Agriturismo Il Giardino degli Ulivi — Local services in Cortona

We checked this before we left on TripAdvisor and other review sites but since most of the contributions are from one-tome contributors this did not tell us anything about the value of the place. So it was a gamble and we trusted the nice words of the agent taking care of the reservations.||||The plot with appartments is part of and built next to a factory hall and a huge installation for storage of sunflower seeds (we think it was) at the border of the town Camucia (nothing special here) close to (very nice) Cortona. The plot with the houses itself looks fine and is well maintained. There is a swimming pool (but not enough parasols for all guests). We explicitly asked for Internet and there is wireless available (free) but the signal was very weak to non-existent is most of our (small) appartment and we had to go outside to go on Internet. All this would not have been a big problem if not for the fact that the appartments are very noisy. Especially when you have one of the appartments on the ground floor. We could hear clearly hear the toilet upstairs and when people started walking on the tiles floors it was as if they were wearing Dutch clogs. Also outside there are areas where the guest can dine outside. Unfortunately in our case this was in front of our bedroom. Even more unfortunate was the fact that the week we were there, the guests using this outside area next to out bedroom had decided to dine there every evening. From 10 pm to 1 am that is..... Their (young) kids had a lot of fun, but we could not sleep until very very late. That was not our idea of a quiet holiday in Tuscany!||||We also do believe that with a few amendments and in particular solving the noise issues in and around the houses this location could score higher if you are not looking for something very special at a beautiful location (oh yeah: did we mention it was next to a road with much traffic leading to Camucia?). The staff is very friendly and does their best but at this stage one certainly does not get the value for...

Il Giardino Degli Ulivi is the perfect touch down place for exploration of Tuscany and relaxation at a reasonable price with multiple amenities. We have stayed there multiple times simply because there is no other place like it. It is composed of a beautiful property lushly landscaped with olive trees as well as many major trees which give its huge lawn a welcome border. It is perfectly located very near Cortona yet far enough to give a country experience. Yet it is very easy to find and on the road to Florence, Arezzo Cortona and Perugia, all must see cities of Tuscany as well as many smaller hill towns like Montepulciano.||There are two traditional stone 2 story buildings housing 6 units. Each one of different sizes depending on your needs. All have excellent well fitted out bathrooms with great commodious showers, in large bathrooms. Living rooms are kitted out with kitchens for cooking all in traditional Tuscan style. The bedrooms all have excellent mattresses both queen and king sizes. I am especially impressed by the very comfy mattresses so important to the tourist travelers. We found it very relaxing to go out to lunch during a visit to a local town and then return to a smaller meal in our room of italian wines, sausages, prosciutto, and cheeses purchased on our touring of numerous little hill towns. Although our visit was end of October an ideal time to visit, in summer one can swim in a beautiful huge swimming pool too. Another benefit is meeting other non American travelers from all over Europe who also come to Il Giardino. ||This is a great little known totally uncommercial place to get a true feeling of Tuscan hospitality. I give it the highest...

Il Giardino is an absolutely fabulous place make your home for a few days or an extended period. It's perfect as a hub to explore the area in and around Cortona. It's not fancy or fussy which makes it the perfect place to settle into the relaxed mood of Tuscany. ||||Located a short drive away from Cortona, it's the perfect oasis to have all the benefits of the area-- the beautiful countryside and towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Cortona is by far one of the best Tuscan hilltowns as it is full of life, unlike many which can be on the sleepy-side, but refreshingly not tourist-bustling like Sienna or Florence. However taking drives to Sienna, Multipulciano, Arezzo and so many more areas, are lovely places to visit beyond Cortona but don't require a stay. ||||Although, Il Giardino is just short distance from he train station, a car is hugely helpful for being able to access all that the area has to offer. Our family has made Il Giardino our home on 3 occasions now, both in the summer and in the winter and it has always been wonderful. In the summer, the pool is fantastic and super relaxing...the garden tables are perfect for al fresco dinners and lunches and the lovely rooms are cool and comfortable. In the winter, its a perfect place for cozy celebrations, making use of the individual kitchens and all the wonderful food the area has to offer. ||||The staff is so helpful and friendly, but also respectful of your privacy and therefore lets you feel it's your own...