, wine tours (essential!), cycling, walking. Just don’t try to cycle up a hill after a wine tour. Trust me on that one. We tried and the bike won! They also helped arrange a truffle hunting experience. Finding those smelly treasures was so strange and fun and I ate them all up at dinner! You can drive out and explore Siena and San Gimignano (iconic!). Or you could just stay at the pool, order another Aperol Spritz, and let the world melt away. Your choice!

The pool. TELL ME ABOUT THE POOL. Is it crowded? Is it nice? Does it have a swim-up bar? (I'm asking for a friend.)

The pool. Ah, the pool. My happy place. It’s gorgeous. It's infinity-edged, so it looks like it blends into the rolling hills. It's not usually crowded. There isn't a swim-up bar (which, honestly, is probably a good thing, you can't possibly drink anymore) but they do have bar service! I'm sure the staff would bring you drinks if you begged. The water's the perfect temperature. And the sun? Glorious. I spent entire days just floating, reading, and occasionally yelling "THIS IS THE LIFE!" to no one in particular. (It was great.)

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Locanda Le Piazze Castellina in Chianti Italy

Locanda Le Piazze Castellina in Chianti Italy

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