Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Viterbo!
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Viterbo! - A (Totally Honest) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Viterbo! is more than just a hotel, it’s… well, it’s an experience. And I'm about to spill the Tuscan beans, good, bad, and gloriously messy. This isn’t your sanitized travel blog; this is me, your (potentially too honest) reviewer, wading through the sun-drenched chaos.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Bit):
Getting there? Easy-peasy. They’ve got airport transfer covered, which is a lifesaver after a transatlantic flight. I'm not sure about using it, it was too expensive, but they have it, and that’s a win. They also have car park [free of charge], bonus! Car park [on-site] too, so no frantic circling trying to find a spot. Now, the BIG question… Wheelchair accessible? I can't say firsthand as I have no need for assistance, but the website is pretty vague. They do list “Facilities for disabled guests” and an elevator, which are promising signs, but I'd recommend a direct call to triple-check the specifics before booking if you need that. Seriously, call them. Don't be like me and just hope.
Checking in and Chillin’ (and the Tech Stuff):
The front desk [24-hour] is a godsend for those of us who travel at ungodly hours. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out are clutch in the Covid era – although, let’s be honest, I’m still that person who fumbles with the pen and forgets their passport. They actually have some pretty decent Internet – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yesss, because the thought of not being able to update my Instagram stories while sipping Aperol spritzes is, frankly, a tragedy. They even have Internet [LAN], for you old-school types.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Or Maybe Just a Very Nice Closet?)
Okay, let’s talk rooms, because that’s where you live. My room? Gorgeous. The air conditioning was a lifesaver because, oh my god, Tuscany in summer is hot. The blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night, early-morning light sleepers (like me!). The bed? Comfy. Seriously, I actually slept. They have all the essentials: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water (essential!), hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, towels, toiletries, umbrella, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] and even a window that opens (gasp!). It felt spacious, clean, and… well, like a Tuscan dream. I loved the complimentary tea and the free bottled water, because hydrating is important even when you’re on vacation.
Things to Do (Besides Basking in Glory):
Okay, so it's a villa, you can't do everything, but they got some amazing perks:
- Ways to Relax:
- Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom and just plain massage. I'm not a spa person, I'm more of a "throw myself in the pool and see what happens" kinda gal, but if you're into pampering yourself, this is your jam.
- Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor]. The pool with Pool with view? Gorgeous. I spent a solid afternoon (okay, two) just floating around, staring at the Tuscan hills. Pure bliss.
- For the Fitness freaks:
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness. I peeked in… it had the things. No one was there. Enough said.
- Extra Perks:
- Bicycle parking. Just a note if you're into bikes, which I am not.
- Proposal spot. Awwwwww. Seriously, it's that romantic.
- Terrace. My perfect spot for sipping wine while reading.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Basically, My Favorite Category):
Listen, I live to eat. And this place delivers.
- The Restaurant Situation:
- Restaurants. Plural, people!
- A la carte in restaurant: I could eat like a king and I did, and the price wasn't too bad!
- Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service: Delicious. Eggs, pastries, and enough coffee to make me bounce off the walls.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant. Essentials.
- Desserts in restaurant. Oh. My. God.
- Desserts in restaurant. Oh. My. God.
- International cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant. Mix it up.
- Vegetarian restaurant and Alternative meal arrangement. For the picky eaters.
- Western cuisine in restaurant. Classic, and delicious.
- Poolside bar AND Bar! Aperol spritzes by the pool? Yes, please.
- Room service [24-hour]. For those late-night pizza cravings.
- Snack bar. Grab a quick pizza, but honestly you'd be better off going somewhere else.
- Bottle of water. Essential.
- The Food Quality:
- The food was fantastic, I got a pretty good salad, too, and the soup was amazing for a change.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid Chronicles:
Look, 2024 is still weird. I'm picky. I'm a freak. They are really trying. Here's what I saw:
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Check.
- Hand sanitizer. Everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Yes, sirree.
- Individually-wrapped food options. A little sad, but necessary, I guess.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Phew.
- Staff trained in safety protocol. They seemed like they knew what they were doing.
- Safe dining setup. They were making an effort.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff You Don't Always Think About):
This is where the hotel really shines. (Or, in my case, where I realized I needed something and they magically provided it).
