Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona!
Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona - My Chaotic, Charming, and Occasionally Crumbling Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the Tuscan beans on this Belvilla by OYO in Cortona. SEO schm-E-O, I'm here for the real deal. Forget the perfectly polished brochure, because I'm bringing you the grit, the gorgeous, and the slightly bewildered. This is my honest, slightly-too-enthusiastic, and possibly rambling review.
Metadata Whisperer (Just in Case, You Know):
- Keywords: Cortona hotels, Tuscany villas, Belvilla by OYO review, accessible hotels, spa hotels Tuscany, family-friendly hotels, Cortona Italy, Tuscan vacation rentals, swimming pool Tuscany, restaurants Cortona, free wifi hotels, pet-friendly hotels, car parking Cortona, Tuscan escape, spa, sauna, pool, accessibility, family, dining.
- Categories: Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Villas, Spa Resorts, Family Resorts, Accessible Hotels, Italian Hotels
First Impressions (or How I Nearly Lost My Luggage):
Landing in Cortona… well, it's like stepping into a Renaissance painting, only with more gelato shops. The Belvilla property? Let's just say the initial drive up felt like an episode of The Amazing Race. Winding roads, hairpin turns, and the constant fear of plummeting into a vineyard. You know, classic Tuscan charm.
Accessibility - Or, The Great Staircase Challenge (and the Triumph!):
Okay, so, Accessibility is a big freaking deal for me. Let's be honest, sometimes hotels say they're accessible, and it's more like a cruel joke. But! Belvilla, bless their hearts, actually tried. The website stated that some units were wheelchair accessible. The elevator was a glorious sight after a long day. HOWEVER, the property sprawls, and you'll encounter some steps. So, while the main areas seemed to genuinely try to be accessible, and the Facilities for disabled guests were visibly attended, the actual execution felt slightly flawed. My friend, Sarah, who depends on a wheelchair, could navigate some areas with assistance, but it definitely wasn't a completely, independently accessible experience. (This is something the website needs to make super clear, and check-in/out [private] was a nice touch). The CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] did bring a sense of security, particularly if you are traveling in a location you don't know quite well.
Internet Woes and Wi-Fi Wonders (and the Occasional Screaming Match):
Internet is crucial because my work doesn't stop when I'm on vacation! (Sigh). Thankfully, Belvilla advertises Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and even had Internet access – LAN. However, the connection was… temperamental. Let's just say I spent more time staring at spinning wheels than actually answering emails. The Internet access – wireless was better in the common areas, and the Wi-Fi in public areas was generally okay. I'd suggest downloading your favorite shows pre-trip. There was also Meeting stationery available as well as Meeting/banquet facilities but I didn't get a chance to use it.
The Room (My Sanctuary… and Occasional Battleground):
The non-smoking rooms were a must. We opted for a villa style that had Air conditioning which was an absolute godsend because the summer heat in Tuscany is serious. The Additional toilet was the most important detail of the room. And the room itself was pretty well-equipped:
- Additional features: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathrooms phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
The Daily housekeeping was a blessing, especially after a long day of exploring vineyards. The only truly annoying thing was the lack of consistent hot water in the shower. One day, scalding; the next, a glacial chill. Now that was a shock.
Things to Do (and Stuff I Actually Did):
Cortona is, as I said before, absolute heaven. The location is the biggest win for this place. You're minutes from the town square, and everything that Tuscany has to offer.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], It was lovely.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the star. The Pool with view was the best. Hours were spent floating, sipping Aperol spritzes, and pretending I was a glamorous Italian movie star. The spa? I didn't actually get around to the Spa, but hey, there's always next time. One day, my friend and I hit the Fitness center, and let's just say, we weren't exactly Olympic material. But hey, we tried.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with Some Mishaps):
The Restaurants, (there are a few!) were actually excellent. The A la carte in restaurant had great offerings. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. There’s also Bar, a Poolside bar, but my favorite was definitely the Coffee/tea in restaurant.
The Breakfast [buffet] did the job, but I think I got tired of stale croissants after a while. The Soup in restaurant was good. But I was glad for the Bottle of water. I needed to hydrate after all those pizzas. The Vegetarian restaurant was so great that I ended up ordering a lot more than my friends did.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling (Mostly) Secure:
Okay, so the pandemic is still a thing, right? So, I paid super close attention to this stuff. Belvilla didn't disappoint. The Anti-viral cleaning products were used. There was Daily disinfection in common areas and it was obvious. The folks were serious about this! They also have Professional-grade sanitizing services, as well as Rooms sanitized between stays. I appreciated the small touches, like the Check-in/out [contactless] and the Hand sanitizer everywhere. In the end, I felt safe, which is a huge deal. They also provide First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
A few things that made life easier:
- Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver on a sweltering day.
