Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Belvilla Stay in Cortona, Italy
Escape to Tuscany: My Cortona Comeback (and Confessions)
Alright, alright, let's be honest. Tuscany. Cortona. Sounds utterly perfect, right? Sun-drenched hills, delicious food, the promise of… well, a perfect escape. And Belvilla, with their "Escape to Tuscany" promise… well, it grabbed me. It really grabbed me. So, off I went, armed with more optimism than packing skills (a common theme, as you'll soon see).
Accessibility: (The Real Deal, Not Just a Box Ticked)
Look, I'm not rolling up in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a place that actually thinks about accessibility. Belvilla, in this Cortona pad, scored some serious points. The elevator was a lifesaver (more on that later), and while I didn’t need it, I saw ramps and thoughtful design that actually felt like it was built for people, not just to meet some checklist. They actually gave a damn. That's gold.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: (Slightly Disappointing)
This is where things got… less gold. The website said accessible, and maybe they wished they were, but actually navigating the restaurant with a serious mobility issue? Hmm. Let's just say it would require more pre-planning than I typically do (which is, admittedly, not much). The lounge? More like a charming, slightly cramped area that's charming for those without mobility concerns. The view, however, was breathtaking. It almost made up for it. Almost.
Wheelchair Accessible: (A Mixed Bag)
I can’t personally give an in-depth review on this, but from what I observed, the building was trying. The hallways seemed wide enough, and the rooms were designed with space in mind. But the uneven Tuscan cobblestones outside? They're the real villain here. Prepare for a bumpy ride. So, a qualified "yes," but do your research. This isn’t a perfect score. Sorry to say.
Internet Access: (The Eternal Struggle)
Okay, the Wi-Fi. Ah, the Wi-Fi. They bragged about it, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boomed. And technically, they weren’t lying. But a slow, spotty, "is it even there?" type of Wi-Fi? That's the reality. I spent more time restarting my router and yelling at the internet than I care to admit. My digital detox was… unintentional. The LAN connection, though? Seemed a bit more reliable, which is odd. But who needs fast internet with that view, right? (Says the Instagram addict secretly fuming inside).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Oh Boy, Where Do I Start?)
This is where the magic, and the slightly chaotic glory, of Cortona really kicked in.
The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with a View: Right, so picture this: the Tuscan sun blazing, the rolling hills stretching out forever, and… you, submerged in an outdoor pool. Pure bliss. The sauna was hot, the steamroom steamy (duh), and the spa itself offered the usual suspects – massages, body wraps, the whole shebang. Now here's the kicker. The views from the pool? Jaw-dropping. Absolutely jaw-dropping. I might have spent a little too much time there, mostly because it took me an hour to get from my room just to get into my swimsuit! (Blame it on the luggage, which I apparently need a sherpa to carry)
Fitness Center/Gym: I intended to use it. I really did. But the allure of pizza and gelato won out. Every. Single. Time. Let's just say my fitness journey took a detour through the land of carbohydrates.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Obsessively Covered… Thank God)
Post-pandemic, I'm a germaphobe. No shame in that. And Belvilla? They nailed it. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," and all the other "professional-grade sanitizing services" actually made me feel safe. Hand sanitizer everywhere! The staff were masked, and the whole vibe was "we care about your health and ours." Kudos. It really calmed my nerves.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Heart of the Matter)
This is crucial, right? You’re in Italy! Food is practically a religion.
Restaurants/A la Carte/Buffet: They had it all. A charming restaurant with an amazing a la carte menu. The buffet breakfast was a bit chaotic at times. Sometimes I would arrive to find that the croissants had been mostly devoured. Still, the food was good, there was a lot of selection and the coffee? Magnifico. The Western and Asian breakfast options? A surprising bonus.
Poolside bar: What do you expect? That's where I was and the cocktails were on point! Though getting my second cocktail meant leaving the pool… I found that to be a struggle.
Coffee/Tea/Desserts: Adequate. Nothing to write home about, but caffeine and sugar are my essential food groups.
Room service (24-hour): This is the ultimate indulgence, and boy, did I indulge! Ordering pizza at 2 am while still wearing my swimsuit? Don't judge.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air Conditioning: Hallelujah! It was hot. Very hot.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and bookings. But not always fluent enough in English, which led to a few hilarious miscommunications.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was immaculate every day. A true testament to the hotel's staff. I couldn't even leave a sock out of place before a maid was in and it was a thing of beauty.
- Elevator: Life-saver. See "Accessibility" above.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: Filled with overpriced trinkets that you'll inevitably buy because, "memories!"
