Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Sorano Trilocale Awaits!
Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Sorano Trilocale Awaits! - A Review from the Heart (and Slightly Cluttered Brain)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Tuscan beans. This isn't your typical, sterile, "five stars, highly recommended" review. This is raw, unfiltered, and fueled by copious amounts of Italian coffee (and maybe a small glass of vino rosso, cough). We just got back from the "Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Sorano Trilocale Awaits!" and… well, let's just say it was an experience. And yes, that trilocale? Stunning is an understatement.
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Right, let's dive in, shall we?
First Things First: The Accessibility Angle (Because, Priorities!)
My partner uses a wheelchair, so finding truly accessible places is vital. And I'm giving a huge shout-out to "Escape to Tuscany" on this front! They actually get it. While the description isn't perfect, the trilocale itself was surprisingly good. Wheelchair accessibility was definitely a highlight. The entrance was smooth (no treacherous steps!), and the interior layout was spacious enough to navigate comfortably. I mean, it’s not perfect, but honestly, in Italy, that's practically a miracle. They have Facilities for disabled guests, which is huge. I need to emphasize, not all places in Italy are created equal when it comes to accessibility.
Rant/Rave Alert: The Bathroom! Okay, the bathroom was a bit cramped, but the roll-in shower was a game-changer. And extra points for the grab bars. I’ve seen places that say they’re accessible, but the bathroom is a death trap. Here, they cared. Bravo. (And yes, I’m emotionally invested in this because finding decent accessible accommodations is such a struggle!)
I wanted to be clear: despite the accessibility, I think there might have been some areas where you needed to be able to go over a lip to enter and exit, or maybe needed help with a steeper ramp.
More Accessibility Stuff (Gotta Cover All Bases):
- Elevator: Yes! A functional elevator! (Trust me, it's a big deal.)
- Information: The staff was super helpful when we needed to find things that could be more accessible to help us get around.
- Considerations: The description doesn't mention the terrain going from a parking spot to the apartment and I didn't think it was entirely smooth.
Wi-Fi & Internet – The Digital Detox (Sort Of)
Let's be real, we all need the internet, even when escaping to Tuscany. Fortunately, "Escape to Tuscany" delivered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Life-saver. And it actually worked! Unlike some places where the internet is slower than a glacier. Internet Access – LAN was also available. I didn't use the LAN, but good to know it was there. The Internet services were decent, I could get my work done, check my email, and of course, post ridiculously enviable vacation photos to Instagram. (Priorities, people!)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Bellissimo!… Mostly.
Okay, this is where things get a little… complex. The Swimming Pool [outdoor] was, dare I say, legendary. Picture this: azure water, the Tuscan sun beating down, and views that snatched my breath away. Pool with view. You could easily spend an entire week just floating around, contemplating the meaning of life (or just what to order for lunch). The Poolside bar was a godsend for those crucial aperitivo moments.
I did try to check out the Spa/Sauna. The facility was nice but not the spa I was looking for; I would not go back here for the spa.
Okay, Now Things Got Weird… The "Relaxation" Paradox
So, here's the slightly awkward truth. The Fitness center was… well, let's just say it looked like it hadn't been used since the fall of the Roman Empire. The equipment was tired, dusty, and possibly plotting its revenge. I’m not a fitness fanatic, but even I was horrified. I saw some Massage options, but when I tried, the staff was confused and I never got the service.
Food, Glorious Food (AKA My Favorite Part)
Okay, FOOD TIME! Chef's kiss. The restaurants were fantastic. The A la carte in restaurant was wonderful, I especially enjoyed the breakfast one morning. The breakfast [buffet] was impressive. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was available. Delicious. Their salad blew my mind on a very hot day. I will say the Happy hour cocktails were a little weird.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Surprisingly delicious, a welcome break from the Italian fare.
