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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany South Review 2622: Politian Apartments, Apartment #1
apartments in Montepulciano, Tuscany South WhenSat May 27-Sat Jun 03, 2006, 1 week LocationThe Politian Apartments are located on the southern side of Montepulciano near the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Servi. Not only are there several parking spaces out in front of the palazzo, but there is also a small public parking lot located a short walk down the hill. However, if you choose to utilize the local public transportation as I did, there is a bus stop located just beyond the palazzo at the end of the block. From there it takes all of ninety seconds to walk to the palazzo entrance. Nearby AmenitiesThe apartment is a very short distance from the Crociana cantina and wine negozio. Further up the main corso there is an alimentary and an outstanding macelleria. Just beyond the north Porta al Prato entrance there is a “Conad” store that carries a diverse inventory of groceries and household goods. There are unique stores and eateries all throughout Montepulciano. The House/ApartmentThe proprietor, Giacomo and his mother, reside in separate apartments on the lower levels of the palazzo, and the vacation apartments are located on the “secondo piano.” Apartment #1 has its own entrance in a hallway illuminated by a sky-light. The front door opens up to a large hallway, which runs down the center of the apartment and divides the living room and bedroom on the east side of the apartment from the bathroom and kitchen on the west. In this hallway there is also a closet full of amenities with a fan, an ironing board, and a baby cot, if needed. GardenThe owner's mother has a lovely garden of perennials and annuals behind the palazzo, and her climbing red rose bush is amazing! There are also benches and an outdoor table with chairs. The Politian website states that the guests of apartment #2 have direct access to the garden, but it never stopped me from admiring it from the upstairs windows. For a few decades now, one my favorite summer sounds has been the continual cooing of morning doves, and the doves which cooed daily in the Politian garden never failed to deliver. Very relaxing for me! Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furnishings throughout the apartment are a blend of antiques and old family favorites which add both warmth and comfort. Besides a large fireplace, the living room consists of two Ikea style sofas and a small dining table for taking in the magnificent views as you enjoy your Italian cuisine. Conveniently located on the built-in bookshelves are a CD player and various “mellow” CDs. There are also several older guide books, travel magazines, and a few maps for planning out your Tuscan itinerary. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe bedroom contains a comfortable queen-sized bed complete with crisp white linens. Along with a large wardrobe, there is also an antique glass-topped dresser and two matching nightstands ... not to mention, another impressive view! KitchenThere is a full kitchen with a four-burner stove, an oven, and a built-in refrigerator. The bathroom contains a washing machine, a full-sized tub and hand-held shower. Problems or BonusesI recently heard from Giacomo, that not only has he installed a new dishwasher since last May, but he has also provided wireless Internet for the apartment #1. I also understand that the guests of apartment #2 now have the use of a desktop computer during their stay, too. There was no television at the Politian, but who needs it? The palazzo is next to the street and a walkway, so there is regular, everyday, hill town noise until the early evening when the tourists leave. Agency and Representatives (and price)I contacted the owner, Giacomo, directly from the Politian website, and he responded both quickly and professionally. While his mother cheerfully handled my arrival, Giacomo contacted me after his return to see if everything in the apartment was adequate and answer any questions I had. Later in the week, he was even gracious enough to retrieve a Trenitalia schedule for me from the Internet when the Montepulciano Tourist Office closed early for a holiday, right before my departure! So, after that stressful event, I was pleased to hear about the new WiFi access. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?I definitely would recommend the Politian to other Slow Travelers, and I hope to return there in the future. Things to do in this areaTry to hang out around the Medici cisterna and people watch in Piazza Grande; take a stroll down the Viale della Rimembranza Montepulciano near the Tempio di San Biagio and check out the unique memorial plaques dedicated to the war veterans of Italy; visit Pienza; and a must: watch the sunset over San Biagio from Viale dei Filosofi! This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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