Uncover Tuscany's Hidden Gem: Le Cetinelle Greve's Irresistible Charm!
Uncover Tuscany's Hidden Gem: Le Cetinelle Greve's Irresistible Charm! - A Review (and a Rant or Two)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the Tuscan beans on Le Cetinelle. Forget those picture-perfect travel blogs – this is real life, with all its glorious imperfections. I’m talking honest-to-goodness, heart-on-my-sleeve (and probably wine-stained) review.
(Important Note: This review is based on my personal experience and is, therefore, subjective. Your mileage may vary. Also, I’m not getting paid for this. Wish I was, though!)
First Impressions (and a Slightly Panicked Arrival):
Getting there was… an adventure. Let’s just say Italian navigation apps and my sense of direction don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. We eventually found Le Cetinelle, nestled in the rolling hills near Greve in Chianti. Wow. Just WOW. The drive itself, once you're on the right road, is pure Tuscan poetry. Olive groves, vineyards sprawling as far as the eye can see, the air thick with that… smell of Italy. (Think sun-baked earth, cypress trees, and maybe a sneaky hint of something delicious cooking.) And then… the hotel. Beautiful. Classic. Rustic-chic. (Okay, I googled the term "rustic-chic" later. Don't judge.)
Accessibility & Getting Around (A Quick Word of Caution):
Okay, listen up folks. This is Tuscany. It's not exactly flat. While the hotel advertises "Facilities for disabled guests," I'd advise thoroughly checking with the hotel beforehand. Think cobblestone paths, steps, and potentially challenging terrain. My mom, bless her heart, uses a cane, and while she managed, it required some careful navigation. Definitely contact the hotel and be super specific about your needs!
Rooms: Our Cozy Sanctuary (and the Great Towel Debate):
We had a room – one of those "available in all rooms" deals – with, thankfully, air conditioning. (Vital. Absolutely vital. You'll understand if you've ever spent a Tuscan August sweating like a pig on a rotisserie.) The air conditioning worked well, which made me happy… It had all the usual suspects: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, black out curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. The bed was comfy, the view was divine (seriously, the window that opens was a huge plus), and the water pressure in the shower was… acceptable. My only real complaint (and it's a small one) was the towel situation. They were… a little threadbare, shall we say? Not exactly the luxurious, fluffy clouds of cotton I'd been fantasizing about. But hey, I wasn't there for the towels!
Internet & Wi-Fi (The Modern World's Blessing & Curse):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Internet access – LAN was available too, but frankly, I'm not sure anyone even remembers what a LAN cable is these days. The Wi-Fi was decent, but occasionally patchy, especially in the more remote areas. Consider it a gentle nudge to unplug and actually enjoy the scenery, which, let's be honest, you probably need to do.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of):
This is where Le Cetinelle truly shines. The restaurants are the heart and soul. We ate… a lot. Let's start with the breakfast [buffet] - oh, the breakfast [buffet]! Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant. The Asian breakfast was new to me, and a great idea! Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. There was everything you could possibly want: fresh pastries, coffee/tea in restaurant (glorious!), bottle of water, eggs cooked to order, fruit, juice, and more than enough coffee. The coffee shop served some delicious coffee and snacks, too.
Lunch and dinner were equally impressive. The a la carte in restaurant menu offered a mouth-watering selection of regional specialties. Try the pasta with truffle. Just… try it. And pace yourself. The portions are generous. The poolside bar was a lifesaver, serving refreshing cocktails and light snacks. And there’s a Restaurant with a view… It's a pool-side bar! Snack bar, Desserts in restaurant. International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. I may or may not have indulged in a midday gelato… or two. Happy hour was a lovely touch, and the room service [24-hour]? Perfect for those late-night cravings for alternative meal arrangement. Delicious!
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Drinking – Though Those Are Top of the List):
Okay, so I'm not exactly the most physically active person (see: previous paragraph about gelato). But Le Cetinelle offers plenty to keep you busy. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view, and I mean, the views… dreamy. There's a Fitness center, Gym/fitness if you're into that sort of thing (I'm not). Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Spa for true relaxation. They also offer Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath. I sampled the massage, and it was heavenly. The surrounding area is a treasure trove of Tuscan goodness. You could spend days exploring the vineyards (wine tasting is a must!), visiting nearby towns like Greve in Chianti, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. The hotel can help arrange Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park on-site, Car park [free of charge], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking!
Cleanliness and Safety (In a Post-Pandemic World):
Le Cetinelle takes cleanliness seriously, with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, Safety/security feature make a safe place!
