Name: Rentvillas.com
Address: 1697 NW Precision Ln, Bend
Rating: 4.38

“Overall: I would definitely book again. Enjoyed Most: We had a beautiful view from our bed of the sun rising each morning. Very nice pool. Also, the owners were wonderful hosts. Their mother prepared dinner 3 nights a week for the guests. They cooked true Tuscan dishes that were delicious and a bargain compared to the restaurants. A great way to meet other guests and trade experiences. Enjoyed Least: The living area was a little sparse and couch was not very comfortable. But we didn't sit around very much anyway. The beds were very nice and comfortable. Surrounding Area: The peaceful setting and wonder views. Nearby Events or Locales: San Gimignano was a 10 minute drive. Too far to walk Tips or Restaurants: Bring wash cloths and bar of soap. We didn't do any cooking but the kitchen seems to be stocked with enough dishes, pots, pans and utensils.We ate at 2 excellent restaurants. My favorite was Trattoria Chiribiri at Piazza della Madonna Ph 0577 941948. I had Osso Buco and crepe with spinach, meat sauce and cheese. No credit cards and very small; need reservation.Also ate 2 times at La Vecchio Mura. I had pork cooked with Saffron. It was so tender and yummy. My husband had Lasagna, He said it the best he ever had. He also tried Wild Boar in white wine sauce and it was very tender. Directions: We didn't have any problems finding it, but we had a GPS. Check In Out: Our luggage was brought to our room at check-in and delivered to our car at check-out.”

Helpful Report

(Il Cortile Del Borgo 11) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: This was the second week of our honeymoon, and we could not have made a better choice. Enjoyed Most: The views of the surrounding hillsides, villas and vineyards were spectacular. The family -- Sandra, Nicola, Carla and Riccardo -- were wonderful and accommodating. Carla helped us with restaurant selections and reservations as well as directions to lesser know areas to explore. We took advantage of all three dinners served during the week, and they were wonderful... I would not miss this opportunity. Enjoyed Least: We loved the property and will definitely go back. From our point of view, it was unfortunate that we were there on a week with several families with young children who could be a bit noisy. This was a minor annoyance, however. If quiet is a concern, I would recommend an apartment with an outside door, since the hallways tended to magnify the noise when families were coming and going. Surrounding Area: We hiked every day and found that walking was a much better way than driving to see the countryside. Sandra told us that we could go anywhere among the surrounding vineyards, so we hiked up and down the hills... great exercise! Nearby Events or Locales: San Gimignano is a short drive and a long walk away. The views of the town as you walk toward it are amazing! Tips or Restaurants: The Pam in Poggibonsi is handy and well-stocked. Be aware that a Euro must be deposited in order to release the shopping cart. It is returned when you re-secure the cart. Also, it is customary to use the plastic gloves provided when handling the produce. You weigh the produce yourself, ing the item from a screen that is keyed by number to the point of sale areas.Restaurants were plentiful. We enjoyed Chiribiri in SG... small and inexpensive with wonderful local food and very friendly service. Dorando, also in SG, was among the best retaurants we encountered on our trip whch included Venice and Lake Garda... the food was superb in terms of quality, preparation and presentation, the service extremely professional, and the atmosphere elegant but comfortable. L'Antica Trattoria in Colle Val d'Elsa also was excellent... though pricey and not quite as friendly and comfortable as Dorando. Directions: The directions provided were perfect. The winestand is a very helpful landmark. Check In Out: The check-in and check-out process went very quickly and efficiently. The staff handles the baggage each way as both a courtesy and to preserve the beautiful paint jobs in the hallways.”

