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

“Overall: We enjoyed ourselves and felt like for a week we lived Positano-style in a traditional villa. Enjoyed Most: The views, of course, and the terraces - beautiful. Enjoyed Least: The bathrooms - drainage and shower heads in showers very poor. Couldn't wait to have a decent shower. Surrounding Area: We were high enough to enjoy the views but not too high for it to be inconvenient.Having the grocery shop just down a few steps from us was also great. Directions: Thank you for easy-to-read directions. Check In Out: We were late to arrive and yet we felt welcomed.”

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(Le Scogliere) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: A great place to stay with a family. Our daughter made lots of friends around the pool. Enjoyed Most: It was a beautiful castle. The rooms were of magnificent proportions and were beautifully decorated with frescos and appropriate furniture. It far exceeded our expectations. Enjoyed Least: The shower in the bathroom was a little small. Surrounding Area: The surrounding countryside was beautiful and could be seen through the windows of the room. Nearby Events or Locales: The nearest town is Montagnana which is within walking distance but not with a pram. There's a good pizza place there called Cafe Negro - much better value than the dinners at the castle.”

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(Il Castello 7) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: The people who work at the villa could not have been nicer. Enjoyed Most: The back of the house, the back of the house, the back of the house. Local flavor. Enjoyed Least: Showers are small. The nosie from the street is a problem but not so much. Nearby Events or Locales: Amalfi is only 1 1/2 miles from the house, but it is not within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: The outside sound system needs to be upgraded or people need to adapt. We took the system out onto the deck and hooked it up, which worked reasonably well. As for restaurants, Ristorante Eolo in Amalfi was great. Cocktails should be at the Palazzo Sasso or the Hotel Palumbo in Ravello. The Bellinis at the Santa Caterina Hotel in Amalfi are the best in the world, but pricey.”

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(Villa La Potenza) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: Overall a great experience. Enjoyed Most: Great location, scenic and idyllic. Great hosts, warm and hospitable. Enjoyed Least: Small bedrooms one of which has no windows. Surrounding Area: Easy access to main roads and to Taormina and Etna. Nearby Events or Locales: Gaggi. Yes, but a good long walk. Tips or Restaurants: The restaurant next door is excellent. Directions: Directions were clear and easy to follow.”

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(Villa Due Angeli - Ezekial Residence) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: Large enough to be quite comfortable for two couples or a family of four. Enjoyed Most: Location in a vineyard, near Siena. Peace and quiet - beautiful Tuscany views. Enjoyed Least: Odd kitchen setup. Incomprehensible washing machine! Could use more information about the local area for shopping. Surrounding Area: Beatiful views, quiet, the delightful town of Siena Nearby Events or Locales: Costafabbri was about 3 km away down a steep hill and narrrow road not really walkable. Tips or Restaurants: Buy a map of Siena from a bookstore first thing. When you go to Siena, park in the Il Campo lot on the south end of town. Restaurants we liked are Locanda, about a block off of Il Campo, and the restaurant on the far western side of the Campo.”

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(Terra Di Siena 10) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: This vacation was memorable. I hope to be back next year. Once you go, you don't want to leave. Enjoyed Most: The peace and quiet was so relaxing. Just to sit on the patio at night with a glass of wine made the vacation wonderful. The caretakers Claudia, Rita and Franco were so nice. On arriving they gave us a bottle of wine from their vineyard and it was excellent. So were the other wines and the Vin Santo! On another day they knocked on the door with a homemade fruit torte. They couldn't have made us feel more welcomed. It was like we were family.The kitchen was great to have so you could cook your dinner if you didn't feel like dining out. Each villa had their own private area to enjoy. So we had dinner outside a few nights. They also had a grill in case you wanted to barbeque. Enjoyed Least: Our apartment didn't have a screen on the windows. I noticed that the upstairs apartments had them. The bugs however weren't that bad when we were there. Surrounding Area: The area was so nice and the people were extremely friendly. San Gimignano was so close, as was Siena. Also, theChianti region is right there. If you get a chance go to Lucca . It was a wonderful town. Pisa was about two hours away. Visiting the towns were great day trips and and gave you time to get back to villa to relax by the pool before dinner. Nearby Events or Locales: The nearest town was Staggia. You really did need a car to get around. They did have a small supermarket , the Coop. If you travel a little further to Poggibonsi you can go to the SuperCoop. They had everything there! Tips or Restaurants: You don't need to bring a thing. The apartments are fully loaded. You share a washer with the other guests. Great restaurants in Staggia are Babette and La Corte del Goloso. Both are close by. If you like fish go to Babette and just have the chef bring you out food. It was wonderful. The gnocchi at La Corte del Goloso just melted in your mouth. If you go to Trattoria della Rana in Staggia just order the pizza. If you are in Florence go to I Due G Double G's. It was right by the train station. Amazing. Directions: Directions were good. You really had to pay attention. to the road signs. Check In Out: Rita checked us in and she was so kind. Claudia then checked up on us the next morning. They were wonderful.”