- Concierge was super helpful.
- Cash withdrawal available
- Dry cleaning was quick and efficient.
- Elevator was an essential part of my time.
- Luggage storage allowed me to explore without hauling my bags.
- Concierge
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry service
- Facilities for disabled guests
For the Kids (or, How to Keep Them Entertained So You Can Drink Wine):
Although I haven't had any kids, I brought my friend's son and it was an adventure!
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
The Quirks, The Quirks, The Quirks! (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
- The signage. It could use some work. I got lost. A lot.
- The air conditioning in my room sometimes acted like it was on a personal sabbatical.
- The occasional mosquito invasion. Pack the repellent. Seriously.
- One day, the water pressure in the shower decided to stage a protest.
The Verdict: Go, But With Your Eyes Open… and Maybe a Translator (Just Kidding… Sort Of).
Despite the minor hiccups, I had an absolutely wonderful time. Belvilla by OYO in Cortona is a wonderful escape to Tuscany. It's charming, it's comfortable, and it's in the heart of a truly magical region. If you're cool with a bit of "rustic" and appreciate the effort they put into accessibility, then absolutely go. Just pack your patience, embrace the imperfections, and prepare for a trip you'll never forget!
Unbelievable Truffle-Hunting Detached Home Awaits in Aups, France!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Tuscan escapade at Belvilla by OYO Camillo Tosco in Cortona! This ain't your glossy travel brochure itinerary, folks. This is the real deal, freckles and all.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (aka "Where's the Pasta?")
- 14:00 (ish) - Arrival, Villa Camillo Tosco: Okay, so the drive from Florence was… well, let's just say my GPS has a sadistic sense of humor. Twisting, turning roads with breathtaking views (that I mostly saw through a haze of car-sickness) finally deposited me at the villa. Gorgeous. Seriously, the pictures don't do it justice. BUT, the initial bliss was quickly replaced by a wave of… how do all these keys work?!?! This is where the pre-trip, "I'm-so-organized" me would have had a plan, but the "Day-1-after-getting-travel-sick" me had a meltdown. Managed to unlock something after feeling like a total idiot for a half hour.
- 15:00 - The Villa Unpacked? More Like, "Stuff Everywhere": Okay, unpacking. Or, more accurately, spreading my stuff everywhere. It looked like a tornado had hit a travel store. But hey, at least I had a view of the rolling hills from the kitchen window, which helped lessen the "are-you-sure-you-remembered-everything" panic.
- 16:00 - Panic Attack: No Pasta! My first priority, of course, was food. I'd envisioned myself whipping up a perfect Italian meal the moment my luggage hit the floor. But uh… the fridge held only a sad-looking lemon and a bottle of water. The nearest grocery store was a trek. This is when I realized that my culinary ambitions far exceeded my actual cooking skills. I may have shed a tear (or two) for the lack of carbohydrates.
- 17:00 - Cortona Reconnaissance Mission (and Pizza Salvation): Okay, deep breaths, self. Time for a walk. Cortona, thankfully, is freaking gorgeous. Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the promise of food, food, food! Found a tiny pizzeria – La Loggetta – and devoured a Margherita pizza in record time. Glory be!
- 19:00 - Sunset Stroll & "Are We Really Doing This?" Moment: The sunset from Cortona is straight out of a movie. Seriously. It's that kind of breathtaking that makes you go, "Wow. Am I really here?" It's a moment that makes all the logistical headaches worth it.
- 21:00 - Wine-induced Ramblings & Bedtime Fumbling: Back at the villa. A bottle of local wine later… I was a happy, stumbling mess. Fell into bed, hoping tomorrow would be a less-chaotic, pasta-filled day.
Day 2: The Cooking Class Debacle (and Triumph!)
- 09:00 - Coffee & The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Hungry): Woke up surprisingly refreshed. The lack of sleep did not affect my ability to wander over to the kitchen, where a decent coffee machine was the only thing keeping me sane.
- 10:00 - Cooking Class: The Promise and The Pre-Prep: I signed up for a cooking class at a local farm (Agriturismo il Frantoio). I really wanted to learn how to make pasta from scratch. I had a vision. I even bought an apron.
- 12:00 - Cooking Class: Rolling in the Deep Dough: Okay, so it started promisingly. Learning the basics and, being very aware that my previous experience with making pasta equated to some pre-made boxes. The instructor, a lovely Italian woman named Maria, was patient and encouraging. I, on the other hand, was mostly flailing. Dough flying everywhere, flour coating my face. I'm pretty sure Maria suppressed a laugh a few times. There was one point where I almost threw a rolling-pin into the Tuscan landscape.
- 13:30 - Pasta Paradise… and Pizza Perfection: We actually made pasta! And it was edible! (Okay, maybe a little overcooked, but delicious all the same.) We then moved on to pizza. This time, I felt more comfortable, no dough-related disasters!