Helpful Report

(Il Cortile Del Borgo 10) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: Overall, the experience was positive. The apartment and grounds were spotless, exactly the way I like my home in the U.S. The family is very nice, attentive and helpful. We had an ant problem our first morning in the flat and they took care of it immediately. There were some spider sightings but these can't be helped in the countryside. Our shower had very little water pressure so it took twice the time to shower in the mornings. We weren't in a hurry so it wasn't an issue but maybe they should look into that. The laundry room, located in the back of the house, is a little far from the main residences but if you check it out, you'll see how well they maintain their property. You can practically eat off the floor in that room! Enjoyed Most: I really liked their pool. Although the weather didn't cooperate that much, we were able to enjoy 1-2 days poolside. They maintained the pool very well, not too much chlorine, and the lawn furniture was pretty cool and retro. The view from where the pool is situated is amazing! Enjoyed Least: The location is the least attractive about this property. First, the road leading to the house is not paved. We scratched the bottom of our car and we suspect that the alignment was off after driving to-from the property daily. Second, the closest town seems to be San Gimignano which is overrun with tourists! My friend and I took a walk around the town on a rainy morning and we couldn't even walk in a straight line because there were so many tourists to avoid. We never went back again. Also, the locals who work in the town were so rude, probably because they get annoyed with so many American bus tour groups going into their shops and automatically speaking English! I would recommend a different and more beautiful location - Castellina in Chianti. The town there is tiny but so adorable and NOT overrun with tourists. The scenery is breathtaking and the roads are paved. Surrounding Area: The grounds are well kept. The family seems to be fairly strict about what you can consume in the public areas so we respected that. Directions: We had a GPS but I did not receive nor request the coordinates. This is definitely important because we burned nearly one hour trying to find the place until an American expat literally drove us to the location. Check In Out: Very streamlined.”

Helpful Report

(Il Cortile Del Borgo 1) - Posted 16 years ago

“Overall: We could not have chosen a better location for our first visit to Tuscany. Enjoyed Most: The setting of the property within the grounds of a historical castle added extra interest to our stay, particularly since there were links to historical paintings within the Galleria Uffizi in Florence. Enjoyed Least: The terraced sitting area was down a flight of steps and not convenient for taking food and drink outside. The setting near a road meant traffic passed regularly from early morning and occasionally disturbed us. Surrounding Area: The scenery and character of the countryside surrounding the property. Nearby Events or Locales: Bacaiano was the nearest village, about 1 kilometer, and could be walked to down a fairly steep hill. It had a small general shop where fresh bread could be purchased daily as well as other provisions, a tobacconists and post office, 2 bars and a fish restaurant. Tips or Restaurants: Ensure you bring mosquito repellant, and pool towels. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Leaning Tower at Pisa. Although about an hour's drive from the property, it is the most spectacular experience to climb the Tower and view the rooftops of Pisa City.”

