APRIL NEWSLETTER - 2008
Dear Agents and Friends - I have just returned from two weeks in Italy including Tuscany, Umbria, and Florence. Spring has sprung in the countryside! The Wisteria is overwhelming and the vineyards already have two-inch leaves. Watching spring unfold in the Italian hills is a moving experience!
We had very warm greetings from all of the hotels and villas and thanks to all of you for your past business. The bottom line and huge message from almost all of the hotels and villas was the following:
1) We know it is a tough economic year for all of us!
2) Whatever we need to do, let's work together.
3) Traveling in 2008 does not have to be any higher priced than in the past years.
4) We can show you and/or your clients that they do not have to spend more and the quality will still be as good, special, eventful, and as exciting as in the past!
5) Why should lovers of Europe not continue to feed their souls as they have in the past? The approach should be to set the budget and not give in to external demands.
Check out our newest properties!
Please click on each property for further information!
I Grandi di Toscana
– EXCELLENT RATES! I saw this incredible property located approximately 30 miles east of Siena. A Tuscan farm estate just opened and has a most beautiful restoration. Weekly rates for one bedroom apartments range from 900 to 1200 Euro for two to three people, two bedroom apartments range from 1500 to 1900 Euro for four to five people, and a house with 3 bedrooms ranges from 1800 to 2000 Euro and accommodates up to seven people. The property boasts wellness center with a large swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, and horseback riding tours. This meticulously restored Tuscan farm Estate is set amongst olive groves and vineyards in the heart of the Val di Chiana overlooking the medieval villages of Monte San Savino & Civitella. The Grandi di Tosacana has a winery and offers cooking classes.Agriturismo Le Terre dei Cavalieri– Cortona - This
newly restored farm located in a suburb just 10 minutes from the city center is set
amongst scenic stretches of country and fertile fields- golden wheat fields crowned by
yellow sunflowers. This charming Agriturismo permits you to relax and enjoy the serene
setting. The entire estate may be rented as a
whole and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Villa Sassolini
– 4 Star****This hotel has 10 rooms. In Mancioni, a precious Tuscan village in the hills of Chianti and 10 km from Montevarchi. It features exquisite architectural interiors, huge bathrooms, magical atmosphere and a restaurant for the most demanding palate.Fattoria La Palazzina – EXCELLENT RATES! This 18th century hunting lodge in Radicofani accommodates 18 to 20 people and sits perched atop a hill overlooking the village. The owner and his wife live on the property and are the former managers of the Savoy and Cigna hotels in Venice! Today the La Palazzina is a refined residence furnished with pieces from the 1800's and early 1900's. In the back there is a beautiful swimming pool with wonderful views as far as the eye can see. A rich evergreen park with oak and cypress trees surrounds the property. Rates for double rooms range from 90 - 130 Euro per night including VAT, service, breakfast. The villas can also be rented for larger families.
La
Locanda del Loggiato– A fabulous farm with EXCELLENT
RATES! This 13th century antique building was completely renovated while
maintaining the characteristic wooden beam ceilings and the antique terracotta flooring. The farmhouse is located in Bagno
Vignoni, a medieval village with only 30 inhabitants. Bagno Vignoni is one of the
most famous villages for natural springs and thermal baths.
Locanda Rosati - A lovely stone country house located in the hills only a few kilometers from Orvieto. What could be nicer than sitting around the fire, sipping a glass of fine local wine, after a hike through the woods and fields. In summer you can wind down in the park with a dip in the swimming pool reserved for guests only and framed by olive trees. Locanda Rosati offers lessons in the Italian language taught in conjunction with Lingua Si, the Institute of Italian Language and Culture from Orvieto. Arrangements can be made for horseback riding tours in the Umbrian countryside, wine tasting, and daily tours to Tuscan and Umbrian sites of interest. Double rooms range from 110-130 Euro, triples from 130-150 Euro, and quads from 160 - 180 Euro. Rates are per night and include VAT, service, & buffet breakfast.
