Hotel Villa Belvedere - Colle Val D'Elsa, Italy 

We stayed at the Hotel Belvedere because we needed somewhere within striking distance of Pisa airport before we flew home. It is extremely convenient for the main Sienna-Firenze highway, being almost at the south junction of the main highway at Colle di Val d'Elsa, so I should not have been so suprised to find that its nearest neighbours were more industrial than buildings of ancient Tuscan origin. The owner/waiter/barman/sweeper up after the pigeons speaks English, has a good sense of humour and and made us very welcome. I would describe the hotel as 'quirky'. It's seen better days and the Internet pictures are very flattering. I like staying in old places full of character so I loved the high rooms, antique furniture, painted ceilings and wide marble staircase. The pool was excellent in hot weather. Yes it would benefit from having a full time gardener/ handyman and tablecloths on the white plastic outside dining tables would make them much more inviting. The food was good, if not wildly exciting, and when we asked how to make a dish we were presented with a copy of the small recipe book they give out to those signing up for their cookery courses. I will try some of the dishes, although I think the ox spleen may be difficult to source. Maybe next time I would not have the quick breakfast before we dashed off to the airport as for three of us it was 45 euros. But that's my fault for not realising that the room rate did not include breakfast

My husband and I just returned from Italy and our first stay at Villa Belvedere. Unfortunately, just before we arrived at the Villa I hurt one of my knees. I have two knee replacements and I had overdone it. Daniella and the rest of the staff went above and beyond....from making sure I had enough ice for my knee...to giving me extra pillows for my leg...and the topper was they knew we would have trouble with the language at the hospital....they sent someone who spoke english to be with us. We have stayed at many small inns but never at one with such caring people. We look forward to going back and staying at Viaa Belvedere again.