La Bandita Townhouse Hotel — Restaurant in Unione dei Comuni Valdichiana Senese

We start with Pienza with its sweeping view of the Val d'Orcia, quaint streets and shops and the historical significance of its history and architecture. It is stunning, and I only wish I had discovered Pienza years ago. La Bandita is tucked away quietly and respectfully in the heart of this great town.||There are other hotel and resorts options here, I suppose. We are thrilled that we made the right choice on the first try.||Actually, three things stuck with us about La Bandita. First, is the team. Clearly the team excellence starts with its leader and owner. There is verbiage on their website talking about the staff actually being a family. That is not another marketing throw-away line here. From the front desk staff to housekeeping and to the restaurant operation, we experienced nothing but friendly, super accommodating and kind people. It's nearly impossible to describe the vibe properly with words. But trust us, they have something special here.||Second, the attention to detail is incredible. One can discern what must have been almost painful focus on how the former convent would be revived as this boutique hotel. The room layout was not only sleek, but things like the flow of the room, the placement of shelves and furniture and the bathroom/shower demonstrated to us design based on the user experience first. All so smartly done and tastefully beautiful. It's as if all those things that while traveling you identified as "really nice things to have" are automatic here. We also appreciated the common gathering areas both in the hotel and garden. There is just a casual elegance that invites taking moments to slow down and appreciate and to interact with fellow travelers if that is your thing.||Third, the restaurant is fantastic. Again, there are other options in and around Pienza (some of which we sampled), but do give this one a try. We are foodies and wine lovers-great appreciators but not snobs. Come here for a focused menu so well prepared and one of the most thoughtful wine lists we experienced on our trip. All of that, of course, does not come together without teamwork and plan. So good!||Thank you La Bandita. We are grateful to have met you. Until the...

Ahhh, where to begin!? My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the La Bandita Townhouse for 3 nights in early March. What a wonderful boutique hotel! The town of Pienza was the PERFECT home base for us to explore the Tuscan countryside and wine region of Italy! Set up high on a hill with stunningly beautiful views of the Val D'orcia, the hotel itself was once a convent which served its inhabitants for over 500 years! Our wonderful room featured stone walls, wood beamed ceilings and sunrise views! There is a delightful restaurant on site which served made to order breakfast as well as delicious dinners. Our waiter, Michael from Glasgow, always made us feel like friends joining him for a meal in his own home. The staff, (Valeria and Paula), were friendly, attentive to our every question or request, and even did a load of laundry for us free of charge! We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the property, Mr John Voigtmann, who took the time to introduce himself personally AND to make sure we were set up with a personal wine tasting at Podere Le Ripi (a fantastic local winery) and Il Casale (a working farm) for lunch! The town of Pienza was JUST the right size and easy to navigate. My wife and I are still day dreaming about our experience in Pienza. From the people to the accommodations to the views and the food! We will definitely be back and will recommend this hotel to anyone! Grazie Mille La...

Ahhh, where to begin!? My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the La Bandita Townhouse for 3 nights in early March. What a wonderful boutique hotel! The town of Pienza was the PERFECT home base for us to explore the Tuscan countryside and wine region of Italy! Set up high on a hill with stunningly beautiful views of the Val D'orcia, the hotel itself was once a convent which served its inhabitants for over 500 years! Our wonderful room featured stone walls, wood beamed ceilings and sunrise views! There is a delightful restaurant on site which served made to order breakfast as well as delicious dinners. Our waiter, Michael from Glasgow, always made us feel like friends joining him for a meal in his own home. The staff, (Valeria and Paula), were friendly, attentive to our every question or request, and even did a load of laundry for us free of charge! We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the property, Mr John Voigtmann, who took the time to introduce himself personally AND to make sure we were set up with a personal wine tasting at Podere Le Ripi (a fantastic local winery) and Il Casale (a working farm) for lunch! The town of Pienza was JUST the right size and easy to navigate. My wife and I are still day dreaming about our experience in Pienza. From the people to the accommodations to the views and the food! We will definitely be back and will recommend this hotel to anyone! Grazie Mille La...