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras That Make a Difference):
Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Room decorations, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Ironing service, Dry cleaning, Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop. They also offer Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events, if you’re bringing the family or throwing a party. Doorman, Doorman, Doorman! Invoice provided, Xerox/fax in business center, Projector/LED display, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart):
Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service.
The Quirky Bits & Imperfections (Because Nobody’s Perfect):
Okay, so I'm not going to lie. Things weren't perfect. The service, while generally excellent, was occasionally a little…relaxed. Italians, bless their hearts, have a certain… joie de vivre when it comes to punctuality. Embrace it, and you'll be fine. Also, prepare for mosquitoes. Lots of them. Pack the insect repellent. And maybe a small vial of something to calm your nerves after a particularly aggressive swarm.
The Emotional Verdict (My Honest Opinion):
Look, I'm going to be brutally honest. Le Cetinelle isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's the kind of place you go to escape, to unwind, to indulge in the simple pleasures of life. It's a place where the food is incredible, the wine flows freely, and the views will take your breath away. Yes, there were a few minor imperfections. Yes, I may have gained a few pounds. But honestly? I wouldn't trade my time at Le Cetinelle for anything. It's got that magic, that something that makes you feel like you've stumbled
Escape to Paradise: Le Saline Resort, Italy's Hidden Gem
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst, face-first, into the gloriously messy, sun-soaked, Chianti-stained adventure that was my week at Le Cetinelle in Greve. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the unfiltered, the un-photoshopped, the "did-I-accidentally-eat-too-much-of-that-prosciutto?" version. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival - Lost in Translation (and Sunburns)
- 14:00: Finally landed in Florence. The airport? Let's just say it's a masterclass in organized (ish) chaos. Navigating customs felt like a competitive sport. I swear, the customs agent smiled at me when I showed him my (slightly crumpled) passport. Victory!
- 15:30: Picked up the rental car. A tiny Fiat 500, which, in theory, sounded adorable. Reality? Turns out, I’m a tiny Fiat 500’s biggest adversary. My internal compass became a joke, and the GPS lady had a terrible sense of humor. "Continue straight…proceed with caution…you have arrived at your destination… (in a ditch, obviously)."
- 17:00: Found Le Cetinelle. After a minor (okay, major) detour involving what I am convinced was a secret, goat-herding society. The drive itself? Stunning. Jaw-dropping. But the directions to the villa… well, let’s just say I developed a sudden and passionate love-hate relationship with roundabouts.
- 17:30: Check-in. The lovely, patient, long-suffering Francesca greeted me. She spoke such effortless Italian, it was embarrassing, but I managed a very enthusiastic “Ciao!” and a sweaty, apologetic smile. The villa? Divine. Absolutely worth the near-death experience of the drive. The view? Oh, sweet merciful gods, the view! Rolling hills, vineyards for days, the sky a painter's riot of purples and oranges. I immediately dumped my bags (and my dignity), grabbed a bottle of water, and collapsed on the terrace.
- 18:00-20:00: Sunburn secured. Seriously, the Italian sun? It's a sneaky, deceptive beast. Thought I was being all responsible with sunscreen, but apparently, my shoulders are now the color of a cooked lobster. Oops. Had a little wander around the grounds, which basically confirmed I’d died and gone to Tuscan heaven.
- 20:00: Dinner at a tiny trattoria in a nearby village (thanks, finally, GPS!). The pasta? Perfect. The wine? Flowing. The conversation with the locals (mostly through frantic hand gestures and broken Italian) was hilarious. I'm pretty sure I ordered something that involved a lot of cheese, and I have zero regrets.
Day 2: Wine, Women (and Maybe a Little Bit of Work)
- 09:00: Woke up, feeling like a melted popsicle, but in a good way. The sun streamed through the shutters, promising another perfect day. Coffee on the terrace, with the view. Pure bliss.
- 10:00: Took a walk around the property, met the resident (very fluffy) cat. Named him "Pesto" (because, why not?). He looked at me with the kind of disdain only a pampered Italian cat can muster.
- 11:00: Wine Tasting at a local winery (name withheld to preserve their reputation…of being really good). Learned the proper way to swirl, sniff, and sip (or, at least, attempted to learn). The Chianti Classico? Seriously good. The rosé? Even better, especially after the first few glasses. Got slightly tipsy and started fantasizing about buying a vineyard. This is the danger of really really good wine.
- 14:00: Lunch in Greve in Chianti. The town itself is charming, but it’s also teeming with tourists… including yours truly. Ate some delicious sandwiches.
