Self Catering Apartment Castello di Montegonzi - Greve in Chianti

9.5

This was our first stay in this accomodation. It was a most beautiful setting and very relaxing. The pool area is amazing overlooking the hills. The 'snack bar' wasnt open when we were there but we didn't need it. The walk to Greve is a steep track so if you want someting in walking distance dont choose here! (there is a closer village Panzano with a supermarket to get food about 7 mins drive away). Our apt was very hot at night (as Irish we are not used to heat!) but was not pleasant until we asked for an extra fan. We placed it at the window to blow cool air from outside to the inside and this made a big difference. But watch out for the mosiquitos! Also note the road to the property is a gravel track off the main road about 4 km long- I would not recommend it for sports cars.

9.0

Overall the accomodation is excellent. The only adverse comments I would make are 1) There is no oven or grill in the 1 bed apartment. There are barbeques available but the weather in April wasn't really right for BBQ's 2) I wasn't really prepared for quite how far out of Greve the apartment is. I went there thinking Montifioralle and Greve would be in walkable distance to stroll there in the evening for something to eat. However, Montegonzi really is quite remote and the access by car is a 10 minute drive from Panzano or a 20 minute drive from Greve and after that down a very poor dirt track which is about 2 kms long from the main road. You can walk into Greve down a very steep hill which leads you through the woods. It does take about 20 minutes to walk down and was very pleasant on a sunny day but it is a fairly strenuous walk back, so be prepared. However, you would not want to walk back at night through the pitch black woods ! This meant that , in the absence of an oven/grill , we had to drive into Panzano (nearest town by road) or Greve to eat in a restaurant and therefore couldn't drink. Taxi's don't exist in Greve. The housekeeper will drive you into Greve if you ask and the information guide said the price was 10 euros each way. It didn't say that in fact it was 10 euros PER PERSON each way but that is what we were charged. So 40 euros there and back in fares before you even sit down makes dinner quite costly and we only did it once. Having said all that , the views are spectacular, there is a real rustic feel to the place and I do feel that Montegonzi is ideal if you are a keen walker, you are happy to eat in the apartment most nights and particular if a gang of you go in summer and you hang out at Montegonzi at night using the barbeques and crack open a few bottles of Chianti Classico. Otherwise, be prepared for a drive out at. There's a great little place in Panzano Alto called Il Vesco Vinio that's only 10 minutes or so away. Enjoy y

6.8

The room quality was acceptable although the bathroom was small and in particular the shower was extremely small(no bath). Water pressure seemed to be a persistent problem. The most notable disappointment was the welcome (or lack thereof) and general surliness of the young guy in charge. It was clear he was not the owner and yet importantly created the first impression. The few interactions I had with him during the week got no better. There was no cheery greeting or enquiry as to my happiness with the room. The check out was the same. Language barrier aside, one could still be welcoming. On the whole I had a great stay but was disappointed at the level of service.

7.3

This was a lovely spot - on top of the world. We were there in a heat-wave, and the ceiling fan in the bedroom was not really sufficient to deal with the night heat - air con would be a big improvement. Very hard to find - had to ask for directions at Greve. Don't stay here if you don't have your own car - its miles away from everywhere. Great swimming pool, which was a big plus in the high temps. Venere booking info stated rate included breakfast - this was not the case.