- Desserts in restaurant: The tiramisu was to die for! Please ask how to get this added to your bill as a regular or to-go offering.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Secure (Mostly)
This is important (especially these days). "Escape to Tuscany" gets a thumbs up for making me feel safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the fact that they offered Rooms sanitized between stays definitely gave me peace of mind. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and the staff were all masked up and seemed genuinely concerned about health. The Safe dining setup was also appreciated. We didn't opt for the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Rooms – Our Little Tuscan Nest
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Bless!
- Alarm clock: Good to have
- Bathrobes: Super comfy
- Bathroom phone: Strange but there
- Bathtub: Yay!
- Blackout curtains: Needed
- Complimentary tea: Nice
- Daily housekeeping: Thank you!
- Desk: Useful
- Free bottled water: Refreshing
- Hair dryer: Essential
- In-room safe box: Smart
- Internet access – wireless: Perfect!
- Ironing facilities: good
- Laptop workspace: Good
- Linens: Great
- Mini bar: Yes!
- Non-smoking: Thank you!
- Private bathroom: Needed
- Separate shower/bathtub: Beautiful
- Shower: Needed
- Smoke detector: Safe
- Sofa: Comfy
- Toiletries: Great
- Wake-up service: Helpful
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes
Room rant time: One thing that bugged me was the lack of a coffee maker in the room. I know, first world problem, right? But waking up in Tuscany and not having immediate access to coffee is practically a crime against humanity. I had to run around and use some of the shared amenities which was fine once in a while.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
The Concierge was helpful. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Laundry service came in very handy. Luggage storage was a godsend for that awkward post-check-out period. Air conditioning in public area, essential in the Tuscan heat! I saw a Gift/souvenir shop, but I couldn’t find a good souvenir.
For the Kids (If You Have Them)
We traveled as a couple, but I saw the Family/child friendly label. Not having kids I can’t tell you how the babysitting went but I was told it was good.
Getting Around – A Few Hiccups
Car park [free of charge]: Amazing! Such a relief! Airport transfer: A bit pricey but very convenient. Taxi service: Available, but not always reliable.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Alright, let's get real. This place isn't without its flaws. The service in the restaurants could be a little slow at times, especially during peak hours. One evening, we waited almost an hour for our appetizer. And the language barrier could be a challenge sometimes. But these are minor quibbles, honestly. It's Italy, you're on vacation, relax!
The Emotional Verdict
Would I recommend "Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Sorano Trilocale Awaits!"? Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, the overwhelming feeling is one of pure joy. The views, the food, the accessibility (a massive win!), and the overall vibe – it’s all magic. Just be prepared for a few quirks, embrace the Italian pace, and prepare to fall in love (with Tuscany
Escape to Gubbio: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a chaotic, glorious, and probably sleep-deprived adventure at the Trilocale Sorano in… well, Sorano, Italy. Belvilla by Oyo, they say. We'll see about that. Let's roll, shall we?
The "We're Actually Doing This?!" Itinerary (or, the Pre-Trip Panic)
Phase 1: Arrival - And the Existential Dread of Driving in Italy
- Day 1: The Great Landing… and the Hunt for the Keys.
- Morning (or the "Pre-Caffeine Tremors" period): Arrive at… somewhere near Sorano. Probably Rome, right? Because who flies directly to Sorano? Gotta rent a car. The car rental place, bless their cotton socks, will look like a mafia hangout mixed with a used car lot. The car will have more dents than my self-esteem.
- Mid-morning (or the "Holy Guacamole, Traffic!" stage): Drive. Across… Italy. Trying to decipher Google Maps while simultaneously battling the urge to weep at the sheer Italianness of it all. Constant honking. More scooters than sane people. Pray for GPS accuracy. Also, snacks. Need immediate sustenance.
- Afternoon (or the "Where. Are. The. Keys." episode): Arrive at the Trilocale Sorano. Pray the address is correct. Commence frantic key hunt. Picture this: me, possibly covered in sweat from the drive, wrestling with a lockbox that looks like it was built during the Roman Empire, all while trying to simultaneously prevent the luggage from tumbling down a crumbling hill. Success? We shall see. Probably not.