- 16:00-18:00: Attempted some work (sigh). Answered a few emails, which mostly consisted of me apologizing for my delayed replies and explaining that, yes, I was currently in Italy and no, I wasn’t sorry. The temptation to ditch the laptop and just wander around was almost unbearable. I fought it. Mostly.
- 19:00: Evening dip in the villa pool. The water was the perfect temperature, and the sunset was a masterpiece. Felt a deep and profound sense of peace… briefly. Then, I remembered the rapidly expanding sunburn on my shoulders.
- 20:00: Pizza night at the villa! Ordered in (because, the laziness is real). Ate it on the terrace, under the stars. Utter perfection. (And yes, I wore sunscreen.)
Day 3: Siena – The City of Towers, and My Own Personal Tower of Clumsiness
- 08:00: Siena day trip! The driving was the worst nightmare. But it was worth it.
- 10:00: Walked into Siena. The city is a marvel. The Duomo? Incredible. The Piazza del Campo (where the Palio, the famous horse race, is held)? Magnificent.
- 11:00: My own personal tower of clumsiness, as it turns out. Got distracted by a gelato (obviously), tripped over a cobblestone, and went sprawling in front of at least a dozen people. Mortification level: maximum. But, hey, at least I broke the ice. Now I’m the clumsy American!
- 12:00: Lunch in Siena. Again, delicious pasta. Again, too much wine. Again, a slight feeling of panic that I might never be able to return to work.
- 14:00-17:00: Explored Siena. The city is packed with history, art and beauty.
- 18:00: Back at the villa. Collapsed on the sofa. Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all. And a little bit sunburnt. Again.
- 19:00: The best sunset of the trip. Sat on the terrace, with a glass of wine. Silent gratitude for this life, even with all the bumps and bruises.
Day 4: Cooking Class – My Culinary Disaster (and a Surprisingly Delicious Outcome)
- 09:00: Woke up, determined to conquer the day. Today: cooking class!
- 10:00: Arrived at the cooking school. Met the chef, a charming, slightly intimidating Italian man who clearly knew his way around a kitchen.
- 10:30-14:00: Cooking class. Chaos ensued. I chopped vegetables with the precision of a drunk beaver. The pasta I attempted to make was a lumpy, misshapen mess. I somehow managed to set the oven on fire (okay, maybe it was just a lot of smoke). But, despite my best efforts to sabotage everything, the final meal was amazing. The chef's patience, and skill, were truly remarkable. And the food? Sublime. I'm pretty sure I ate enough for four people.
- 15:00: Absolutely stuffed. Walked around the grounds, mostly to digest. Pesto gave me the cold shoulder.
- 17:00: Quiet time, reading on the terrace. The birds were chirping, the sun was setting, and the world felt right.
- 19:00: A small glass of wine and leftovers from the cooking class for dinner at home.
Day 5: Volterra – The Tuscan Treasure (and the Return of the Fiery Sun)
- 08:00: Today? Volterra! The journey’s a bit… you know.
- 10:00: Arrived in Volterra. Another stunning hilltop town, with Etruscan origins.
- 11:00-13:00: Explored Volterra. Took in the views, breathed in the history…almost got run over by a Vespa.
- 13:00: Lunch. The menu said, ‘wild boar ragu’. So you know.
- 14:00: Back at the villa. I don’t remember the drive home.
- 15:00: The fiery Sun. Just keeps it.
- 16:00: A nap, maybe…
- 18:00: Back to the terrace. Wine.
- 20:00: Pizza.
Day 6: Florence – The Art (and the Overwhelming Crowds)
- 09:00: Back to Florence!. This time: the Uffizi (which was incredible, but also, overwhelming. So many incredible pieces of art).
- 10:00: It was crowded, and overwhelming.
- 11:00-13:00: A lot of walking around the Uffizi.
- 13:30: Lunch.
Uncover Tuscany's Hidden Gem: Le Cetinelle in Greve – Your Messy, Wonderful Guide
Alright, spill the beans! What *is* so special about Le Cetinelle in Greve, and why should I even *look* twice?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Le Cetinelle… it's not just a hotel, it's a *feeling*. Picture this: you've flown, you're jetlagged, your stomach's rumbling from that questionable airplane food. You arrive, and BAM! There it is. A stone building, maybe a little wonky in places (in a charming, authentic way, mind you!), nestled amongst the Chianti hills. It's like stepping into a postcard, but the postcard smells of fresh-baked bread and… well, *life*. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. Le Cetinelle is all about the soul. It’s the kind of place where you might find a stray cat sunning itself on the patio. It's the messy, beautiful heart of Tuscany.
