Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona!
Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona – My Honest, Slightly Chaotic, and Utterly Delicious Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Belvilla by OYO in Cortona, and I’m bursting to tell you about it. Forget all the meticulously crafted, PR-approved reviews; this is the real deal. Think of me as your slightly sunburnt, happily fed, and occasionally exasperated friend who just survived a Tuscan dream. This review is probably going to be a mess, but hey, so was my suitcase after I crammed in a week's worth of pasta and biscotti.
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Fiasco (We'll Get to the Good Stuff, I Promise!)
Listen, I'm not gonna lie, my initial excitement was slightly dimmed by the whole "accessibility" bit. Now, Belvilla’s website says "facilities for disabled guests," but that could mean anything, right? Like, maybe a ramp that leads to a locked door? And honestly, navigating those classic Tuscan hills in a wheelchair? My heart truly went out for those who would have to do that, or people with children in strollers. The location, while breathtaking (more on that later!), wasn't exactly built with smooth transitions in mind. I'm a relatively able-bodied individual, so I was fine, but I definitely kept thinking about others. We did have a car, so that provided freedom. Car park [on-site] is free, and it's a lifesaver. Free is always a plus, especially when you're factoring in the cost of all that glorious food. It wasn't a huge carpark, but we always got a space. Accessibility Score: 3 out of 5 stars. Needs some serious upgrades on the ground and more clear details - especially regarding stairs.
Internet: A Godsend and a Curse (But Mostly a Godsend, Thank God!)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Music to my ears! (And my Instagram feed's ears, let's be honest). Connecting was a breeze, and the signal was surprisingly strong. I will admit, I spent a regrettable amount of time in my room doomscrolling the news and checking my email. But the Internet [LAN] thing? Who uses that anymore? Unless you’re running a server farm, probably nobody. Internet services were, well, the internet. The real heroes here were the Wi-Fi in public areas and, crucially, the Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms.
Internet Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. LAN is officially obsolete.
Relaxation: Where the Tuscan Sun Meets My Soul (and My Swimsuit)
Okay, this is where Belvilla really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] was, and I swear, like something out of a movie. I spent hours by that Pool with view just… existing. The Tuscan hills rolled out before me, the sun warming my skin… I’d literally drift off into a light doze, only to be woken by the Poolside bar offering another Aperol Spritz. It was bliss. They even had sauna and spa/sauna, but, full disclosure, I was too busy lounging by the pool to give them a try. I'm not a Body wrap kinda gal, I'm a Poolside nap kind of gal. Relaxation Score: 5 out of 5 stars. That pool is pure magic.
The Food: My Personal Italian Revival (and My Ever-Growing Waistline)
Alright, let’s talk food! This is where Belvilla truly won my heart (and eventually, my stomach).
- Breakfast [buffet]: Absolutely amazing! The breakfast was a classic continental buffet. What makes it special is the Breakfast in room option (extra cost) which is the best for those who want extra privacy, or cannot get up early.
- Restaurants: They boast "Restaurants," but let me clarify - there's a main restaurant and a snack bar, which is a very good mix.
- The Restaurant Experience: A la carte with International cuisine in restaurant and a great Western cuisine in restaurant. There were Vegetarian restaurant options too!
- Dining Options: Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when jet lag hits, and it was great to take advantage of the Bottle of water provided!
- Drinks at the Bar: Yes, they have a Bar. And you could get the Happy hour. Need I say more?
- Other Notable Meals: Snack bar. Salad in restaurant. Soup in restaurant. Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Dessert: You cannot go wrong with the Desserts in restaurant!
- Specifics on the Asian Options: I did not see the Asian breakfast nor did I sample the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Drinking and Dining Score: 5 out of 5 stars. I'm already dreaming of the next meal.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Sanitize The Pasta?
This is where Belvilla really got it right, especially post-pandemic, they took seriously. They were Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. You could tell they were serious about hygiene. Individually-wrapped food options were available. It created a sense of trust and security. Seriously, I felt safer there than I do in my own kitchen sometimes! The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items just added to the sense of relief. I didn't opt out of Room sanitization opt-out available.
Cleanliness and Safety Score: 5 out of 5 stars. Seriously, the best.
Rooms and Amenities: My Tuscan Oasis (Almost)
My room was… lovely. It was Soundproof rooms and had Air conditioning. The View was gorgeous. It had Air conditioning, always a winner in the Tuscan heat! The Desk was perfect for my laptop. The Refrigerator was perfect for keeping my prosecco chilled. Free bottled water?! Yes, please! I loved the mini bar and the Coffee/tea maker. The Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in after all those Aperol Spritzes. Additional toilet if you are sharing the room (bliss). It was definitely a Non-smoking rooms place. I did not have the Interconnecting room(s) available.
