We initially booked 10 nights at this B&B. Our circumstances changed so we cancelled 7 nights a couple of weeks before our due arrival date. We were unsure if we would get away at all so were really looking forward to a break even if it was just for 3 nights. We didn't think there was a problem Sue confirmed our date changes and also our 'late check in time' of 9 o'clock. We had paid in advance for our 3 nights.
Imagine our surprise when, on the ferry at 8 o'c waiting to disembark, in the dark in a place we had never been before we received a call to say we had missed the check in time and maybe we should look for somewhere else to sleep that night! I explained that we were about to leave the ferry so she checked with her husband who said ..well OK you CAN come!
Our main reason we booked this accommodation was because of the 'warm welcome and wealth of local knowledge' that other guests had experienced. We received neither a warm or any kind of welcome, were made to feel as if we really should have gone somewhere else and there was no information forthcoming at all. When I asked for a restaurant recommendation/details of somewhere that other guests told us about Ricardo told me he didn't know where the other people had gone. This despite giving them a map and making the reservation for them. When the other guests reminded him of where he had booked for them the night before he grudgingly made the reservation. The maps and directions came from other guests. Susans contribution to our experience was to say 'oh you are here!' and proceed to speak with everyone else. No, good morning, do you need anything? Nothing, we found her to be rude and dismissive. When I asked about internet access Ricardo said Susan knows about that I don't. When I asked again I was told to stand at the end of the garden with my laptop! Needless to say I didn't get to log on until I found internet access in Florence.
Unable to eat flour I asked for some fruit for breakfast. I was given hard, unripe plums and kiwis three mornings in a row. The same ones, because they were still inedible on the 3rd day. It became obvious if I wanted breakfast I was going to have to buy it myself which I did.
The rooms were adequate, not particularly clean and not enhanced by the fact that a cat spent the second day sleeping on our pillows. Our neighbours were awoken (and made lots of noise at the time, 4am, very audible through the walls) when a cat jumped on the gentlemans chest as he was sleeping! Mosquitos were a problem, we brought our own plug in repellants and sprays which were essential.
Overall, we were very happy to be leaving after three days. The only regret I have is that we stayed the second and third night. We had paid for our three nights and as time was short we decided despite the atmosphere we would sleep there anyway. We used this B&B as a stopping point for Florence which was 45 minutes by train away. I cannot say it would be a good base for touring Tuscany as it was quite a distance from places like Lucca etc., unless of course you wish to spend 3 hours in your car travelling to and fro every day.
On the morning we left I went in search of either Ricardo or Susan to say we were leaving, to return the keys and to double check our bill. Both had disappeared, I tried knocking on doors, calling on the telephone and finally gave up leaving the keys with other guests. So much for friendly service.
A week after we returned I sent an email to Susan expressing our disappointment with our stay. I explained that we were upset at our reception and treatment whilst we were there and felt that perhaps there might be an explanation. All I can assume is that our changing the number of days we were to stay was an issue for Susan and Ricardo. I am sorry but that is life. Had it been possible we would have stayed the full time. Unfortunately we couldn't but it still didn't justify how poorly we were treated. As for a reply to my email we are still waiting.......