- Evening (or the "Pizza Crisis" of 2024): Finally inside. Breathe. Unpack (sort of). Attempt to locate the nearest pizzeria. Ideally, one that delivers because, honestly, I'm not sure I can walk another step. Imagine the utter and complete devastation if the pizza is… subpar. My soul simply wouldn't survive. Anticipate the wine, the pizza, and the pure joy – a reward for surviving.
Phase 2: Sorano & Environs - The Town That Stole My Heart (Or My Ability to Walk)
Day 2: Sorano Exploration (and Potential Stair-Induced Collapse).
- Morning (or the "Can I Even? Stairs Edition"): Actually, GET OUT of the apartment. Explore Sorano. The "Tufo Town." Apparently, it's all built of this volcanic rock. Which means… lots of stairs. My calves are weeping already.
- Mid-morning (or the "Lost in a Medieval Time Warp" segment): Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Sorano. Get lost. Intentionally. Soak it ALL in the buildings, the shops, the people. Take approximately 500 photos of the same picturesque alleyway.
- Afternoon (or the "Lunch, Glorious Lunch!" time): Find a tiny restaurant with impossibly cute grandmothers in the kitchen. Order whatever the special is. Trust the nonna. Don't question it. Just eat. Prepare to weep from deliciousness.
- Evening (or the "Aperol Spritz Appreciation Hour"): Return to the apartment. Collapse on the balcony (if there is a balcony! Pray to the Belvilla gods!). Aperol Spritz time. Watch the sunset over the Tuscan countryside. Feel a surge of pure, unadulterated happiness. This, this is the good life.
Day 3: Pitigliano - The Jewish Ghetto and… More Stairs?
- Morning (or the "Why Did I Wear These Boots?" Moment): Drive to Pitigliano. Famous for its Jewish Ghetto, and… (you guessed it!) more stairs. Embrace the workout.
- Mid-morning (or the "History Head Rush"): Explore Pitigliano. Learn about the history, the culture, the… well, everything. Maybe feel a pang of guilt for not knowing more before arriving.
- Afternoon (or the "Holy Cannoli! (and Other Delights)" Interlude): Find a pastry shop. Eat all the cannoli. Sample the local sweets. This is research, people. (Right? Right.)
- Evening (or the "Wine Tasting and the Pursuit of Happiness" phase): Seek out a local vineyard. Wine tasting. Drink the wine. Buy bottles to take home (and sneak them into my luggage). Remember this is Italy, so expect a charming, family-run establishment where the wine is poured with a smile and a hearty "Salute!" Prepare for laughter, conversation, and a slightly tipsy walk back into the town.
Day 4: The "Relax Day" (Ha!) & Saturnia's Thermal Baths – Bubbles and Bliss!
- Morning (or the "Attempting to Relax is Difficult" Ritual): Sleep in! (Maybe.) Attempt to read a book on the balcony. Struggle with the urge to explore.
- Mid-morning (or the "Road Trip!" chapter): Drive to Saturnia. The Cascate del Mulino. The natural thermal baths. Instagram heaven. And hopefully actual heaven. Imagine myself melting into the warm water, erasing all my travel worries in a burst of bubbly bliss.
- Afternoon (or the "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud" period): Slather myself in the thermal mud. Embrace my inner swamp thing.
- Evening (or the "Dinner, Drinks, and Contemplating Life" phase): Find a restaurant nearby. Eat pasta. Drink more wine. Contemplate whether I could actually live this travel lifestyle 24/7. The answer is maybe, with a few more naps.
Day 5: Orvieto – The Cathedral & The Downfall of My Diet
- Morning (or the "That's Not Close, That's a LOT of Driving" stage): One. More. Drive. To Orvieto? Yeah. Another town. A beautiful one, yes, but still … it's a drive! Prepare for more Italian driving.