Room Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Could have been a little more "wow," but perfectly comfortable.
For the Kids: Did I See Any? (I'm Not a Parent, so I'm Not Sure!)
This section is a bit thin for me. I saw a few Family/child friendly features listed, but since I don’t have kids, I can’t give you a firsthand account of the Babysitting service or Kids meal.
For the Kids Score: Incomplete (Sorry, kids!)
Services and Conveniences: Because You're in Italy, Duh!
This is where Belvilla truly shines. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Dry cleaning! Yes! Laundry service because of course you want to wash that shirt you stained with gelato! Car park [free of charge]? A godsend! Car park [on-site]? More great news! Cash withdrawal. On-site event hosting! The presence of the Elevator made this property accessible, which is a huge plus. You could order Food delivery.
Services and Conveniences: 5 out of 5 stars. Made my life so much easier!
Safety and Security: Feeling Safe and Sound?
The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me peace of mind. You know what I hate? Worrying. The Security [24-hour] felt reassuring too. I saw Fire extinguisher. The Smoke alarms made sense.
Safety and Security: 5 out of 5 stars. Couldn't feel more safe.
Getting Around: Arrivederci, Stress!
Car park [free of charge]! Car park [on-site] too! With the Airport transfer, you are going to be great! I took a taxi service. There are also taxis!
Getting Around Score: 5 out of 5 stars. Easy peasy.
Overall Impression: Go, Just Go!
Belvilla by OYO in Cortona is a winner. It's not perfect – accessibility could be improved – but the stunning location, the amazing food, the relaxing pool, and the overall charm of the place more than make up for any minor shortcomings. I left feeling refreshed, slightly rounder, and already plotting my return. Just go, get yourself there. You won’t regret it. And for goodness sake, try the pasta! Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (with a big, happy Italian heart).
Regen Terrace Paradise: Your Dream Apartment in Aldersbach Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to Belvilla by OYO Tobia Sopra Cortona, Italy, and frankly, I'm already picturing myself sprawled on a sun-drenched terrace, wine glass in hand, possibly judging a passing flock of sheep. Here's the (mostly) planned chaos:
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Packing Panic: The Prelude to Italy
- Days Before: Okay, so I should be cool, calm, and collected. I should have packed strategically. Instead, I’m staring at my suitcase, feeling a deep, existential dread. What if I forget my passport? (Always a possibility. I have a history.) What if I pack only beige? (Also a potential crisis.) I’m pretty sure I’ll need at least three outfits for a wine tasting, two for wandering through the ancient streets, and… well, let’s just say I’m over-packing. The shoes situation alone is a disaster.
- The Actual Packing: After a solid three hours of wrestling with zip-lock bags and weighing the merits of a scarf versus a cardigan, I finally have… something. It looks less like a curated travel wardrobe and more like a ransom note fashioned from discarded clothes. Fine. Italy, here I come. I'm bringing my anxiety, my questionable fashion choices, and a LOT of coffee to survive the jet lag.
- The Airport Run: Remember that passport I was worried about? Yep, it nearly got left on the kitchen counter. Thank god for my partner, who literally chased after me screaming, "Your actual life depends on that!" That's the kind of teamwork that makes a relationship work, folks.
Day 1: Arrival, Cortona Charm, and a Near-Disaster with the Olive Oil
- Morning: Landed in Florence, survived the airport chaos (miracle!). Car rental… smooth-ish. Except for the part where I may have selected the "most compact" option, which felt like driving a shoebox. The drive to Cortona was breathtaking. Seriously, my jaw dropped. Rolling hills, Cypress trees, the sun… it was like a movie. Except I was the star, and I kept missing the turns.
- Afternoon (Tobia Sopra, Cortona): Arrived at Belvilla by OYO Tobia Sopra. The place is gorgeous. Stone walls, exposed beams, a view that stretches to forever. I immediately beelined for the terrace with a glass of water, took a deep breath, and declared, "I’m in heaven." Then I tried to make espresso. Let's just say, I'm not quite Italian coffee-making material. But hey, the view helped.
- Evening: Explored Cortona! The streets are narrow, winding, and filled with charm. Found a tiny trattoria - Osteria del Loggiato, where the pasta was heavenly. Ate so much that I had to waddle back to the villa. On the way, I may have accidentally tripped over a cobblestone and nearly face-planted. Style point, ZERO.