- 15:00 - Lunch, Laughs, and the Warmth of the Sun: We ate our creations al fresco, the food, sunshine, the laughter… It was so good, especially the moments when Maria would give me a knowing look, like she has known this was all the best mess you can have.
- 16:00 - Cortona Art Appreciation… and Gelato: After the cooking class, I wandered through Cortona's art museums. Fine, I tried to appreciate art. I got distracted by a gelato shop (naturally). The pistachio gelato? Divine. Almost as good as the pasta.
- 18:00 - Villa Life: Nap Time & Wine-Induced Reflections: Back at the villa, I crashed. The sun on my face, the feeling of satisfaction after a long day. Then, because I'm me, wine and the need to be philosophical. "Am I living my best life?" Probably. "Do I need to spend less money on wine?" Definitely. But hey, vacation.
- 20:00 - Dinner, More Prosecco, and the realization that Cortona is magic. Dinner was simple, pasta leftovers and more Prosecco! Cortona is absolutely magical, the charm of the place is mesmerizing.
Day 3: Day trip to Wine Country, and "I think I'm in love!"
- 10:00 - The Great Wine-Tasting Adventure (and Road Rage): Okay, Tuscany is wine country, so…wine tasting! I planned a day trip to Montepulciano and Pienza. The drive? Let's just say there were a few tense exchanges with the Italian drivers. (They're… assertive.) I'm pretty sure I developed a permanent white-knuckle grip.
- 11:30 - Montepulciano: The Hills Are Alive… with Wine!: Montepulciano is incredibly beautiful, and the wine? Oh. My. God. The Vino Nobile? Rich, complex, and possibly the best thing I've ever tasted. (Yes, better than pasta.) I may have bought an irresponsible amount of bottles. Don't judge me.
- 13:00 - Cheese and Cheese and Cheese (Pienza): Pienza - famed for it's pecorino cheese - was the next stop. The streets are ridiculously charming, but the smell of cheese? Heaven! I tasted so many varieties that I'm pretty sure I'm now 50% cheese. Did I cry when I left? Yes.
- 15:00 - The Road Home, and an Emotional Meltdown: The drive back to Cortona. Fatigue was setting in, and the wine in my stomach did not help. I'm not a great driver, the Italian roads were confusing, and I had a major moment of "What have I done?"
- 17:00 - Back at the Villa…and Self-Care: Hot shower, and a moment of reflection. Realized, that it's okay to be messed up sometimes.
- 19:00 - Dinner in Cortona Decided to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. Ordered some pasta, felt the warmth of the people, and the appreciation for the beauty of the place.
- 21:00 - Stargazing and "I think I'm in love": The night sky over Cortona? Unbelievably clear. I sat outside, staring at the stars, feeling a profound sense of peace and, maybe, just maybe, realizing that I'm falling for this place.
Day 4: The Last Day, and Saying Ciao (with a Tear or Two)
- 09:00 - Last Morning…Breakfast in Bed (Well, the terrace) : Coffee, a croissant, and the view. A bittersweet moment, knowing I'd have to pack up and leave. The terrace was the perfect place to bid goodbye to Tuscany.
- 10:00 - Souvenir Shopping and Final Moments: I wandered through Cortona, buying last-minute souvenirs. I might have bought myself another bottle of wine.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a View: I visited the same pizzeria – La Loggetta. One last pizza. One last moment to remember this place.
- 14:00 - Packing, Cleaning, and the inevitable "Why does time fly?" Packing up the villa was more stressful than it needed to be. I really needed to leave the place as I found it, and I felt like I was leaving a real home.
- 15:00 - Journey back home : And… goodbye. (More tears.)
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a mess. A beautiful, chaotic, wine-soaked mess. Belvilla by OYO's Camillo Tosco villa provided
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla La Perla's Italian Dream Awaits!
Unbelievable Tuscany Escape: Belvilla by OYO in Cortona! – The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe Some Wine Spills...)
Okay, spill the beans already! Is this Belvilla place in Cortona really as magical as the pictures?
Magical? Well, hold on a sec... define "magical." I'm a realist, see. The pictures? Yeah, they're likely touched up. But! My experience? Mostly pretty darn dreamy, but let's not pretend this was a Disney movie. Look, Cortona itself is breathtaking. Seriously. You walk those cobblestone streets, and you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. The Belvilla, I mean *our* Belvilla, (I'm already getting proprietorial, aren't I?) had its quirks. Charming quirks, mostly. The view? Off-the-charts amazing. Like, made-you-want-to-weep-with-joy amazing. But I'm getting ahead of myself, let's be real. It was *rustic*. Think "charming Tuscan farmhouse," not "luxury hotel suite."
What's the deal with the location? Cortona itself, like, *is it the place*?
