Tenuta la Bandita

A stunning location with amazing scenery, good food served in a historic building, however as with everything the devil is in the detail. First impressions are, the welcome received, average with little explained. The "owner" was indifferent. A short walk took us to our 'farmhouse " accommodation. Getting closer the path deteriorated under our feet. As it narrowed I wondered where on earth were we going. Little explained about the room. The guide booklet was tatty. The accommodation is dated. Poor bathroom decor,though everything was super clean. Shower leaves much to be desired. Cleaning staff friendly. No air conditioning. Through chatting to the other residents this is the case throughout. Not as advertised. Windows have to be left open. From 6.30am there is constant noise. Pool cleaning, geese and endless grass strimming which continues throughout breakfast and beyond. 4 days of listening to this. Self catering facilities aren't allowed to be used. Why not?However we were allowed as a "favour" by the owner. Really?At this stage I was looking for a change of room. The responses were negative and unsympathetic. It never happened. The fridge is noisy and runs through the night. It kept wakening us up. Nothing offered to rectify . The owner certainly didn't come to follow up, that we know. No mini bar. We were charged for the water which was left . Given we are miles away from any where...really? Electrics questionable. The restaurant provides super food and of course sitting outside to admire stunning moon rises is an experience. Looking behind this, are hard working staff, but why only one over worked and thoroughly pleasant multi lingual waitress in the evening? There was another male waiter, but might as well not have been.There are more staff at breakfast, but they can only converse in Italian. Breakfast buffet is reasonable. The major frustration is to get anything to make the experience better, you have to ask, as little is offered. A communal area ,such as a small bar would be welcome . A bar is advertised on the website ,but doesn't exist. Our lasting impressions....residents are numbers. .. We've enjoyed being in Sasetta ,the location amazing, but won't be back to Tenuta La Bandita.

The above is the date of our enquiry as we had hoped to spend a week at this establishment at the end of this summer. Given the remote location it would have been our intention to dine in throughout this stay. Conflicting reviews and a rather limited website inspired us to request a sample menu and wine list, to ask if there was air conditioning and whether the hotel was peaceful. Sadly this information has not been forthcoming and they initially asked for our booking dates (bizarre under the circumstances) and our explanation produced no reply. Not good.

We received a wonderfully warm welcome from the hotel owner, Daniela, and her team to Tenuta La Bandita. A stunningly beautiful and authentic farmhouse set in amidst the rolling hills and valleys of Tuscany - a secluded location about 30 minutes drive from the coast. The hotel (26 rooms) is the perfect get away for anyone who wants to enjoy the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside. The hotel has a lovely restaurant offering Tuscan cooking and a pool located in a peaceful spot with incredible views. A car is a necessity and being prepared for some fairly long and winding trips is helpful if you want to visit places such as Volterra, Siena, and San Gimignano. A very special place and location!

A wonderful hotel, with lovely views of the Tuscan hills. From the moment we arrived, Daniela and her staff made us feel welcomed. They were very friendly and attentive. We asked Daniela if we could have a small kettle for our room, just for an early morning cup of tea, she produced a new kettle the next day! The food was excellent with plenty of choice. A great location to explore both the coast and countryside. We stayed in one of the rooms near the pool with a private garden area.

Spent a week here, with a friend! It’s lovely! The place, the views, the food, the rooms, but mostly the staff. We were not blessed with good weather and it’s up the mountains, and the restaurant usually closes on a Tuesday but they stayed open so we wouldn’t have to drive down the mountain. The breakfast was great and the food in the evening was fab too!

Highly recommended! We had an all around great 3 days stay at La Bandita. We received a warm reception and were taken care of by a professional and very friendly team. Food was excellent, both the breakfast buffet (outstanding omelette) and the dinner. Highly recommended! Sara & Bjørn