I had made my reservations for September 15 to 21, 2006 through venere.com on January 22, 2006 and then followed up by obtaining a confirmation from Castellare De' Noveschi a few days later. On September 1, 2006, the manager of Castellare De' Noveschi, Manuela, called to inform me my reservation would have to be canceled due to a city water system problem that would not be fixed until the end of September. She suggested we stay at a nearby hotel, Hotel Radda and faxed me that information. After reviewing the property on line, I elected not to go there and made reservations elsewhere. Unfortunately, my credit card information had been given to that hotel by Castellare De' Noveschi and I recieved a charge of 240 Euro on my American Express card for not honoring a reservation which I did not make nor confirm in the first place. To make matters even worse, when we were in the Chianti area my husband and I stopped by Castellare De' Noveschi on September 16 just to see the property where we had originally wanted to stay. The Castellare De' Noveschi was open for business with guests arriving and leaving and no hint of a water system problem in the entire tiny town. The owner was present and thought we were arriving guests but didn't speak english very well so he called the manager, Manuela, and ask her to speak with me. She thought I was the the mistaken arriving guest and proceeded to tell me what a wonderful room she had for us. It was after I explained to her who I really was that she realized she had been caught in her own false statements and admitted that they had double booked and that was why my confirmed reservation was cancelled. I can only guess that the other guest had not booked through venere.com and was paying more and that is why we lost our room one week before our departure for Europe. The Hotel Relais Borgo di Stigliano, also close to Siena, was our replacement and a wonderful place to stay. Just as quaint and much more convenient to highway access.

San Sano is a very small Tuscan town with about 40 residents. This is exactly what you invision Tuscany to be like. There is one restraunt (which was closed on the day we planned to eat there) and one small store - which is loaded with exceptional wines and meats. San Sano is somewhat difficult to find and we got lost in Sienna on our way to the hotel from Vernazza (Due to the poorly marked streets and ViaMichelin directions) . It was absolute luck and the kindness of one of the residents we arrived in San Sano. We asked a hotel in Sienna how to get to San Sano and there happened to be a sweet ederly lady who lived there and was on her way ... so we followed her there. Thank God --- because we were about to break down and stay in Sienna.

Castellare de' Noveschi is a wonderful property that is run by Marinanella. She treats you like family and between her English (she tries really hard) and our Italian we managed to get around with only a few hiccups.

The room is exactly as it looks on the website. One of the most romantic rooms we have stayed in. The shower was hot and the bed was very comfortable.

The breakfast is like every italian breakfast ... pastry, coffee, fruit, bread and meat. Probably the best breakfast we had on our trip but still not what you are used to in the States ... but the lunches and dinners made up for that.

We visited Castellare de' Noveschi store in Monteriggioni (15 minutes NW of Sienna). The store has all hand made Tuscan goods. My wife bought a purse made out canvas and leather for 30 Euro. It is pretty interesting town that is mainly there for tourists - not many people live in the town. Lunch there was good and the atmosphere was great.

San Sano is a great jumping off point to visit the Chianti and Sienna (20 minutes).

Malborghetto in Lecchi is a great meal option. All of the food was exceptional - try the steak and artichokes with vinegar or pear and cheese ravioli.

I would highly recommend this property and when we make it back to Italy ... we will be staying with Castellare de' Noveschi.

This was our first stop on our honeymoon, and we didn't want to leave. And before I begin, I must say, my husband and I are very discriminating travelers. I can't say enough about the Inn and the staff. It was as quaint as quaint could be, yet with the amenities of a 4 star hotel. The town of San Sano is picturesque, surrounded by vineyards and hillsides, and very tiny. So if you like peace and quiet with gorgeous scenery, this is the place. Though San Sano is an ideal location for seeing the Chianti countryside. We took daytrips to Radda, Castellina, and Gaiole. The Inn only has 3 rooms, so we never saw or heard another guest. And to add to the charm of our trip, the Grotto della Ranna (only restaurant in town) across from the Inn, were some of the best meals we had on our honeymoon. The restaurant owner owns the adjacent market, where we stopped for fresh cheese, wine and fruit on our first day. Additionally, the Inn's owner's mother and father make delectable homemade breakfast treats, and Mareza (sp?) who took care of us during our stay was so endearing, not to mention helpful. She gave us terrific advice for sightseeing. We left Chianti and headed to Montepulciano then to the island of Capri. But I left my heart in San Sano. I'm attaching some photos of Castellare de Noveschi and San Sano.

It's a wonderful place! San sano is a very very beautiful calm little town, with only 40 residents. the owner bought this old house and restore it with much efforts. And he is such kind , to give us the best Junior Suite for our honeymoon. He gave us a postcard, the pictures are just the same as where we are...ohmy, we live in the beautiful room in the post card. The old chess board, the historical big chair, the stone walls, just what we want for the Chianti Stay. We find the Satellite TV, DVD+VHS player, direct phone, safer in the room. The waterpressure is extra high, enough to take a great showe. As for the breakfast, you are treated as you are in the best restaurant, with table cloth, wine cups, full plates. They serve Cappucino, milk, buns, pies(very excellent Toscuny pie from owner's Mama), and juice, water...the scent of the old dining room, is with the graceful tools. Comparing to other hotels of other places, I think you have to pay far more than this hotel claims you can get the equal. It's is the best hotel in our 22 days tour in Italy.