Cortona? Oh, *my* Cortona. Yes, it *is* the place. It's perched on a hilltop, a medieval masterpiece. Every turn offers a postcard. The sunsets? Forget about it. They'll make you a romantic, even if you’re usually a grump. Getting *to* the Belvilla from Cortona proper was an adventure. Winding roads, sometimes a little dicey after a few glasses of that glorious Tuscan Chianti. (Don’t judge! It was *delicious*.) But honestly, the location, *that view*... worth the white-knuckled drive. Plus, the quiet! The utter, blissful, rural quiet. You could hear the cicadas sing, the breeze whisper through the olive trees. Pure, unadulterated tranquility, once you got up there, that is after you navigated the twists and turns. Seriously, download Google Maps *before* you go. Trust me on that one.
Tell me about the Belvilla itself! What was it like? The *details*, man!
Alright, buckle up, because this is a long, rambling story, just like the drive up the hill. Our Belvilla... okay, let’s call her "Villa Tranquilla," because that's what we hoped for. It was... well, it was *old*. That's part of the charm, I guess. Think exposed beams, terracotta floors, a kitchen that probably hadn’t been updated since the Renaissance (kidding! Mostly kidding!). The living room had this gigantic fireplace. I imagined myself, all cozy, with a book and a glass of wine, but it turns out the chimney did a fabulous job of smoking out the entire house. But, hey, it was *atmospheric*! The bedrooms? Basic but comfortable. The beds were, well, Italian beds, if you know what I mean. Not the marshmallow cloud vibe, but perfectly adequate. The bathrooms? Functional. Let's just say cleanliness was *mostly* achieved. (Did I mention rustic?) We had issues, minor ones. Like the water pressure that was a polite trickle. But you know what? It added to the "experience." It was an authentic experience of the area, not like the fake of some hotels. Like it was a true stay.
Any downsides? Let's get real, because it can't be *all* sunshine and rainbows...
Okay, deep breaths. Firstly, the Mosquitos! Bring repellent. Like, the industrial-strength stuff. They were relentless. Secondly: that Wi-Fi. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Consider it a digital detox. (Which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing.) Thirdly: the kitchen. Okay, it was serviceable, but let's just say it wasn't a chef's paradise. The equipment was a bit...*dated*. Oh, and the drive to the nearest supermarket. It involved those aforementioned winding roads. So, you know, plan your food shopping accordingly. Oh! And fourthly, the "nearby" neighbors. We were *way* out there, and a barking dog can be heard from a great distance. But, you know what? Even the imperfections had a certain… charm. It's what made it real, and I wouldn’t trade it for perfectly polished. Okay fine, the mosquito bites were a bummer. But still! Okay maybe I would trade them if there was a magic wand...
And the best parts? The *highlights*? Gimme the juicy stuff!
Okay, the *best* parts... Oh Lord, where do I begin? First, the view. Did I mention the view? It was genuinely breathtaking. Watching the sun set over the rolling hills, glass of wine in hand, was an experience that I'll carry in my heart. Every. Single. Day of my life. Then, the *food*. Oh, the food! Fresh pasta, local olive oil, the bread… oh, the *bread*! We ate at a little trattoria in Cortona – Il Loggiato - and the pasta with wild boar ragu? I still dream about it. (I may or may not have wept a little when I finished it.) And just the quiet, the peace. The simplicity. Long, lazy lunches on the patio, reading a book, and just… *being*. The laughter, the conversations over dinner. That is what memories are made of. And the little things! The scent of rosemary and lavender in the air, the sound of church bells in the distance, the genuine warmth of the locals. Yeah, that stuff stays with you. It seeps into your soul. My soul is now probably 20% Tuscan olive oil, and I’m totally okay with that.
Speaking of which, *what* should I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, *DO* if I go?
Okay, here's my must-do list: 1) Get lost wandering the streets of Cortona. Just surrender to the cobblestones and the views. 2) EAT ALL THE PASTA. Seriously. Order anything with truffles. Anything with wild boar. Anything! 3) Take a cooking class. Learn to make pasta from scratch. Get your hands messy. Embrace it! 4) Visit a local winery. Sample the Chianti. Buy a bottle (or three!). 5) Watch the sunset every single night. Seriously. It's that good. 6) Take a drive through the countryside, stop at every vista, and breathe it all in. 7) Take a day trip to Montepulciano. The town is beautiful, and the wine is even better! 8) Don’t be afraid to try to speak some Italian. Even if you butcher it. People appreciate the effort. 9) Forget your phone. Seriously. Put it away. Be present. Absorb it all. 10) And most importantly... buy a gelato. And eat it slowly, savouring every last lick. The best gelato in the world (and seriously, I have *opinions* on gelato) is at Gelateria Dolce VitaChicstayst
