Borgo Elena — Local services in Cortona

We stayed in nine different accommodations during our recent trip to Italy. Because the following experiences were fairly consistent from place to place, I offer them not as criticisms but as observations on cultural differences. We found that beds were VERY firm, showers small, that toiletries always included shower caps but never conditioner, that bedrooms and baths contained highly scented room deodorizers, potpourri, and diffusers and, without exception, that the places were difficult to find. Obviously, the small independent accommodations that we chose, often with the help of Tripadvisor reviews, and often in historic centers, were going to be harder to locate than big chain hotels. Driving added to the difficulty in that we had to find parking near the accommodations in places where parking and sometimes even driving was not permitted. Add to this that the accommodations were not in our navigation system, that the signage to and on the buildings was always tasteful and discreet, that we were rarely provided with adequate arrival directions and that our phones were more often than not without service, finding each next place became the most stressful part of our trip. If I were to redo this trip I would not leave home without detailed driving and parking instructions for arrival to each of the places we stayed. Relying on phones, maps or navigational systems is not enough. ||Finding Borgo Elena was especially stressful because our phones were not working and we were provided with no arrival directions other than to call when we reached Cortona. (Parking was onsite.) I remembered reading that Relais Il Falconiere was connected to Borgo Elena and we saw signs that led us there where they graciously called Elena who then led us to our rental. Borgo Elena is a delightful collection of cottages, well sited with beautiful views and decorated with charm. The cottages reminded me of the Landmark Trust places we've visited in England - with attention to historic detail and comfort. We enjoyed breakfast every morning accompanied by the resident cats and overlooking the countryside. It was cool when we stayed (late October) and heat was an extra 20 euros a day. One WiFi device serves all the cottages so if it is plugged into the exterior of your cottage, you get service - at least outside - and if it is plugged in inside someone else's cottage, no service at all. It takes some negotiating. No toiletries are provided as would be expected in a rental. Unexpected, but very welcome was Elena's gift of wine and food on our arrival. Staples for cooking are provided as are all cooking and serving necessities. We were asked to pay in cash. ||Borgo Elena is well situated; about 5 minutes to a supermarket, 10 to Cortona, and pleasant day trips to Siena, Montepulciano...

Borgo Elena is a lovely villa set high up in the hills above Camucia. We stayed in Apartment 6 which was spacious with amazing views from the bedrooms and sitting room. There is a terrace from the kitchen which was reasonably secluded (the only completely private outdoor space is with Apartment 3). We viewed all the other apartments on the last day which are all beautifully furnished with lots of character. The pool is a good size, good depth for children and regularly cleaned. It also has plenty of comfortable loungers and umbrellas providing essential shade. Again, the views from the pool are spectacular. The owner, Elena, was exceptionally helpful and always at hand. She provided us with a bottle of her own wine on arrival and, at a small cost, we were able to top up our supplies of both wine olive oil (again made by Elena's family) during our stay (great presents too!) She and her father, Mario, were also very sweet with our 5 year old son who ended up not wanting to leave! There are no local amenities within walking distance but Camucia (with 2 supermarkets) is only a 5 minute drive down the hill and the pretty town of Cortona, 5 more minutes further on. We are returning next year and would highly recommend...

We recently returned from a week at Borgo Elena. It was set amongst the olive trees on a high road in the hills near Cortona. Beautiful place just to sit in the late afternoon with a red wine & look at the wonderful view. The accommodation was great for 2 couples, big, clean & with a big Italian kitchen & eating table. A BBQ was provided so we could sit outside & entertain if we wanted. Mario & his wife & daughter Elena made you feel extremely welcome & Mario even with no english took us the where "Under the Tuscan Sun" movie was made. A wonderful experience something we would never have found on our own. With a car we hired from Florence it was a great location to get to Cortona, Sienna, Perugia & many other wonderful cities in Tuscany. We would certainly stay again if we get the chance.||Traveller from...