- The Olive Oil Incident: Back in the villa, I started unpacking the groceries. I bought a beautiful bottle of local olive oil, poured some into a little dish, and then… I knocked it over. On myself. On the counter. On the floor. Olive oil everywhere. The smell was amazing, the clean-up was not. Learned lesson: handle expensive things with care.
Day 2: Art, Wine, and The Search for the Perfect Pizza
- Morning: Decided to be cultured. Visited the Etruscan Academy Museum of Cortona. Walked around a lot, read a lot, felt slightly intimidated by all the history – still, the views of the valley were phenomenal. I took a picture of a little statuette that reminded me of my cat. Okay, maybe I'm not that cultured.
- Afternoon: Wine tasting outside Cortona. We went with a private tour--it was a little too much, maybe, I'm not sure I'm ready for the full sommelier experience. The wine was fantastic (duh!), and the scenery was even better. I may have bought a case. Regret? Zero!
- Evening: Pizza quest! I swear, finding the perfect pizza is a life goal. Tried a place recommended by a local – Trattoria La Grotta - and it was close. Thin crust, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of deliciousness. The search continues.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Florence, and the Train From Hell
- Morning: Florence! The Duomo! The Uffizi Gallery! The crowds! Okay, the crowds were a bit much. I'm not used to this hustle and bustle.
- Specific Florence Details: We saw Michelangelo's "David." It's impressive, but honestly, the queue to get in was more memorable. The city made my head spin, and I was getting a little overwhelmed.
- The Journey Back…or, the Train From Hell (and a Pizza-Eating Catastrophe): Oh, the train. Picture this: a packed carriage, aggressive tourists wrestling for luggage space, and a delay. By this point, I was starving. I'd bought a takeaway pizza, and like a klutzy cat, I dropped it. Half of it ended up on the floor. The other half, devoured at a rate that would make a hungry dog blush. The trip back to Cortona? Well, let's just say I wasn't in the best of moods.
- The Aftermath: I slept it off. I ate an entire gelato, a chocolate one.
Day 4: Cooking Class Capers and the Ghost of a Pasta Bolognese
- Morning: Cooking class – the highlight of my trip! Our host, a very kind Italian woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eye - "Signora Elena" - guided us through making pasta from scratch. Flour everywhere! Sauce splatters galore! I burned the garlic slightly. But, by the end, we'd created a feast! (Okay, it was a mostly edible feast.) My pasta bolognese might have been more "brownish stew" than "masterpiece," but it tasted like a little piece of Italy.
- Afternoon: I went back to bed.
- Evening: Back in Cortona. I decided to go back to Osteria del Loggiato because the pasta was so good. I ended up eating more, and I'm not sure how I made it back to the villa.
Day 5: Relax and Breathe (and Attempt to Learn Italian)
- Morning: Ah, the day of rest! I did nothing. Besides drink coffee on the terrace and watch the sunrise. It was pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Tried to learn some Italian. "Buongiorno." "Grazie." "Un bicchiere di vino, per favore" (because, priorities). My accent is appalling. My pronunciation, even worse. But hey, at least I'm trying!
- Evening: One last dinner in Cortona. Ate, drank, laughed a lot. I found my favorite restaurant - La Loggia, but it was closed. Had to settle with Il Falconiere - it was good, but not the same.
Day 6: Departure - Ciao, Italia!
Morning: Packed (again). This time, a little more strategically. This time, I managed most of my things into my suitcase.
The Farewell: Left the villa. I shed a tiny tear for the view, the food, and the magic that is Tuscany. Italy, you’ve been an absolute riot.
Final Thoughts: This trip was messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful. I made some mistakes. I ate too much pasta. I almost lost my passport. But I also experienced incredible beauty, ate amazing food, and created memories that will last a lifetime. I'll be back. Because, well, Italy has a way of getting under your skin.
Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona - Ask Me Anything (Seriously!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Belvilla by OYO in Cortona REALLY as dreamy as the brochure makes it seem?
Dreamy? Oh, honey, it *tries*. Look, the setting IS undeniably gorgeous. Think rolling hills, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, and that glorious Tuscan sun practically kissing your face. Cortona itself is straight out of a movie – think *Under the Tuscan Sun*, but...kinda real. I mean, I’m talking cobblestone streets, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from tiny bakeries...okay, I'm starting to sound like the brochure, aren't I?
But the *actual* Belvilla experience? Right, here comes the *real* truth. It’s not perfect. And that’s part of the charm, I swear! It’s like, you expect perfection, right? Then you arrive and find a wonky door hinge, and a slightly dusty chandelier, and it's like... *Phew*. This is real life. And you know what? It's SO MUCH better than some sterile, perfect hotel. Remember that time *I* tried to cook spaghetti? Let's just say the kitchen's charm was thoroughly tested. Let's move on...but trust me, the *atmosphere* is there!