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(Vecchio Borgo - Piccola) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: It was great Enjoyed Most: It was a beautiful location views - spectacular. Surrounding Area: The litte towns like Monteriggion,i plus being so centrally located.”

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(Monteriggioni - L'Otto) - Posted 19 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.”

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(Il Cortile Del Borgo 10) - Posted 19 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: 1. The proximity of the property to all places of interest. Everything was within walking distance.2. The trompe-l'oeil decorations on the walls and doors were fascinating.3. The photographs of the property on your website don't do it justice.4. Laura and Maria were extremely helpful at all times. Enjoyed Least: Once natural daylight had gone it was very dark in all rooms because ofinsufficient artificial lighting. Surrounding Area: 1. The proximity of small food shops.2. The superb quality of the fresh food in the central market. 3. Identifying locations in Florence that were used in the film 'Hannibal'. Tips or Restaurants: 1. Learn some Italian.2. Buy your drinking water.3. Best restaurants - Cantinetta Antinori, 3 minutes away. Expensive but worth it. and Restaurant Aurora, high up in Fiesole - worth the 20 minute bus ride. Directions: We arrived by taxi from Florence airport and were met on the steps of the property by Laura, who gave us a very warm and friendly welcome. Check In Out: On check-out, Maria allowed us to leave all our luggage in her office until it was time for us to go to the airport.”

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(Palazzo Belle Donne - La Traviata) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: I'd return tomorrow and stay a month, if I could. Wish we had had more time to visit with our hosts and just to hang out. A thoroughly memorable vacation. Enjoyed Most: Very clean, charming property. Fresh, wonderfully scented country air. Expansive views of the Tuscan hills. The owners were an extremely helpful, welcoming, English couple with great knowledge of the area, restaurants, regional wines. He does wine tours... and works very hard, unobtrusively, to see that your stay with them is a good one. Didn't want to leave, and tried to book a second week on the spot. Would have been satisfied to spend the entire time at the property, without leaving the property. Enjoyed Least: Two drawbacks, in our minds 1. Very long, rough driveway, but worth the daily trip 2. Would have liked a larger supply of hot water for showers. Present system works on demand, but gave just enough water for one shower, then required a recycle period. (Note from owner: a new hot water system has just been installed, and the road has been improved - November 2005.) Surrounding Area: Pretty much everything. The town of Londa is textbook Tuscan, small, parochial, with two nice restaurants serving local dishes. Grocery shopping in the village, reasonably accessible to Florence and Chianti, without the bustle. Florence is a bit busy, expectedly, but a miracle not to be missed. On and on and on. Nearby Events or Locales: Londa. A lovely Tuscan village. Everyone should stay a week in a Londa, just to feel how village life works. Very friendly, helpful people who seemed to enjoy having us around. Would be an enjoyable, if somewhat long, walk to the village. The walk back, 5km, 4 decidedly uphill, would be a bit much for the average American. The owner's 90 year-old father walks to the village when he visits, then accepts a ride back up to the property. Tips or Restaurants: Bring a good camera and lots of film memory. There's a nice library at the house. All required common kitchen gadgets are provided, but there's no nutmeg-squeezer or fish-juicer. A good map is helpful. Tuscan houses are kept at lower temperatures than American ones, primarily due to high utility costs. It was cool inside in May. Bring something warm and comfortable to wear. Plan on being tired on arrival...I'd advise taking it easy and enjoying the property the first day...worked for us. Oh, yes. We weren't prepared for the lack of salt in Tuscan bread...it seemed bland at first. If you like salt, ask for pane salteado...it's got a little more salt in it, but still below what we're used to. Check In Out: Handshakes and fond farewells.”

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(Casale Olmo) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: We enjoyed the property very much. It was well-equipped. Enjoyed Most: Location was great. Enjoyed Least: The second bathroom needs a bit of a cleanup. Nearby Events or Locales: Walking distance to all major sightseeing.”

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(Campo Dei Fiori - Bacchus) - Posted 19 years ago

“Overall: We really had a great time and a great stay and no complaints whatsoever. I would happily stay there again, especially since it took me almost a week to find my way around Florence's maze of streets. Loved the city, the food, everything! Enjoyed Most: The kitchen was very well equipped; the apartment was in excellent condition and extremely clean; the bed was very comfortable; and the location couldn't have been better, central yet quiet -just what was needed for a great sleep after a long day of walking and museums and shopping. Enjoyed Least: The mosquitoes that seemed to show up in the evening. Surrounding Area: Everything! 5 minutes to the Duomo, 10 minutes to the Ponte Vecchio, 15 minutes to the Palazzo Pitti. And the designer clothing stores were great for window shopping. We had the best of locations. Tips or Restaurants: The staff were very helpful as was the small bundle of tourist info in the apartment. Cannot recommend the Prada outlet tour enough!. A salad spinner and larger cutting board would have been nice, but aside from that the kitchen was well equipped. We rented a car for a day to see Greve and San Gimignano, and we can't suggest strongly enough the benefits of renting from the Airport! The highway is right there and for the 30 Euros it cost us to get back and forth it was well worth the aggravation saved from trying to navigate the streets in Florence. Restaurants- Omero, Del Fagioli, and Trattoria Mario were all standouts. Directions: Really all you need in Florence is the address and a taxi, especially when it is your first time.”

