La Locanda Country Hotel

This is a spectacular inn, a place we've enjoyed so much over the years that we've stayed there three times. It's pleasantly remote, well off the beaten road. That means delightfully quiet nights. The inn affords a sweeping view of the Chianti countryside, with the medieval village of Volpaia rising from the adjacent ridge. Guests can readily walk there and back on a trail, for lunch, dinner or a winery tour. Having a car is essential, but the driving isn't particularly taxing in this remote rural region. It will enable you to drive to nearby wineries (don't miss Fattoria di Montemaggio) or dinner (Ristoro di Lamole is a real treat, with a sunset view). La Locanda itself is nicely appointed and spotlessly clean, but the real treasure here is the innkeeper, Guido. You'd be hard pressed to find a more gracious or helpful host. He is particularly adept at providing dinner recommendations (and making reservations for you) and suggesting activities in the region. He spent two years of his career working in New York, so his English is flawless. Among the treats here are an apertivo hour and a delightful Tuscan breakfast on the sun-washed terrace.

La Locanda is situated in an idyllic spot overlooking Volpaia (itself a very charming tiny village with fantastic restaurants and a great maker of Chianti), the surrounding vineyards and countryside. It's very quiet here, which makes it a perfect space for relaxation. But all the lovely villages (and cities) Chianti is famous for are easily reachable (by car). The property is a beautifully and carefully restored traditional farmhouse. The rooms are very comfortable and spacious. Breakfast is simple but consists of high quality local ingredients and everything tastes very good, especially the home made cake (which changes every day). The pool is fabulous (and you can take in the view whilst bathing). All this makes La Locanda a brilliant place for a stay in Tuscany but what makes it truly special is Guido, the owner: he is the most accomplished host. His daily aperitivo, where the guests can mingle and enjoy a glass of prosecco or red wine and a small snack, was a highlight of every day. Guido is very plugged in to local life in Chianti and his recommendations of things to do and restaurants to eat at were without fail amazing. He booked (excellent) restaurants for us every day (as well as a wine tour in Volpaia). This is our second time at La Locanda and we will certainly be back again.

This time yesterday I was sat on the terrace with an aperitif overlooking the valley and sunset…… This is an absolute gem of a place. If you want something special in the countryside then hire a car, head along the gravel roads and off the beaten track to La Laconda. Guido - as all the reviews say - is the perfect host. He looks after everyone, be it local restaurant bookings or offering advice on the area. He knows everything about the region and, as he said, it is a way of life and not just a hotel. Make sure you look through the photo book to see what the place was like before his great vision was completed. The aperitif on the terrace is a great touch. He will lend you a torch for your walk back to the hotel from Volpaia (warning: it’s not for anyone unsteady on their feet and no high heels!!) which is great fun after a few glasses of wine. When you return, the place is so quiet and you are left to your own devices …. After residents walked back together we all made use of the bar and Guido said we had a rave such was the amount of drink we demolished! You won’t regret booking this special place.

Really exceeded our expectations, please don’t hesitate to book. Such and amazing personal experience. Clean, tidy and spotless. We will definitely book again. Guido was an exceptional host, his attention to detail is flawless. Not to mention his restaurant recommendations.