Tenuta Di Ricavo

“Excellent Weekend”

This was the first stop on a two week vacation. We drove to the property as the sun was setting and the views along the rolling hills of Tuscany were fantastic! As we approached the turn to Tenuta Di Ricavo, it can be misleading because it was a gravel road, however, entering the property takes y... more

This was the first stop on a two week vacation. We drove to the property as the sun was setting and the views along the rolling hills of Tuscany were fantastic! As we approached the turn to Tenuta Di Ricavo, it can be misleading because it was a gravel road, however, entering the property takes you back in time to a well-manicured property with old architecture. We were greeted by the front desk and the hospitality was an A+ from the start. We enjoyed dinner Saturday night on premise (I recommend making a reservation). The breakfast (included) is your typical European breakfast. There are two pools that are very quiet and the views from the property are amazing.

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“somewhat disappointing”

Stayed here for 3 nights with 3 other couples why on vacation from the US. As mentioned in other reviews, it is out in the middle of nowhere. The grounds appear fairly neglected and there is nothing to walk around and see. Our room was just OK; decor was bland and our bed was two twin beds pus... more

Stayed here for 3 nights with 3 other couples why on vacation from the US. As mentioned in other reviews, it is out in the middle of nowhere. The grounds appear fairly neglected and there is nothing to walk around and see. Our room was just OK; decor was bland and our bed was two twin beds pushed together. Luckily we had pre-arranged transportation to take us to a cooking class one day and Radda the next day otherwise we would have been held hostage on the grounds with nothing to do. The buffet style breakfast was good but the evening menu was fairly limited. Overall, we were not impressed.

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“Good for a short visit. ”

There are many positives about this hotel. The location is unique, remote and pretty. The pools, despite the hotel having guests, were always quiet and are very pretty also. There are always therefore sunbeds available and towels provided. The food at the restaurant is very high in quality althou... more

There are many positives about this hotel. The location is unique, remote and pretty. The pools, despite the hotel having guests, were always quiet and are very pretty also. There are always therefore sunbeds available and towels provided. The food at the restaurant is very high in quality although we only ate there for one night. The staff are polite and helpful when asked questions. The bed was comfy and our room, a junior suite, a very good size with a nice terrace looking over the hills. All amenities including a safe but would consider taking own hairdryer as it's a very slow stuck to the wall style one! We really loved the idea of the hotel being an old hamlet however it is much smaller (we know hamlets are small but the website implies more to look round) than you imagine and it isn't really possible to look around as every building, including the church, are in hotel use. The track down to the hotel is steep but not difficult to find and well sign posted. Takes a bit of getting used to. The reason we found this hotel confusing was the lack of atmosphere. We do not want nor are we used to loud hotels. In fact, we hardly ever stay in hotels due to not liking the forced atmosphere and events some put on however this place is so quiet it is almost eerie. It almost feels false in its Italian-ness due to some of the rules stuck around the place and the strange information about only one coffee at breakfast which we were told on arrival - we really aren't bothered as I don't even drink coffee but it seemed like a big deal! At breakfast and the only time we stayed for dinner it felt like no one could talk particularly loudly. All it needs is a tiny bit of quiet music to promote some chatter and atmosphere. I do not believe this would disrupt the tranqility of the place. We feel a little like tranquil and calm have been confused with soulless which is bizarre for a place with so much history. It's almost hard to explain as it is a very peaceful location which is good but missing something! Staff were always very good to guests but again it felt like they were trying to hide in the shadows. We love the Italian culture and friendliness shown in all the places we have visited and don't think this should be hidden. To make the most of your trip you will definitely need a car. We would recommend staying here only a few nights and then perhaps moving lower down towards the vineyards as the hotel is higher up in the forest of the hills which means good but not typically post card Tuscan views. We visited many places from here and for that it is a very good base for Siena. The closest town Castellina is lovely and we ate there every other night. We would have lovely to do more runs, walks and bike rides but being up in the hills so much this isn't quite as suitable as we thought it would be. All in all a very pretty and very quiet hotel but it's more of an older retreat than a small hotel so depends what you are looking for and for how long. Would recommend but for a few days only.

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