- Mid-morning (or the "Woah, This Cathedral Is Huge" moment): The Duomo di Orvieto. Marvel at its beauty. Be humbled by the sheer scale of the thing. Take a photo. Ten photos. A hundred photos.
- Afternoon (or the "Truffle Everything" delight): Lunch. In Orvieto. Truffle pasta. Truffle pizza. Truffle gelato? Yes, please.
- Evening (or the "Saying Goodbye to Italy, Maybe Not" phase): Head back to the Trilocale. Pack. Reluctantly bid farewell to this magical place.
Phase 3: Departure – The Tearful Goodbyes (and The Dreaded Flight Home)
- Day 6: The "So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!" - The Journey Back
- Morning (or the "Panic Packing and Praying the Car Starts" moment): Pack. This is the real test. Will everything fit (including the souvenirs, the wine, and the memories)? Clean the apartment (sort of; let's be honest, I'm not going to be scrubbing floors). Return the keys. Pray I can understand the instructions. Pray I remember where the car is. Pray the car starts.
- Mid-morning (or the "Final Glance" of Sorano): One last look at Sorano. Try not to cry. Maybe buy one last piece of cheese.
- Afternoon (or the "Ciao, Italy!" phase): The long drive to… the airport (probably Rome, still). Contemplate the meaning of life, the beauty of travel, and the sheer joy of eating all that amazing food.
- Evening (or the "Homeward Bound" blues): The flight. The inevitable post-vacation blues. The planning of the next trip to Italy. Because let's be real, I'll be back. And maybe next time, I'll remember to pack comfortable shoes.
Important Notes (AKA, The "Things I'll Probably Forget" Section):
- Language: Learn basic Italian phrases. It'll make you feel less like a clueless tourist (even if you are one).
- Food: Embrace the food. All of it. Don't be afraid to try new things. Eat ALL the pasta. Drink ALL the wine.
- Patience: Italy runs on its own time. Embrace it. Learn to relax (easier said than done, I know).
- Cash: Carry cash. Not everywhere takes cards.
- Camera: Charge your camera. Take lots of photos. You'll want to remember this.
- Enjoy. Most importantly…enjoy! It. All.
This, my friends, is the plan. (Cue maniacal laughter). Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some serious shoe-buying research to conduct before my Italian adventure commences. Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Terrace Home in the Netherlands!
"Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Sorano Trilocale Awaits!" - FAQ (Prepare for Realness!)
Okay, so... Is this Trilocale *really* "stunning"? Like, actually? Because marketing folks have lied to me before...
Alright, alright, Mr. or Ms. Skeptic. I get it. "Stunning" is thrown around like confetti. But seriously, folks, this place? *Yeah.* Stunning. I mean, initially, I saw the listing and thought, 'Yeah, yeah, nice photos, probably a closet masquerading as a living room.' Boy, was I wrong. The views? Jaw-dropping. You're talking rolling hills, the medieval town of Sorano just… perched there like a perfectly baked pastry. It's the kind of view that makes you want to hug a stranger (I didn't, but the urge was *strong*). Now, does it have the perfect Pinterest layout? No. There's a slightly wonky floor tile in the kitchen that drives me bonkers (my OCD is screaming!), but the overall feeling? Absolute magic. And the *sunsets*... forget about it. You'll be sobbing happy tears, I promise. Though the cleaning lady has a thing for those weird old rugs. Not my vibe. But overall? Stunning. Trust me on this one. Unless you’re obsessed with dust bunnies, then... maybe pack a hazmat suit.
What's "Sorano" like? Never heard of it. Is it in the middle of nowhere? (Asking for my GPS...)