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(Il Castello 4) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The view, castle, and the peace and quiet. Enjoyed Least: Not being able to dry clothes and having no heat to take the dampness out of the apartment. Surrounding Area: The lovely view and the surrounding hill towns. Nearby Events or Locales: Montagnana is within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: Bring warm clothes for the month of May. There are wonderful restaurant in Montagnana.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 31) - Posted 19 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The views were amazing - exactly how we had imagined. Enjoyed Least: It was really cold at night and there was no heating allowed at the time we were there. Bed was also very hard and uncomfortable and the blankets kept slipping off. Surrounding Area: So close to everything. Loved exploring the towns and cities of Tuscany. Nearby Events or Locales: Baccaiano. Fairly easy to walk there but to get back is uphill all the way and would be pretty exhausting. Tips or Restaurants: The restaurant in the castle is excellent and very convenient! Bring warm pyjamas and bring a radio if you can't handle the peace and quiet!! We weren't aware that there is a bus from Florence that goes right past the castle until we got there. Trying to navigate our way out of Florence in our rental car was a nightmare!!! The car definitely came in handy to explore the rest of Tuscany, but wasn't necessary like we were lead to believe. You could have gotten around by getting a bus into Florence and then a train out to other towns.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 30) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: We enjoyed our week's stay at Castello 3. The property was maintained very well, the view was nice, and I enjoyed the somewhat-remote location. Enjoyed Most: Overall, the property! Other benefits include the on site restaurant, the pool, size of the apartment, on site office was very helpful. We also enjoyed the relaxing afternoons that we spent outside at a table by the apartment. We opened a few bottles of wine and enjoyed the view! Enjoyed Least: The on site restaurant opens at noon so buy your own coffee! We normally prefer a cooler temperature when we sleep, but we had 2 fans in the apartment which we moved to the master bedroom. The shower was small, but we made it work! Surrounding Area: Montespertoli was our favorite town about a 10 minute drive away! Great small town and one of our favorite meals in the piazza! Nearby Events or Locales: There was a small town down the hill that was within walking distance, but we did not go there. Tips or Restaurants: Definately bring mosquito spray and don't open the windows! There is a COOP in Montespertoli where you can basically buy anything that you need. Also, bring bathroom items, like a hair dryer, shampoo, and conditioner. Directions: Yes, we used a GPS. We drove around Tuscany for the week and do not see how you could get around without it! Check In Out: The front desk was fabulous! The check-in process was great and they were very easy going when we had to leave very early on Saturday. They let us check out on Friday.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 3) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Spacious apartment, clean and appropriately furnished.The bedroom is very good and comfortable, as is the bathroom. Enjoyed Most: Peaceful, enjoyable and great advice from the personnel (directions, things to see). Easy parking. Enjoyed Least: Absence of a view (the windows are positioned high) and erratic WiFi service. We would have liked to have had an elevator or assistace with luggage. Surrounding Area: Easy acces to Firenze by bus, easy travel by car to other points of interest, such as Lucca. Nearby Events or Locales: Montagnana is 1 km away, so walking distance is OK, though I preferred taking the car to go do the shopping for the meals. Tips or Restaurants: It is a great place overall, clean, spacious and well-situated. Directions: No GPS needed, directions supplied were OK and we had a proper map.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 28) - Posted 12 years ago

“Overall: Very good. However, it was 104 most days and didn't cool off much at night. Good home base for day trips. Enjoyed Most: The restaurant was excellent and the pool was wonderful. Our apartment was huge. Enjoyed Least: No air conditioning. Surrounding Area: Beautiful countryside. We had our own car, so we did a lot of day trips exploring Tuscany. Florence was only about 30 minutes away. Nearby Events or Locales: You could walk to Montagnana but we had a car and it was too hot to walk. The next closest town is Montespertoli. We enjoyed exploring both. Tips or Restaurants: Bring a cutting board and good slicing knife. You'll need it for the yummy cantaloupe and fresh tomatoes. Go to the Coop Grocery store and get some prosciutto to serve with the cantaloupe and some fresh mozzarella and basil for a quick Caprese Salad. However, that was usually lunch. We ate out all nights but one and we loved Il Focolare in Montagnana. The outside patio at the back was beautiful and the food was excellent. We also loved a place in Montespertoli that Stephani from the castle office recommended. It was something like "artistvino". Not the best atmosphere, but outstanding food. And don't forget the restaurant at the castle was very good as well. The one other thing you need to bring is a book light because there's not much lighting. Oh, and don't forget the OFF! The mosquitos feast at night because you need to keep the windows open. Directions: We used our GPS. Download Italy before you leave and you'll not have a problem. My husband drove like a local. And we never got lost once. Check In Out: No problems. And our room was not to be available until 5pm but we arrived at 3pm and got checked in immediately.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 23) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Overall we had a very good experience. Enjoyed Most: Location and views. Enjoyed Least: We were plagued by mosquitoes and gnats. We all left covered with bites. Reception told us as we were leaving that they had bug spray. It would have been nice if they had told us as we were arriving. Found the kitchen could have had better lighting. Surrounding Area: Scenery. Nearby Events or Locales: Baccaiano is within walking distance Tips or Restaurants: Bug spray if you are visiting during the summer months. Directions: Used a GPS and had no problems. Check In Out: Check in went smoothly.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 1b) - Posted 9 years ago

