Locanda in Tuscany

I booked a Superior Grand Deluxe room a week in advance of arrival. I chose this room because it had “a double outside private patio fully equipped on both sides of the room”. In addition the room was 38m and had great views. But the reason I chose this room - and the reason I chose this hotel - was because of the outside space. When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with charm by the receptionist, who told us that we had been upgraded to a suite. I asked whether the suite had a terrace or outside access. She said that it did not but it was an upgrade. I explained that I had specifically booked the room I had chosen (according to the website the only one of its type) because of the outside access and therefore I was not interested in a room without that access - even if it was an upgrade. The receptionist contacted her manager, and we understood her to say in Italian that the room that we had originally booked was occupied but that we did not want to accept the upgrade. She showed us 2 other rooms. 1 was very small and quite basic with a small table and chair outside. The other room had more space outside but had a view of the car park. Neither were acceptable and I would not have booked them in the first place. The suite was a lovely room, but it was on the first floor, without outside access and not suitable for our needs. If I had wanted to book the suite I would have done so the previous week. My husband spoke to the manager on the phone and asked for a refund as the hotel had not complied with their side of the contract. She said that the room description covered a range of rooms although on the website it clearly refers to 1 room and shows a picture of a patio with sunbeds. My husband found her rude and she talked over him, refusing to listen to what he had to say. The conversation turned into an argument. The food and beverage manager joined us at that point. He was calm but clear that the hotel had offered us alternative rooms and therefore considered that they had discharged their duty. There would be no refund. By this stage the atmosphere was horrible. They never apologised for the change - in fact they stated that we should have been pleased that we could not have the room we had booked. There was no way that we could spend 2 days in that atmosphere and I did not want to give them anymore of my money. We left. If I buy a blue jumper online, having looked at the picture and read the description I would not expect to receive a red jumper instead - even if the company think it is nicer than the one I chose in the first place. The same principle should apply to hotels. This hotel is not cheap (understatement). It claims to have the special ingredient of love in everything it does. The receptionist was charming and did her best in an impossible (for her) situation. The general manager however was rude and unpleasant. I would not recommend this to anyone. As a side note the pool is very small and there are no sun umbrellas in the gardens; the dining room was rather dark (though they may have an outside area - I did not see one). We spend a lot of time in Italy - and have stayed in some lovely hotels. This, sadly, was not one. And they took our money for a room which they then appeared to sell to someone else. One of the worst experiences I have had travelling ever.

We went to Locanda in Tuscany for our honeymoon. I wished I stayed here for more than one night, because it is definitely worth it! The staff were very welcoming and friendly. The stay was very unique, cute, and filled with a great ambience. Our dinner was excellent and I see why a bunch of locals and/or guests close by came here for food as well. Very relaxing by the pool, we took countless photos and got to explore the Val D'Orcia. Would truly recommend this place!!!

Locanda is simply stunning. Would 100% visit again. Stunning is actually an understatement. The views go on for miles. The staff super friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms are clean, beds super comfy and mini bar well stocked with local produce. Just beautiful. We will be back!

We spent 3 nights (the last part of our tour of Tuscany) at La Locanda and were blessed with wall to wall sunshine. We were welcomed on arrival by the ever friendly and helpful Marco and the team, all of whom were a delight, looking after us so well during our stay! The first thing you take in are the views from the pool to the rolling Tuscan hills, which are absolutely breathtaking. Our room was immaculate and clean and every day perfectly made up again. We had breakfast and dinner each night (no need to go out again if you've been sight-seeing all day) and the Tuscan cuisine was first class - we noted non residents came to dine here. La Locanda is a great base to see the Unesco designated sites - tip best visited early morning before they get busy and parking is at a premium. Some lovely memories were made here!

Wow. We were on the VF route and stayed here unfortunately only one night. Wonderful place, warm atmosphere, smiling service and tasty local products in the middle of peaceful Tuscany. What more could you ask for? We will come again. Brg Jarmo