Ah, Sorano. You, my friend, are in for a treat. And yes, it's relatively 'middle of nowhere' but that's the *point*! Think ancient Etruscan vibes, carved into the tufa rock. You’ll be feeling like Indiana Jones, but with better espresso. The charm is off the charts. Cobblestone streets, tiny shops, the air smells faintly of woodsmoke and something delicious you can't quite identify. It's quiet. Blissfully, wonderfully, phone-signal-is-sketchy quiet. Which, let's be honest, is a gift. My GPS freaked out a few times trying to navigate the winding roads, but hey, that's part of the fun! You'll stumble upon hidden gems, local restaurants (that don't speak English, which forces you to embrace your inner mime), and friendly locals who'll make you feel like family... or maybe just really, really confused if you don't speak Italian (I'm in the second category). Don't worry, waving your arms and pointing *eventually* works when ordering pizza.
Tell me about the kitchen. Is it actually *usable*, or just for show? I'm a passionate pasta maker.
Okay, pasta maker, listen up! The kitchen? Actually usable! Praise be! It's not a five-star chef's dream, but it gets the job done. You've got a basic stovetop, an oven (that took me a while to figure out, let me tell you), and a fridge that actually *keeps things cold*. Score! I made *so much* pasta. And the best part? The view from the kitchen window! You can chop your onions and lose yourself in the Tuscan countryside, which is a *stellar* way to avoid crying about the onions. It's equipped with basic utensils, but don't expect a full set of professional-grade knives. Bring your favorites! I did. And please, for the love of all that is good, clean up after yourself. I'm a neat freak and the ghost of the last guest is still judging me. I swear.
The listing mentions "Trilocale." What does that even mean? And how big is this place really?
"Trilocale" is fancy Italian for "three-room apartment." It's essentially got a living room (where you'll probably spend all your time staring at the view), a bedroom or two (depending which one you choose), and a kitchen/dining area. It's not a sprawling villa, mind you, but it's perfectly comfortable for a couple or a small family. Think cozy, not cramped. Enough space to spread out and actually breathe, which is a refreshing change if you're used to city living. I loved having space to just *be*. Though the lack of a washing machine did make packing a fun exercise in calculated wardrobe choices. And the stairs can get *tedious* after a long day of wandering around, let's be real. But hey, free exercise, right?
What about the Wi-Fi? Gotta stay connected, you know? (Instagram waits for no one.)
Wi-Fi. Ah, the modern travel dilemma. Yes, there is Wi-Fi. And yes, it's… *adequate*. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds that’ll let you stream HD movies. You're in rural Tuscany, people! Embrace the slow life! Sometimes, the signal dips, and you'll be forced to *gasp* interact with the real world. I know, the horror! But seriously, it's enough to check emails, post a few envy-inducing Instagram stories, and maybe even FaceTime family back home to show off your AMAZING view. Just don’t plan on live-streaming a concert. Your followers will thank you. Embrace the digital detox. You'll survive (and maybe even enjoy it). I, however, did not survive the lack of a washing machine.
I'm a picky eater. Are there any grocery stores nearby? And restaurants?
Okay, picky eaters, listen up. Grocery stores? Yes, but they're not gleaming supermarkets. They're smaller, local shops, and that's part of the charm! You'll find fresh produce, local cheeses, amazing cured meats (oh, the *prosciutto*!), and all the essentials. Embrace the experience! Try something new! I once ate something that looked a little…grey…and tasted…well, I’m not entirely sure what it was, but it was delicious. The best part? The friendly shopkeepers. My Italian is terrible, but somehow, we always managed to communicate (lots of pointing and smiling!). Restaurants? Absolutely! Sorano has some amazing trattorias serving up traditional Tuscan fare. Pizza is life. Pasta is life. The wine? *Definitely* life. Look for the places packed with locals – that’s always a good sign. The food might not always be Instagram-worthy, but it’ll taste like heaven. And prices? Surprisingly reasonable. Just be prepared for leisurely meals. Italians don't rush, and neither should you. I remember this one place I ate at, with a terrace overlooking the town. We were there for *hours*. Wine flowing, laughter everywhere. Pure bliss. Even the waiter, who clearly hated tourists at first, was smiling by the end!
Is there parking? I'm terrified of narrow Italian streets!
Yes, there is parking. But let me just preface this by saying: those narrowWhere To Stay Now