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(Palazzo Belle Donne - Tonio) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: We just loved it! Enjoyed Most: It was just like being in a little bit of heaven, our own castle! The views from the property were wonderful! Enjoyed Least: The restaurant. Although, the special Tuscan dinner was great. Surrounding Area: We loved the countryside and winding roads. Nearby Events or Locales: Montagna, and yes it was within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: Really stress the late check-in, especially for those like us who take the red eye flights. The castle staff was kind enough to do our room early as we were falling on our faces! Also suggest people bring things like salt and pepper, packets of sugar, and as we did some coffee to get started with.”

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(Il Castello 10) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: Highly recommended. We had an amazing time. Enjoyed Most: Great location central in Tuscany. The owners were extremely helpful, nice and made great recommendations for day trips. Surrounding Area: Beautiful Tuscan hillside and centrally located. Only 10-minute drive to Siena. Nearby Events or Locales: Monte D'Arbia was within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: Rent a car if you want to explore Tuscany.”

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(Casa Dei Venti - La Calma) - Posted 20 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The extensive grounds were wonderful for children to play. The bicycles were a good addition. Enjoyed Least: Some of the mattresses were small and lumpy. Surrounding Area: Beautiful countryside with easy access to Valognes, and two good restaurants were only a five-minute walk away. Nearby Events or Locales: Valognes was about five minutes by car and offered everything necessary for stocking the Chateau. Tips or Restaurants: The best restaurant finds were in St. Vaast on the coast about 20 minutes away. The oysters were outstanding and the seafood in general was great.”

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(Chateau Cherbourg) - Posted 20 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.”

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(Il Castello 14) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: I loved the property, and can't wait to return. Enjoyed Most: It was in a very good location and was roomy enough for the two of us. Enjoyed Least: The amount of the cleaning charge at the end of the stay seemed high. Surrounding Area: It was on a nice, quiet street, but only a block away from the ViaTornabuoni, the 5th Avenue of Florence. There were also food markets around the corner. Nearby Events or Locales: Fiesole was only a bus ride away. And Pisa and Arezzo were about an hour train ride. Tips or Restaurants: The apartment was well-equipped. I wish that I had brought zip-lock bags for any leftovers. I would suggest leaving additional time for get to the apartment, in the case of train strikes, etc. Check In Out: The people were very nice and informative.”

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(Palazzo Belle Donne - Pagliacci) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: Very well decorated. Presentable to sophisticated guests. Enjoyed Most: Great location. Enjoyed Least: Waiting for the elevator if someone else has used it and forgot to close the gate. Surrounding Area: Great restaurants and shops. Nearby Events or Locales: Very convenient to the train station.”

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(Piazza Antinori - Mateo) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: Very well decorated. Presentable to sophisticated guests. Enjoyed Most: Great location. Enjoyed Least: Waiting for the elevator if someone else has used it and forgot to close the gate. Surrounding Area: Great restaurants and shops. Nearby Events or Locales: Very convenient to the train station.”

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(Piazza Antinori - Aida) - Posted 20 years ago

“Overall: This is a wonderful property with a wonderful owner and excellent staff. It is an ideal place from which to explore Tuscany. It is easy access to A11 and Florence as well as to the beach. Lucca is a great, great town and you could spend days wandering and shopping and listening to the summer concert series there. It would be hard to imagine a nicer villa - but n.b. that this is an elegant property with antiques and formal spaces, it is not a cozy farmhouse, but a serious villa. Nevertheless our young children of 8 and 6 loved it there. Enjoyed Most: Everything. Enjoyed Least: It would be helpful for the property to have a clothes dryer. Surrounding Area: Lucca is one of our favorite towns, now. The walk through the back gate into Vorno is charming and a wonderful way to walk to and from dinner at Il Bimbetto in Vorno. Nearby Events or Locales: Vorno. Yes - down a fragrant path next to a vineyard and olive orchard. Vorno has one establishment that serves as bar, restaurant and corner store and a church. Tips or Restaurants: Il Bimbetto is wonderful in Vorno - you could eat there many nights as much for the food as the walk to and from - the owner is Italian-born but raised in Ohio - many Americans seem to eat here regularly. Lucca has a number of nice restaurants that are very convenient to the villa - the best being Buca di S. Antonio. La Mescita in Pisa is a great restaurant but no English is spoken and it is hard to find. Gelateria Venezia is the best gelato in Lucca. Remember to pack toiletries and call in advance to have the refrigerator stocked and wine purchased.”

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(Villa La Magnolia) - Posted 20 years ago

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