- Stuff I Needed:
- Cash withdrawal: Useful, since I ran dry on Euros faster than I thought.
- Currency exchange: Because I'm bad at planning ahead.
- Dry cleaning and Ironing service: I needed to look halfway presentable for dinner.
- Laundry service: Okay, okay, I packed light.
- Luggage storage: For that epic shopping spree I totally planned.
- Safety deposit boxes: I locked up my passport.
- Stuff I Didn’t Need (But It’s Good Anyway):
- Concierge: For the "I want to go on a hot air balloon ride but don't know how" moments.
- Doorman: Makes you feel fancy.
- Elevator: So important!
- Food delivery: In case you get even lazier than I was.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Because, well, souvenirs.
- Invoice provided: For expense reports.
- Meeting/banquet facilities and Meetings and Seminars and all that jazz.
- Smoking area: To keep the air clean.
Areas for Improvement (Because Perfection Doesn’t Exist… or Does It?)
- Things that weren't quite perfect: The gym was a little… neglected. The website is not going to help you if you need wheelchair accessibility.
Overall Verdict: Should You Book It?
YES. Absolutely, positively, without a doubt. Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Viterbo! is a gem. It's beautiful, it's relaxing, and the food alone is worth the trip. Just… maybe call ahead if accessibility is essential. But otherwise? Book it. Right now. Go! (And send me a postcard).
Kuala Lumpur's BEST 2-Bedroom Homestay Near Bizwalk! ✨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is the messy, glorious, slightly caffeinated adventure of a lifetime at Le Querce exclusive c. house in Viterbo, Italy.
LE QUERCE: A MESSY, GLORIOUS ITALIAN RAMBLE
Day 1: Arrival and "Holy Mother of Olives!"
- Morning (or, Let's Be Honest, Early Afternoon): Landed in Rome. Bleary-eyed, slightly terrified of the Italian drivers (seriously, they treat lane lines like suggestions), and fueled by airport coffee that tasted suspiciously like jet fuel. The transfer to Le Querce? Smooth sailing… if you don't count the several near-death experiences on winding Tuscan roads. My stomach flip-flopped, the driver was singing opera, and I was just trying to keep my breakfast down.
- Afternoon: Arrived in Viterbo. Breathed in the Italian air. Ahhhhh. Le Querce. It's like stepping into a postcard – if the postcard had a slightly wonky frame and a charmingly overgrown garden. The house itself? Stonking. Luxurious. The kind of place where you feel instantly inadequate in your travel attire.
- The Great Olive Oil Revelation: We had a "welcome lunch" (read: feasting) prepared. And that's when it happened. My first encounter with real, honest-to-goodness, Italian olive oil. Forget everything you think you know. This stuff was green gold. Seriously, I think I could have drunk it straight from the bottle. I'm talking "Holy Mother of Olives!" levels of deliciousness. I may or may not have embarrassed myself by practically licking the plate clean. Don't judge me.
- Evening: Settled in, unpacked (badly). Wandered around the grounds attempting to look sophisticated (failed miserably). Dinner at the house prepared by a local chef - pasta, wine, and more olive oil! The chef spoke very little english, and my Italian extends to "Ciao" and "Grazie" - but somehow we managed to communicate in a symphony of hand gestures, laughter, and the shared, universal language of good food. Passed out in a food coma around 10 pm.
Day 2: Wine, Walls, and a Near-Disaster
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a million lire (or euros, whatever). The view from my bedroom window? Breathtaking. Seriously, the only thing that could have improved it was a butler bringing me breakfast in bed. (Note to self: investigate butler situation.)
- Mid-Morning: Wine tasting at a nearby vineyard. This was supposed to be sophisticated. It wasn't. We were those tourists. Loud, giggling, slightly tipsy by 11 am. But the wine was amazing. I swear I could taste sunshine and happiness.
- Afternoon: Explored Viterbo's ancient walls. The city felt like a living, breathing history book. Wandered through the narrow, winding streets, got delightfully lost, and somehow found ourselves at a fountain that looked suspiciously like it was straight out of a fairytale. I’m convinced a dragon lives under it.