But seriously, what's *actually* there? Do they have decent Wi-Fi? Because, you know… work.
Okay, practicalities. Yes, they have Wi-Fi. It works… mostly. Don’t expect blazing speeds. This isn’t the place to download the latest superhero movie in 4K. Think of it as a digital detox, a chance to actually *look* at the Tuscan landscape instead of staring at a screen. The rooms? Rustic, comfy, often with exposed beams and that gorgeous terracotta tile flooring you dream about. My room, let's just say the shower... well, it had character. Lots of character. Like, it splashed water in a unique and unpredictable way. But hey, after a day of touring, it was a small, glorious, imperfection. And the view from my window? Olive groves as far as the eye could see. Pure bliss. They have a pool. A *gorgeous* pool. And breakfast? Forget your sad continental buffets. Think prosciutto, fresh figs, and the best coffee I've tasted in my life. (And I'm a coffee snob, people!)
Greve in Chianti, though? Isn't that… touristy? Am I going to be elbowing my way through crowds of selfie-stick wielders?
Okay, yes, Greve is a bit of a tourist hub. BUT! It's also unbelievably charming. The main square, Piazza Matteotti, is a stunner. And Le Cetinelle? It's just far enough outside the heart of the action to feel peaceful. You can stroll into town (a lovely walk!), soak up the atmosphere, get gelato, buy some leather goods (yes, they are everywhere, its the cliche! But come on, it's *Tuscany*), and then retreat back to your little slice of heaven. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous you can easily use Greve as a base for exploring the region. It's perfect for day trips to Florence, Siena, and all those adorable little hilltop towns.
I'm a foodie. Tell me about the food! (Because, let's be honest, that's the *most* important thing.)
Okay, foodie, buckle up. The food is phenomenal. Seriously. Le Cetinelle itself has a restaurant, and it’s not just “good for a hotel restaurant.” It's *good*. Think traditional Tuscan dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. I had the pici pasta with wild boar ragu. Oh. My. GOD. I’m drooling just thinking about it. The wine list is extensive (and reasonably priced!). And the staff? They're so passionate about the food. They'll happily recommend dishes and tell you all about the local producers. They are extremely nice, especially the owner who is very happy and proud to share the food with you. One time I asked for a second serving of the bread, and the waiter just winked and brought me the entire basket! Seriously. The entire basket. It was heaven. You'll probably gain a few pounds, but trust me, it's worth it.
Tell me about a particularly memorable experience, good or bad. Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle in, because this is going to get a little... intense. It wasn't just my experience, but also a shared moment. One afternoon, during a particularly glorious Tuscan sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I was sitting by the pool, sipping a ridiculously good glass of Chianti. I felt this overwhelming feeling of contentment, like I'd finally found the right place, the right moment. Then, an older Italian couple, probably in their late 60s, started to slowly dance beside the pool. They did not know how to stop moving. They held hands, their steps a little unsteady, but they danced to an invisible tune, lost in their own world. Their smiles were radiant. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. I have to admit I teared up a little – a big, messy, sentimental blub. I don't think I'll ever forget that image. A little while later, I found out they had been coming to Le Cetinelle for over 20 years, the same week, every year. Their children were also there. I was not proud of myself for staring when they went to say goodbye.
What kind of person will *love* Le Cetinelle?
Someone who appreciates authenticity over perfection. Someone who wants a genuine Tuscan experience, not a sterile, hotel-chain version of it. Someone who isn't afraid of a little imperfection. Someone who loves good food and good wine. Someone who appreciates quiet beauty, that special feeling you don't find very often. Someone who understands the importance of slowing down. Someone who wants real experiences. Basically someone who wants to *live* a little, in a place where time seems to slow down just a little bit. It's for people who want to escape the noise for a while. If you are like this, you are ready to pack your bags because Le Cetinelle is for you.
And what kind of person *won't* like it?
If you demand everything to be perfect and brand new, if you are a travel snob who only wants luxury with an ice-cold attitude, or if you are glued to your phone 24/7, then, no. If you need a gym on-site, a 24/7 concierge at your beck and call, or a place where the staff doesn't treat you like family, *skip it*. If you're the type who complains about the lack of a power outlet next to the bed, and you need the perfect instagram photo always, you probably won’t appreciate the charm. It's not a place for superficiality. It's a place for genuine connection and to enjoy life. Stay home.
Any tips I need to know before IStayin The Heart