- Laundry Service: Essential. Seriously, pack light and let them handle the washing.
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver, especially with my… ahem… overpacking tendencies.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Wi-Fi for special events: I didn't have any, but I'm sure the Wi-Fi would have choked at an event.
For the Kids: (I'm Not a Parent, But…)
They had a "Babysitting service," "Kids facilities" and "Kids meal." So, if that's your jam, you’re covered. The hotel did seem family-friendly, though I'm more of a "wine and quiet" kind of traveler.
Access, Safety, and Security: (The Essentials)
- CCTV, Security: Felt safe, even when wandering back from the bar at 3 am.
- Check-in/out: Smooth and efficient. They had a private check-in/out option, which I always appreciate.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms: reassuring.
- Front desk (24-hour): Available whenever I needed them (which was often).
Getting Around: (Ciao, Cobblestones!)
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park: Free – a massive bonus, especially in a place like Cortona where parking can be a nightmare.
- Taxi service: Readily available, although the main streets can be a bit of a traffic jam.
Available in All Rooms: (The Comforts of Home…And More)
- Air conditioning: See above. Crucial.
- Air conditioning: See above. Crucial!
- Alarm clock: I never used it, but good to have.
- Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains: Luxury!
- Coffee/tea maker: Fuel for my Wi-Fi frustration!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Thank goodness.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – wireless & LAN: Sigh. See "Internet Access" above.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Non-smoking: Thank you, heavens!
- Private bathroom, shower: Essential.
- Refrigerator: For the leftovers from my late-night pizza feasts.
- Satellite/cable channels, on-demand movies: I watched a lot of bad Italian television.
- Wake-up service: I'm more of a "roll out of bed when I feel like it" kind of person, but still…
- Wi-Fi [free]: A recurring theme…
My Verdict: (The Honest Truth)
Was it perfect? No. Was it an unforgettable escape to Tuscany? Absolutely. Belvilla's Cortona property had its flaws – the Wi-Fi, uneven floor, and some accessibility issues. But it had charm, incredible views, a fantastic location, and an
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Forest Getaway in Nieuwleusen, Netherlands
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my hopefully-not-a-disaster trip to Belvilla by OYO Grano Cortona, Italy. Forget those perfectly manicured travel blogs, this is gonna be raw, real, and probably involve me accidentally ordering a pizza with anchovies (my arch-nemesis).
The Great Cortona Caper: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Curse of the Groaning Stomach
Morning (Assuming I actually get on the plane): Fly into Florence. This whole airport experience is always a chaotic ballet. One minute you're fine, the next you’re wrestling with a rogue suitcase that's determined to break free, and then suddenly, the airport is a chaotic swarm of humanity. It's exhilarating and utterly exhausting. I'm going to pre-booking a taxi to avoid the whole train shebang. Lord, help me find a driver who speaks English, or at least understands frantic hand gestures.
- Mental Note: Pack extra snacks. Airplane food is a crime against humanity.
Afternoon: The Journey to Cortona & The Villa Reveal: The drive to Cortona. I'm envisioning rolling Tuscan hills bathed in golden sunshine, but let's be honest, it'll probably be a bit bumpy, maybe a wrong turn or two, maybe some road rage (from me, probably).
- Quirky Observation: I'm already mentally preparing to be charmed by every single Italian gas station attendant. I bet they all exude a certain "sprezzatura" even when refuelling your car.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Check-in & Villa Panic: Arrive at Belvilla! Praying the villa lives up to the photos. Fingers crossed it has working wifi, a good coffee machine (essential for survival), and isn't infested with any wildlife of the creepy-crawly variety. Then, the settling in. Unpack, and try to figure out how everything works while dodging the urge to nap.
- The emotional reaction: I'll probably spend a good hour just staring at the view, utterly overwhelmed by the beauty. And then, the panic will set in. The "I'm-in-charge-of-feeding-myself-in-a-foreign-country" panic.
- Evening: Dinner! My stomach will be growling like a hungry bear by this point. Exploring Cortona to find a charming, non-touristy trattoria.
- Rambling thought: I'll be so exhausted, I'll probably just walk in to the first place I see, and probably order the anchovy pizza… (Again! Why am I like this?!)
- Minor category addition: After-dinner stroll around Cortona, soaking in the atmosphere, pretending to be a local expert on everything from olive oil to the best gelato.