- The Near-Disaster of the Gelato: Saw a gelato place that smelled heavenly. Ordered the "pistachio." Took a bite. Melted. Not in a good way. My gelato went everywhere. All over my shirt, my hands, my face. I looked like a pistachio monster. The Italian guy behind the counter had the decency to look absolutely amused. Lesson learned: Slow down. Gelato is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Evening: Returning home to Le Querce. Swimming, I was surprised by how cold the water was, but still enjoyed myself, although some clouds were obscuring the beautiful stars. Dinner in Viterbo at a local restaurant, more pasta, and a new-found appreciation for the art of people-watching.
Day 3: Hot Springs, History, and Existential Dread
- Morning: Had a dip in the hotel's pool. Glorious.
- Mid-Morning: The Terme dei Papi (Baths of the Pope). Holy. Smokes. This was pure bliss. Imagine a natural hot spring, steaming and bubbling, surrounded by ancient ruins. We spent hours soaking, feeling our stress melt away. I'm pretty sure I achieved a state of zen-like nirvana. Okay, maybe not nirvana, but definitely a deep sense of inner peace.
- Afternoon: Viterbo’s historic district. Explored the Papal Palace and got lost in the city's labyrinthine streets. The architecture is stunning, but I'm getting the feeling of being observed, and thinking about my own mortality… perhaps that’s just the ancient stones whispering in my ear.
- Evening: Simple dinner at Le Querce. Maybe a quiet night, or maybe a philosophical debate about the meaning of life.
Day 4: The Great Escape (and a Pizza Pilgrimage)
- Morning: A leisurely breakfast at the house. Trying to savor the moment, knowing this blissful chapter of my life is about to close.
- Mid-Morning: Some final exploring of the town, getting to the best piazza (square) where everyone seemed to be hanging out.
- The Pizza Pilgrimage: We’d heard rumors of the best pizza in the world at a tiny place near our hotel. So, we went. Waiting in line, was torture, but oh so worth it. The pizza? Perfect. The crust, crisp, the sauce, tangy, the toppings, bursting with flavor. It was a religious experience. I’m still dreaming of it. I would move to Viterbo just for that pizza. (And the olive oil, of course.) I actually took pictures of it!
- Afternoon: Packing. A mixture of elation (more pizza!) and sadness. Goodbye, Le Querce. You beautiful, slightly imperfect, utterly charming place.
- Evening: Depart for the airport. One last wistful look back at the Italian countryside. On the plane, I replayed the trip in my mind. The laughter, the food, the near-disasters, the moments of sheer, unadulterated joy. Italy, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious place. Until next time…
Final Thoughts: Italy is not about perfection. It's about embracing the messiness, the unexpected, the delightful chaos. It's about the people, the food, the wine, and, yes, even the gelato-related disasters. It's about allowing yourself to get lost, to laugh until your sides hurt, and to soak up every single moment. And Le Querce? It was the perfect base camp for this messy, glorious adventure. I'll be back. Probably with a bigger suitcase for all the olive oil.
Escape to Paradise: Jasri Bay Hideaway, Bali Awaits!
So, "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits." Is it actually *my* dream villa? Because my dreams involve winning the lottery and dating Ryan Reynolds.
Alright, let's be real. Ryan Reynolds *might* be a stretch (unless you're already secretly best friends, in which case, GO YOU!). But the villa? Well, it's pretty darn dreamy. Think rolling hills, the smell of rosemary, and wine… oh, the wine! Okay, maybe not *literally* your dream, Ryan Reynolds-filled, lottery-winning villa, but it’s damn close. It's in Viterbo, which is *way* better than some tourist-trap city I won't name. Trust me, I’ve seen some… situations. This place? Magical. Seriously. I got a bit teary-eyed the first time I saw the sunset. Don't judge me.
Viterbo? Where the heck is that? And should I even care?
Viterbo. It’s in Italy, duh. Specifically, in the Lazio region, which is basically Rome's cool, slightly less-famous older sibling. And *should* you care? HELL YES. Think medieval charm meets seriously good food. It’s not overrun with tourists, which is a HUGE win in my book. I mean, I *like* people, but I also like breathing space. Plus, the thermal baths are DIVINE. I’m talking soaking-in-warm-water-while-looking-at-stars divine. I spent an entire afternoon there once, and almost forgot I had a life. And frankly, it was the best decision I ever made. Just… be prepared for the cobblestone streets. My ankles cursed me for days.
