So, unless you are used to big 5-star hotels with all the latest mod cons, huge rooms, lifts etc, I'd say "go for it" - Tuscany is a beautiful area and, of the 10 JY holidays I have done so far, this holiday comes second (Canada being at the top of the list).

Ann

Firstly can I just say that this is a great tour to go on. DO NOT be put off by the negative bits regarding the hotel..

This is a great Family run hotel, the owners are fab, please take on board the rooms differ..

My room was at the front of the hotel, YES it was small YES the bathroom was very small, was there room to swing a cat NO there wasn't. but it WAS clean, the linen WAS clean there WERE clean towels etc.. You are out and about all day, or socialising in the bar,terrace during the evenings so time spent in room is very very small...

You might be a lucky one and get a larger room...but please do not go on this because of some comments left on here.

Any questions please just ask and I will honestly answer them

Cindy

I went on this trip late September 2013. The hotel is spotlessly clean to start off with and the staff are SO friendly and couldn't do enough for us. I can honestly say that I have never been in a friendlier hotel.

I had a good sized room, plain, but with a fair sized bathroom and very good shower. There was certainly no problem that I remember with hot water. The bed was comfortable and towels were changed daily. Yes, there were no tea/coffee facilities and no mini bar but I didn't find that a problem.

The bar downstairs is very well stocked ( excellent drinks measures) and there is a small lounge area to sit and also seating outside. The hotel is on a fairly busy road and it can get busy, and can be noisy. I was aware of this beforehand and asked for a quiet room, which I got.

Some people may object because the restaurant is not in the hotel. You have to walk across the road to it, and then go up a flight of steps. I was aware of this beforehand and certainly it is made very clear on the hotel website that this is the case. The restaurant is right on the beach. The breakfast is all buffet and there is a wide choice. You order your main course in the morning for the evening and it is bought to you freshly cooked at night. I certainly had no complaints about the food.

As previously mentioned the town was quiet with not many bars open because it was right at the end of the season. We were out for much of the time on trips though so it didn't really matter.

So to conclude. Il Settebello is in my opinion a family run hotel run really well by some lovely people. As long as you aware you won't get things like a pool then you will be fine. I will say that I have had far worse food at places that have a higher rating!

I did this holiday in 2014 I had a great time. Family run Hotel very friendly staff, very clean Hotel meals fabulous. Tea and coffee served at the bar, no problem. My room was downstairs and small at the back, but as others say we were out all day, so there is no need to spend much time in the room. Restaurant across the road, not a problem to me, as a lovely view overlooking the sea, watching the sun set,

Just done Flavours of Tuscany which is slightly different from the Highlights, but use the same hotel. We had a great time with the tour, unfortunately over the bar on the first floor for the room. Very difficult to open your window when everyone is smoking below. Ask for one on the side and not downstairs at the back as one lady said she had a wall to look at.

I remember watching Patriot Games with an Irish Sean Bean dubbed into Italian. Luckily I knew the story :)

Salvatore gives generous measures, I had Aperol Spritzer one night- I slept like a log :P

Wi-fi only in reception except in my room above the bar :thumbup:

Used the hotel in October so it was very quiet and most of the bars along the street were closed for the Winter.

The hotel is fine for what it does- provides a bed for the night which was very comfortable and food.

Jan

I am currently looking at the highlights of Tuscany trip. I have read quite a few reviews on the hotel il Settabello and some of them make quite grim reading. I would appreciate the views of anyone that has done the trip particularly regarding the hotel. Thanks

Hi Dill,

I have not done this tour but have heard many a good things about it! There are several reviews in the 'review' section.

Thanks

Mark