The website shows a pool... a *glorious* pool. Was it actually usable, or was it green and haunted by frogs? (Seriously, I've had experiences...)
Okay, the pool. This is a BIG one. Honestly? The website's pics are probably done by a wizard. I have to say, the pool *was* a major selling point for me, too. And yes, it was *usable*. THANK GOD. No creepy frog residents, thank heavens. Let me tell you, after a long, hot day of exploring Cortona, that pool was literal heaven. It felt like a massive, shimmering jewel set in the Tuscan landscape. Imagine me, floating on my back, staring up at the brilliant blue sky… pure bliss. (Except for the time I accidentally swallowed a bug. Don't judge.)
The crucial point, though: Check the pool's opening dates! We were there in early May, and...ahem... it wasn't quite open when we arrived. Devastated initially, thought I'd literally die of heat exhaustion! Fortunately, the staff got their act together pretty quickly. So, *do* your research. Confirm the availability! I'm pretty sure there's some fine print buried in the booking about that.
What about the kitchen? Is it actually equipped to cook more than instant noodles?
Alright, the kitchen. This one's a crapshoot, folks. It really depends on the specific villa. Some are amazing, like those you see on Instagram – fully loaded with every gadget imaginable. Others... well, let's just say you might need to channel your inner Bear Grylls. I'm talking mismatched cutlery, maybe a slightly blunt knife, and a pan that's seen better days.
My advice? Pack a good chef's knife. Seriously. And maybe a can opener. Just in case. Also, check the listing *very* carefully for what's included. Some places have espresso machines, others… not so much. Which, for me, is a tragedy. (I NEED my morning caffeine fix!) The local markets, though? AMAZING! You can buy the most incredible fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. Just make sure you have the right tools to prepare them! This is where the *real* Tuscany experience comes in, by the way. The cooking, eating, laughing, with your friends and family. Don't be afraid of the kitchen.
How was the location in relation to Cortona town? Easy to get to?
This is KEY, especially if you're not a fan of driving winding roads. The Belvilla villas are *usually* outside the town itself. Which means… you need a car (or a very sturdy pair of legs). The drive into Cortona varied depending on the specific villa. Some were a quick five-minute hop, others involved navigating some seriously narrow, hairpin turns. Seriously, make sure you get a good GPS! And maybe a little insurance (just in case I say).
Also, parking in Cortona can be a nightmare. Be prepared to walk a bit from the car park. It's uphill. Always uphill. But trust me, the views from the town are worth it. And the gelato. Oh, the gelato! So just plan accordingly. Don't plan on late-night pizza adventures unless you're a confident driver. And maybe pack a flashlight!
What kind of amenities/services were included? What were the things to consider?
Okay, amenities. This is a mixed bag. Check the *specific* listing. Some villas include things like Wi-Fi (essential!), air conditioning (essential in summer!), and even a welcome basket with local goodies. Others… not so much. Sometimes, you need to pay extra for things you might assume are included (like towels).
Read the fine print. Seriously. I didn't, once. Regretted it. There was a cleaning fee that I totally missed. Ouch. Also, be aware of potential extra costs, like the tourist tax (which is standard in Italy, but can add up). And, crucially, figure out your grocery situation. Is there a supermarket nearby? Do you need to stock up before you arrive? (Spoiler alert: YES.) The closest supermarket to our place was a 20-minute drive. So plan those meals accordingly. Also, consider booking activities in advance. Tours fill up fast, especially in peak season.
Any tips for booking or things you wish you knew beforehand?
Okay, *listen up.* This is gold. First, book early. Tuscany is popular. Really, *really* popular. Especially if you have specific dates in mind, or a must-have villa feature (like a pool!).
Second, read the reviews. All of them. Not just the ones on the Belvilla site, but Google reviews, TripAdvisor, etc. They'll give you a more realistic view of what to expect. Look for themes: "great location," "amazing views," "kitchen could use some work," etc. Pay attention to any mentions of noise (some villas are in busy areas), insects (hello, mosquitos!), and the state of the internet. Because, again, essential. And I wish I’d known how amazing the local markets were. I could have eaten fresh pasta for every meal.
Finally. Manage your expectations. It isn't the Ritz. It's a Tuscan escape. Embrace the imperfections! Let the wonky door hinge and the slightly dusty chandelier be part of the charm. And for the love of all that is holy, bring mosquito repellent! Seriously.
Would you go back?
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