What's the villa *actually* like? Spill. The. Beans. (Or, you know, the *pasta*.)
Okay, okay, fine. The villa. Picture this: Ancient stone walls, a huge fireplace – perfect for those chilly nights when you've overeaten and just want to curl up. (Which, let's be honest, happens *every* night in Italy). Seriously, the place is dripping with character. There's a kitchen big enough to actually *cook* in (unlike my shoebox apartment kitchen). And the courtyard? My God, the courtyard. Imagine yourself with a cappuccino on a beautiful day and a slice of cake? Heaven. There was even a bougainvillea bush that completely took over one wall. The whole place felt like stepping into a movie. I almost expected Sophia Loren to pop out and offer me a plate of spaghetti. Almost.
What's the food situation? Because I'm here to eat. Let's be honest, I am.
Oh, honey, you've come to the right place. The food. Dear Lord, the food. Forget your diet. Just *forget* it. Viterbo and the surrounding area are a culinary paradise. Handmade pasta, truffles (yes, *real* truffles!), mountains of fresh vegetables, the most incredible cheeses... I gained ten pounds. TEN. POUNDS. And I regret nothing. Absolutely nothing. I remember one particular meal: I stumbled upon a little trattoria, and the chef, bless his heart, kept piling plates of this incredible wild boar ragu in front of me. I couldn't say no... and I *didn't* say no. My stomach hurt, but it was the best kind of hurt. Make sure you try the local olive oil. Bring some home with you! It's a complete game-changer.
What's there to *do* besides eat and stare at the sunset? Because, you know... activities.
Okay, okay, you *can* do other things. But seriously, eating is a perfectly valid activity. However! The area is rife with history and charm. You can explore the historic center of Viterbo, see the Papal Palace (where the Popes used to hang out, imagine that!), and wander through the medieval streets. There's hiking, cycling, and of course, those amazing thermal baths I mentioned. You can day trip to Rome (it's close enough), Orvieto (gorgeous!), and even Tuscany proper. One day I decided to go to Civita di Bagnoregio, "the dying city." It's this incredible town perched on a precipice. The walk to get there is hot and the people were not exactly friendly, but, when I reached the other side, my god, the view! So breathtaking that I cried a little bit. It will change you. Just be prepared for the heat.
What if I'm a terrible cook? Like, a *really* terrible cook? Can I still survive?
My dear friend, you are in *Italy*. You can survive. Thrive, even! Even if you can’t boil water without burning it, there are restaurants. Lots of restaurants. And they are all serving amazing food. Seriously, it's impossible to have a bad meal in Viterbo. Just… maybe don't attempt to cook a five-course meal your first night. Start with some antipasto. You can’t really mess that up. And worst case scenario? Bread and olive oil is a totally acceptable dinner in Italy. I lived on it. No shame.
Are there any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right? Spill the tea.
Alright, let’s be honest. *Everything* has its imperfections. The cobblestone streets? Killer on your feet. The WiFi? Can be a bit…spotty. You might encounter some language barriers (brush up on your Italian, or learn the art of enthusiastic hand gestures). And the drive to the villa can be a little…winding. One wrong turn and you’re suddenly in a field of sunflowers, which is beautiful, but not ideal when you're hangry and just want to unpack. Oh! And the mosquitos. Seriously, bring bug spray. They are vicious. Also, I would say the worst part were my flat tires and lack of good phone service driving to the villa, it definitely was a struggle, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared to embrace the slower pace of life. It's a welcome change, but it can take some getting used to, especially if you're used to city life. But honestly? Those tiny downsides are a small price to pay for the magic of the place.
So, should I go? Give me the yes or no.
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Unless you hate good food, stunning scenery, charming people, a slower pace of life, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. In which case… maybe stay home and watch TV. (But you'll be missing out!) Seriously, do it. Go. Escape. You won't regret it. JustHotel Deals Search