“Overall: Overall, the place was just excellent. I would definitely recommend this place. The location, view, the castle itself, the history, and the very clean accommodations were well worth putting up with some loud French tourists and the Germans who stole our table!. Enjoyed Most: The castle and grounds were spectacular. The buildings and gardens were very well maintained! Enjoyed Least: The only downside was the noise. The buildings are close together, and it is very much a family destination. Large families produce a lot of noise! We were three women on our own and would have enjoyed a more adult spot. The main pool was overrun with children. However the second pool was quiet, this one is located on the lower property -- which seemed to be much more peaceful all around---yet, I think this was more luck then anything else, as the children there were simply less rambuctious. Conversely, if you are looking for a family friendly vacation -- this is certainly the place! Surrounding Area: The little town up the hill was lovely -- and we were close to Florence, wine country, Siena and Pisa---all the spots we wanted to visit. Nearby Events or Locales: The nearest town is Montespertoli and no, it was not within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: The restaurant selections in Montespertoli are very good, and the employees at the castle were very helpful. Remember that there is an 11 Eu charge per person for final cleaning with a 44 Eu minimum. Check In Out: Very easy---very nice staff---very accommodating.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 14) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: Overall very good. Everything as described. Enjoyed Most: The view and the very nice furnishings. Enjoyed Least: Air conditioning did not reach master bedroom so we had to sleep in the second bedroom which had twin beds. The A/C did reach this bedroom so we were able to sleep comfortably. It was extremely hot during our stay so this was understandable. Editor's Note: There is one AC unit that is usually sufficient to cook the whole apartment. Surrounding Area: Beautiful local people. Relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of Italy. Wonderful swimming in the beautiful sea every day. Directions: The taxi was expensive. Editor's Note: The taxi from La Spezia train station is about 30 Euros.”

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(I Poeti) - Posted 12 years ago

“Overall: Overall we had a very positive experience. The location was wonderful. We felt very safe. We were within walking distance of a number of the best museums and Rue Montorgueil, which had wonderful restaurants and little food markets. Enjoyed Most: The location! It was so nice to be near the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, the Palais Royal Metro, Rue Montorgueil... Enjoyed Least: We couldn't get the microwave to work. The street noise late at night from the cafe across the street and then again early in the morning was difficult for the boys sleeping in the room with the twin beds. Directions: We arranged for an airport transfer with Rentvillas and it was very smooth.”

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(Gustave) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Our experience was very good- the apartment was very clean and comfortable, rooms large, most everything we needed there. Stefano, our check in person, was fantastic. Enjoyed Most: The property was very close to the Vatican. Enjoyed Least: The property was a bit farther to the center of historic Rome. Surrounding Area: Very close to the Vatican yet not too touristy, a couple of excellent local and authentic restaurants within two blocks. Nearby Events or Locales: Vatican city. Yes, walkable. Directions: Had a driver pick us up at airport. Check In Out: Stefano made our check in/out process smooth and painless.”

Helpful Report

(Gregoriano) - Posted 10 years ago

“Overall: Very good. The kitchen was well stocked, the check in and check out process was easy, the bathrooms had sufficient towels, the air conditioner worked very well. The view is amazing, although the steps take some getting used to, but were much easier by day 3. Enjoyed Most: The view and the outside area. Enjoyed Least: The noise from the upstairs neighbors. I'm not sure if there was some construction going on but on a few afternoons there was loud music playing. Surrounding Area: The view, access to the ocean to swim and relax. Being in the middle of the Amalfi coast was ideal because we were halfway between Positano and Amalfi so we could enjoy everything the area had to offer, including the Path of the Gods. Nearby Events or Locales: Praiano is a very nice town with several very good restaurants, several mini-markets that have what you need to cook fine meals, and the SITA bus stop is directly up the stairs from the villa. Directions: Everything was sufficient in this regard.”