La Palazetta del Vescovo - This charming historical villa is located very close to the lovely town of Todi. The villa is an example of traditional architecture wtih extreme attention to detail in each of the nine rooms. In the intimacy of the fireplace room or the panoramic summer terrace guests can enjoy the fresh, simple cuisine of Umbrian and Tuscan traditions. Rates for romantic double rooms start at 200 Euro, superior doubles at 220 Euro, and suites at 250 Euro. Rates are per night and include VAT, service, & breakfast. All rooms are non-smoking!Relais Dell 'Olmo
-4 Star****– EXCELLENT RATES! This lovely four star property inHotel Brufani Palace -5
Star***** - Situated on a hilltop within the historical center
of
SAN GIMIGNANO VICINITY
Villa Le Barone
– Exquisite property! Nineteen artists staying here from nine days of painting just left! One of my favorites. They have separate villas for families to hold 4-16 people. Situated in the lovely Chianti countryside in the home town ofVilla San Filippo
– This wonderful property has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments! Set on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves and vineyards with breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape sitsFonte de Medici
– This lovely property also has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas. Experience country life on this cluster of three completely restructured and newly equipped farmhouses surrounded by vineyards.. The proximity of bothLa Canonica di Cortine
– I stayed here and just adored the property, owners, and staff! They have hotel rooms, suites and a huge separate villa that can accommodate up to 16 people. La Canonica di Cortine is set amidst the vineyards and woods. Cortine is the name of the medieval castle and church mentioned in the records of 1037. Ten stone cottages have been newly restored and have 360 degree views of the vineyards and Tuscan hills.EXTENDED
FAMILIES OF 8-26 PERSON
Villa La Tana
– I stayed here and I have to tell you that I flipped over the property, the restoration, the area, and the owner! It is only 10 km from San Gimignano. It has the most beautiful interiors of art and architecture of the owner whose family goes back to 1750. This villa and cottage together can accommodate up to 16 people and it is one of the loveliest properties to lease in all ofVilla La Vigna
- Situated on a small hilltop in the middle of a 400 hectare estate, this well maintained, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired stone & glass villa offers commanding panoramic views of the classic unspoiled Tuscan landscape. Sleeps up to 10 people - with a pool. The property is located 20 minutes fromAntica
Dimora Firenze – 3 Star***This very special
three star hotel has rates of 95 to 145 Euro per night, lovely interior design with
owners' touches everywhere. New apartments have been added as well! To view photos of
these adorable apartments please click on the Antica Dimora link
above. This darling hotel has only six rooms, all individually designed with
careful attention to detail - earth toned, pastel colored walls, hand-woven linen and
precious silk fabrics along with antiques give each room its own personality.
Residenza dei
Pucci – 3 Star*** The hotel is located two
blocks from the Duomo and has family triple rooms and quads. The quad room is huge with
two floors comprising of a king bed in the first bedroom and 2 twin beds in the
second bedroom, large sitting area and views of the Duomo. Relax in this luxurious 12-room
nineteenth-century building, located in the heart of
Borghese Palace Art Hotel - I stayed at this beautiful hotel and loved it! It is one of the few contemporary hotels in Florence. Last year was its first year open and it was 95% occupied! Classic double rooms range from 150 - 320 Euro, superior doubles from 182 - 350 Euro, executive doubles from 213 - 370 Euro, and junior suites from 275 - 500 Euro. Rates are per night including VAT, service, buffet breakfast, use of the Sauna, Turkish Bath, and gym.
Residenza Del Moro - 5 Star*****I stayed at this exquisite small hotel located on a small street next to Via Tornabuoni. The famous contemporary art on the walls belong in a museum. It is a luxurious epoch residence where sumptuous elegance, top quality comforts and impeccable services, are the demonstration of an exclusive concept of hospitality. The interiors of the hotel are covered with splendid frescoes and enriched with antiques, silks, brocades and contemporary works of great artists. A short walk leads guests to the most famous museums and sights of Florence. Classic double rooms start from 490 Euro per night plus VAT.
Le Real de Luxe B&B - 3 Star*** -EXCELLENT RATES! This darling bed and breakfast is located on the fourth floor of an Umbertine Royal Palace. There is a lift! The B&B is situated within a short walking distance from the Coliseum, the Roman Imperial Forums, Piazza di Spagna, as well as from public transportation stations and the terminal connecting to Stazione Termini. Classic double rooms range from 90 - 160 Euro, executive doubles from 120 - 185 Euro, and junior suites from 135 - 200 Euro. Rates are per night and include VAT, service, & breakfast.
St. George - 5 Star*****This is a fantastic five star hotel just recently opened and boasts an exquisite spa! This is Rome's newst chic hotel! Check it out on our website!
Super
Cheers!
Bonnie,Tammy, Ronnie, Sandie, & Nancy
For more information or to schedule your stay, please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
9425 Whispering Sands
West Olive, MI 49460 - USA
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com