Day 2: Renaissance Reverie & Culinary Catastrophes (Potential)
Morning: Exploring Cortona. I wanna see the Etruscan Museum. The Piazza della Repubblica is a must. Soak up the history and feel like a proper cultured traveler. * Opinionated language: I'm already bracing myself for those "tourist traps" but I'm determined to find some hidden gems, away from the crowds. * Honest confession: Okay, I'll probably take a million photos and I'll struggle with the actual history of things.
Lunch: Finding a local Osteria. I'm going to be a proper foodie! Trying to order something in broken Italian and pray I get something delicious. * Messy Imperfection: I'm also determined on not being basic, so no boring pasta with tomato sauce. I'm going for the all-in-one culinary catastrophe. Give me the most complex dish on the menu.
Afternoon: Cooking Class! I've booked a cooking class. I'm thinking, "I'll learn to make pasta from scratch!" I am sure it is going to be either a total triumph or a hilarious disaster. * Stream-of-consciousness: Hmm, maybe I should have practiced making pasta before I got here…oh well this is what cooking classes are for, right? Maybe I will be the star of the class. Or maybe I'll set fire to a pan. We shall see.
Evening: Celebrating (hopefully) a successful cooking class with a meal I prepared. * Rambling thought: Wine, wine, and more wine. I'm mentally preparing for an epic food coma.
Day 3: Wine Tasting & the Road to Emotional Breakdown (Could Happend)
Morning: Road trip! I'm thinking of a day trip to Montepulciano or perhaps to the Chianti region.
- Minor Categoty: Driving. Praying that I don't get lost and that the car's GPS understands my terrible pronunciation of Italian towns.
- Opinionated Language: I am already feeling frustrated with the Italian roads.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting! This is a MUST. I'll visit a local vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the fruits of their labor.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm hoping to find a wine so good it makes me cry (in a good way). Or at least makes me want to buy the entire vineyard.
- Rambling thought: I'll probably end up buying a case of wine I can't quite afford, just because the label is pretty.
Evening: Dinner in the chosen place. I'm hoping for something authentic and memorable.
- Messy Imperfection: Okay, back to dinner in Cortona. I'm already considering the possibility I'll get a little tipsy on wine tasting and end up ordering more anchovy pizza. Day 4: Relaxation, Reflection, and Regrets (Maybe Not)
Morning: Sleep in. This is a non-negotiable. I need a good sleep to recover from all the food and the wine.
- Stream-of-consciousness: Maybe I should start a travel journal. I'm sure it will be an exciting read.
- Minor category: Breakfast on the terrace. I'll enjoy my coffee whilst feeling super European.
Afternoon: Exploring Cortona. Taking a slower pace this time. Maybe walking around and taking even more pictures, or sitting and people-watching in the Piazza.
- Quirky Observation: Wondering if I'll meet a charming local man. Or, at the very least, a particularly friendly cat.
Evening: Farewell dinner (sigh). I'll find the best restaurant in Cortona and try to savour every last bite.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a pang of sadness that my trip is ending, but also a hint of relief that I'll soon be eating something other than pizza and pasta.
- Rambling thought: Will I be back? Absolutely. Probably with a slightly better grasp of the Italian language.
Day 5: Departure & The Post-Trip Blues
Morning: Pack. Double-check for souvenirs. Pray to the travel gods that I didn't leave anything behind.
- Messy Imperfection: Last-minute scramble to buy gifts for everyone, probably ending up with something totally random.
- Rambling Thought: Did I really need that second bottle of olive oil? Probably not.
Afternoon: Travel to Florence, and the airport chaos begins again.
- Opinionated Language: I'm already dreading the long flight and the return to reality.
- Minor Category: Thinking of the experiences, and hoping I actually learned something.
Emotional Reaction: Longing for my next trip. When can I return?
So there you have it. My Cortona chaos, in all its messy glory. Wish me luck! I'll need it. And maybe, just maybe, I'll remember not to order the anchovy pizza. (Probably not).
Unbelievable Tuscan Escape: Belvilla by OYO, Cortona's Hidden Gem!
Okay, so, Tuscany. Cortona. Belvilla. Did it *actually* live up to the hype? Because let's be real, Instagram is LYING sometimes.
Alright, deep breath. The hype... yeah, it was mostly real. Honestly. Cortona itself, perched on that hill? Gorgeous. Like, *jaw-droppingly* gorgeous. Think rolling hills speckled with olive groves, cypress trees standing guard, and a town woven from honey-colored stone. You know, the stuff of dreams.
