Cortona Resort & Spa

The hotel was clean but our room was pretty dark (in the building next to the main building). The spa pool had most jets that were not working. The water was warm which was nice. The sauna was really hot too! They allowed our son to enter which we really appreciated it. The steam room wasn’t working great. I have to say breakfast was not 4 stars. If you wanted scrambled eggs, salmon, etc.. you had to pay extra. After paying a significant amount for the room it didn’t seem that they should charge for this. I wouldn’t return to this hotel, even though overall we had a decent stay.

This was our first trip to Tuscany. We purchased a package at a charity auction and this hotel was included. 5 nights include spa, and dinner. I believe that this hotel is being kept afloat from these packages, as most of the guests were from the US. The rooms were large and comfortable. The food at the restaurant was standard...the spa was relaxing. What I didn't like was the concierge service. We were charged for taxi service and also paid the non English speaking driver (who was an employee and not a car service as he took the laundry out of the back seat of the car before we got in.) We could not understand if we were to be billed, or not for a 1km drive to the town of Cortona. We received two very different quotes for a car service to Seinna. (120 euro, both ways, then 375 euro by another clerk at the desk). Upon check out. That taxi driver was at the desk...they had double charged us for the rooms. I had to find another employee to assist in settling the bill.

Not a resort. The staff are kind but limited in their abilities to effect change. Food is only marginally good. Breads are stale, cakes are dry, eggs must be ordered and are good at breakfast. The cook smokes outside the back door which is a real turn-off to think he’s breathing smoke on my dinner?? My Carpaccio was thick, tough to chew raw meat. A ‘panini’ was dry bread and cold cheese and ham (both were not eatable). Plain tomatoe sauce with pasta was fine at dinner. But in Italy and at a resort I expected really nice food, I can make plain pasta at home. Several loud people drinking beers and bottles of wine dominated the pool. Glass was allowed around the pool area and I fear it will break and someone will be cut. Rooms are NOT luxurious, nor do they look like the photos. The AC worked well and the area is quiet so that was very nice. We stayed for 4 days and there was NO availability at the Spa. We were supposed to get a massage but there was no appointments available. The town of Cortona is nearby but very crowded and dirty. We did not eat there. We found a delightful restaurant nearby in Camachi (sp) called La Bracerie and the foods was outstanding. Every dish was excellent and so reasonably priced and served with a smile. Go there!!!

Overall the hotel is not so bad, but the linens and pillows are a bit worn and need replacing. The restaurant is fine, but could be so much better if a bit more attention was paid and the food was improved slightly. The biggest disappointment was the noise - certain workers and trash pick up starts as early at 6:30 am and there is party-like noise from the restaurants patio (where we were told we could not eat) until midnight. I left sleep deprived.

At the end of a fabulous week spent nearby our party of 8 selected the Restaurant at the Cortona Resort and Spa for our farewell dinner party. Our experience was a major disappointment. The venue is exceptional but the kitchen and staff have no idea. Perhaps the chef had left ? Lovely young staff had no training on any aspect of a Restaurant . The food at best mediocre but in some cases not even a reflection of the written menu, dishes missed out, dishes delivered at the wrong time, our collective description being " Fred Carno's Circus ". Upon the wine front things get worse....the owners " own vineyard " Sangovasie was totally undrinkable...the young staff did try but have been let down by poor management. We are fair people and paid our bill and tipped the young team, if you ever read this and you are the owner we recommend you get a grip and quick or you will fail.

The room was excellent. The bed was very comfortable. We loved the restaurant and the staff. Food was outstanding. The staff was very helpful, calling for us a taxi when we needed it . We met other very nice couples there, too.