Helpful Report

(Greco) - Posted 10 years ago

“Overall: Enjoyed it very much. Enjoyed Most: Sharing the Hilton shuttle to Venice proper, free, next door--frequent and very convenient. View of the Giudecca channel boating activity from our apartment was a treat. Internet connection and English news channels were reliable. Enjoyed Least: Kitchen was really only useful for breakfast prep. Breakfast goods provided with the apartment were sub-par -- other than fruit, yogurt, and coffee, we brought our own stuff to eat. Surrounding Area: Quiet, neighborhood environment. No night-life or crowds. Other than Hilton guests and us, very little to no tourists. Nearby Events or Locales: Everything was within walking distance grocery store, small family- owned cafes, tobacco shop, shuttle. More like a village environment. Directions: Directions from Piazzale Roma on the water buses was excellent. No need for a GPS. Check In Out: Felt a little rushed with the check-in guy. Later we worked with another person who was much more thorough in working out our issue (with TV problems).”

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(Giudecca 8) - Posted 10 years ago

“Overall: Very positive. It was great to return to the quiet of Giudecca 6 after a day in the heavily touristed Venice City. Enjoyed Most: The quiet. The local neighborhood and markets. The bed was quite comfortable also. Enjoyed Least: The living/dining area. We appreciated the provisions stocked in the kitchen, but would have preferred Italian foods, instead of American ones. Surrounding Area: The views. The local neighborhood. Tips or Restaurants: Bring lots of money for Harry's Dolce. Directions: We used the directions provided. The Taxi captain knew where the Stuckey Hilton was and headed there. Check In Out: No. Smooth sailing there.”

Helpful Report

(Giudecca 6) - Posted 11 years ago

“Overall: Great location. Quiet street with several shops and eating places close at hand. Handy to the Vatican area and bus service is nearby once you figure that system out. Enjoyed this place. No complaints of any kind. The manager was very helpful and interested in making our stay a good one. Enjoyed Most: Its location. We were able to feel like we were a part of urban life in Rome from the first day there. Enjoyed Least: Kitchen could have been better equipped for meals but that was certainly not a big deal. Surrounding Area: We were literally right around the corner from St. Peter's Square but we also had several food stores and restaurants within a few feet of the front door. Tips or Restaurants: Just be aware that part of this area is not "touristy" and several close by restaurants were closed on Sunday and on Monday. There is a great little "deli" store just two or three doors to the right as you come out the front door. Good spot for bread, cheese, meat and wine. Directions: Since this is a city address and the best way to get there is by taxi, I don't know how you could do much better. I would emphasize the fact that there are taxis that have permits and those that don't. Go to the taxi stand and get the permit taxi to avoid any surprises on fares. Check In Out: Things went smoothly but a working phone would be a great help. Our host - Stefano - was very gracious and very helpful. Really went out of his way to help us with advice, directions and tips about Rome and the local area.”

Helpful Report

(Gianicolo) - Posted 12 years ago

“Overall: Very good. Enjoyed Most: The view and rooftop deck and enjoying wine at the end of the day. Enjoyed Least: Steps - but it's AMALFI, after all. Surrounding Area: Aah... La Costiera Amalfitana. Tips or Restaurants: StairMaster before you go... then take it all in. The Calabrese people are beautiful. Check In Out: Very professional.”

Helpful Report

(Ghita) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: The experience was excellent! Easy to book reservation on line and the photos of the apartment were accurate. Enjoyed Most: Location, location, location! Enjoyed Least: Nothing, thought it was great! Surrounding Area: The apartment was about a five-minute walk from the Duomo. We just walked out our door and were there. Tips or Restaurants: Trattoria Maritone is a great place with great food and service with lots of locals. Directions: The easiest thing to do is just take a taxi from the airport. It cost about 25 Euros. Check In Out: Lorenzo, the owner, was great! I called him when we arrived (we arrived a few hours early), and he called the house cleaner to let us in and drop off our bags. We walked around Florence, grabbed something to eat, and then Lorenzo called to tell us the apartment was ready. He walked us through the apartment and showed us how to use everything, gave us his contact info, and gave us a map and showed us places to see and his favorite restaurants. Check out was easy; we just left the keys in the apartment and walked out.”

Helpful Report

(Gerolamo 3) - Posted 13 years ago

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