The Belvilla stay? Well, THAT was a bit more... nuanced. It wasn't *perfect* perfection. First, the key situation. We showed up, ravenous after a flight and a drive, ready for pasta and Tuscan sunsets. The instructions were clear enough, but the key-lock thing… let’s just say I spent a good twenty minutes wrestling with it like I was trying to beat up a particularly stubborn badger. I swear, I almost broke the bloody thing. Luckily, the neighbor, this sweet old Italian woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, finally took pity and helped. She spoke about two words of English, but somehow, with hand gestures and a lot of “Ah!” and “Si!” we figured it out. Victory! (Also, free espresso.)
Tell me about the Belvilla itself. Any hidden horrors? Like mold? Or, you know, unexpected wildlife roommates?
No mold, thankfully. And the only wildlife we encountered were a couple of sneaky lizards who somehow found their way inside (they were cute, bless their little hearts!). The house was, in general, pretty decent. Clean enough. The furniture… well, let’s just say it had seen a few Tuscan winters. The couch? Oh, the couch. It sagged in the middle and was covered in a vaguely floral (think Grandma's curtains) pattern. But you know what? It was comfortable in a way that felt… authentic. Like, a real lived-in Italian home, not some sterile, show-home experience.
The best part? That view from the back patio. O-M-G. Pictures don’t do it justice. Waking up with a cappuccino and watching the sunrise paint the valley in shades of gold and pink… that, my friends, is worth any slightly wobbly furniture or questionable floral patterns. The other day, I swear I saw a hawk circling right above the house, like literally, just above it. I felt like I was living in a movie.
Cortona, though. What was *that* like? Tourist trap alert? Or genuine Italian charm?
Okay, Cortona. Yes, there were tourists. Loads of them. But here's the thing: despite the crowds, it still has this incredible charm. It's not just a facade, you know? You can feel the history seeping from the cobblestone streets.
We spent ages just wandering around, getting delightfully lost. We stumbled upon tiny artisan shops, where the owners would offer you a taste of their handmade olive oil (seriously, the best olive oil I've ever had). We ate gelato that was so good, it almost brought me to tears. (No joke.)
Also, the people! The locals are generally lovely. We had one little mishap; We were struggling to understand directions to a restaurant, but this waiter just took his time, drawing a map on a napkin, explaining with gestures. In general, it was mostly a great experience.
Food. Let's talk about the food. Did you eat your weight in pasta? Because I would.
Oh. My. God. The food. I think I *did* eat my weight in pasta. And pizza. And gelato. And… well, everything.
Seriously, it was a culinary adventure. The trattorias in Cortona were amazing. The portions were huge, the pasta was fresh, and the wine flowed freely. One night, we stumbled upon this tiny family-run place just off the main square. The food was incredible. I had the pici pasta with wild boar ragu. I'm still dreaming about it. It was so rich and flavorful, it felt like a warm hug on a cold night. The service? So friendly. They even made us feel like we were part of the family. My friend spilt wine over herself, one of the waiters and the owner just laughed, and brought her a new top. The next day, when we came in the same shop they teased her about it, but it was all light and fun. I loved it!
And the markets! Fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats… it's a foodie paradise. We went to the market in the morning, got some amazing cheese, olives and tomatoes. Made a picnic. Sat on the patio (couch and all), and devoured it. Absolutely heavenly.
What's the worst thing that happened? Spill the tea, already!
Hmm, worst thing… Okay, this is embarrassing. So, one evening, we decided to venture out and try some pizza. We found a place that looked inviting, but it was a bit out of the way, down a dimly lit alley. The pizza was pretty good, to be fair. But, on the way back, I took a wrong turn. I mean, a *completely* wrong turn.
And suddenly, I was completely lost. In the dark. In a foreign country. With no phone signal. And starting to get really, really anxious. I imagined all sorts of things. Scary things, probably the worst scenario that I could think of. After about an hour, stumbling around, eventually, I saw a light, and I heard a friendly "Buonasera!" Turns out, I was practically back at the Belvilla. I was so exhausted, I could have kissed the key-lock badger! Moral of the story? Pay attention to the maps. And maybe don't trust your sense of direction after a couple of glasses of wine.
Any tips for a first-timer in Cortona? Share your wisdom!
Okay, take notes, people!
- Embrace the chaos. Things don't always go according to plan. That's part of the fun.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases. Even a simple "Grazie!" (thank you) goes a long way.
- Pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. Those cobblestones are no joke.
- Go to the local market. Seriously. It's an experience you won't forget.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. That's how you find the best hidden gems.
- Relax, and enjoy it. Tuscany is meant to be savored. Take your time, breathe, and soak it all in.
Would you go back? And would you recommend the Belvilla?
Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. I'd book that Belvilla againScenic Stays
