Hi, We're a family of 6 from the US--5 of whom think AC would make our sleep more productive--1 who doesn't care. We're from LA, NYC and the Washington, DC area, and being the 1 writing from the DC area, I know summers here are gross--no other way to put it. Very hot, humid, and generally unpleasant unless you like to sweat--a lot. So, we've narrowed to some agriturismos that have AC versus those that don't, and since we'll be in Tuscany for 12+ weeks, and realize that during the day (except for our car), there may or may not be AC wherever we go, I'd welcome any thoughts/comments/feedback. Members on TripAdvisor seem to be weighing in on Yes/AC versus No/AC.
Welcome, baf! My wife and I spent 12 weeks in the area around Montalcino two summers ago, from mid May through mid August. The first month was cool, the next month and a half were HOT, DRY and SUNNY and the last couple of weeks were comfortable. We stayed in an agritourismo without ac and, with the exception of maybe 2-3 nights, did not miss it. We did have access to a swimming pool, however, which was welcome at the end of a hot day. While the days were often hot and sunny, they were invariably dry. No humidity like DC. The evenings generally cooled down quite a bit and the gentle breezes made it feel quite comfortable. So, while it is a personal decision, I would be comfortable without ac, especially if you are at some altitude, ie, not down in a valley and have a pool. Happy travels!!
Posts: 62 | Location: Newton, MA USA | Registered: 02 July 2003
Even if the places say they have AC, it may not be what you're accustomed to. The output from air conditioning in Europe is often not as cold and not as powerful as what we're used to in the US. It's also expensive since most places charge you extra if you use it. But if you must, you must!
________________ When life gives you lemons, make limoncello.
Just to add to Patrick's comments....if the agriturismo has AC, most of the time you do not have the good fortune to be able to adjust the thermostat and it is often turned off at night, cooler days, cooler months, etc :-{
So even when the owner/operator lists AC, check to see if you have complete control and if they override it at specific times.
Val
Posts: 67 | Location: California | Registered: 19 September 2006
I do know that Fattoria Viticcio in Greve in Chianti does have airconditioning in the apartments and it is a good quality, adjustable, etc. They also have screens on the windows, a beautiful pool and lovely setting. You may want to check them out. Fattoria Viticcio We lived there for a year and loved every minute.
Jane, Thanks so much for your feedback. I just got finished emailing Fattoria, and did use the name "Jane" in my inquiry. I do hope they have availability--it would be perfect for us because 4 of the 6 in our family (other 2 are 17 years old!) are wine lovers, and what fun to be on a farm that harvests chianti! Barbara
Patrick, Val and Paul, Thank you so much for weighing in re: AC or no AC. We are really not neurotic travelers--it's just that I'm trying as much as I'm able to maximize our enjoyment in all areas--including sleep! Barbara
Originally posted by baf: Hi, We're a family of 6 from the US--5 of whom think AC would make our sleep more productive--1 who doesn't care. We're from LA, NYC and the Washington, DC area, and being the 1 writing from the DC area, I know summers here are gross--no other way to put it. Very hot, humid, and generally unpleasant unless you like to sweat--a lot. So, we've narrowed to some agriturismos that have AC versus those that don't, and since we'll be in Tuscany for 12+ weeks, and realize that during the day (except for our car), there may or may not be AC wherever we go, I'd welcome any thoughts/comments/feedback. Members on TripAdvisor seem to be weighing in on Yes/AC versus No/AC.
It depends on altitude. The closer to the 'plain' the more humidity. And in the heat that can become unpleasant. At a high(-ish) altitude such as Camildoli there is no need for AC nor mosquito nets, etc.
Posts: 49 | Location: Tuscany | Registered: 08 April 2008
A/C also depends on the structure of the builing. Homes that are very old and have 25 inch thick stone walls very rarely need air conditioning ever unless you are sleeping directly under the roof. Stone does a great job of holding the cold in and also staying somewhat moist, which also has a cooling effect (unfortunately also in the winter). We have air conditioners available in case the heat shoots up for an elongated period of time -- our rooms are on the second floor. I would say the conditioners get used maybe 10 days during the summer on average.
Jan, now, he is really not that bad!!! He kept wanting to turn it off to save me electricity!! But don't worry, the cold blaster will be ready and waiting....
We've narrowed it down to 2 agriturismi--Il Canto del Sol and Fattoria Vitticio. Both have AC--if we use it great/if not, great, too! These 2 places are also our 1st choices because the owners have been so kind and welcoming in their emails, and they are rated so high on tripadvisor.com by members. That means a lot to us. Barbara
Barbara, if you go to the link in my signature to my blog, the header picture is of Viticcio. You can see how lovely it is there. Where ever you go, you will have a memorable time.
Jane, It is solely because of your recommendation that I've contacted them--and of course--looking at their website! I don't think all places are equal though--it really does depend in B&B's and the like, also on those who work there and/or who own it. That connection, which is different than in a hotel, has made the difference for us during many holidays. Barbara
The usual--5 days in Rome, staying at a lovely apt. in Trasvetere. 15 days in Tuscany, trying to fit everything in and also finding time to just "be", and not feel the need to "do" every moment! Montalcino, Volterra, Siena, Cortona Sun Festival and Steak Festival (learned about from an expat living there), opera aria concert in Lucca, San G., Montepulciano, Chianti, etc., etc.
To all the helpful people who emailed about my inquiry...we had a reservation at il Canto del Sole, an ingriturismo farm that has gotten many, many rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Last week, I got an email inquiry from a Home Exchange member in Florence who wants to do a home exchange with us. They have a beautiful flat (air-conditioned, 3 bdrms./3 bathrooms) that they just renovated with a view of the Ponte Vecchio, and they also have a car, so we're going forward. She lived in Bethesda before, and has many friends they will visit. So, we'll save all the great information we got from people on Slow Travel re: agriturismos for our next visit to Italy, and will visit the ones we checked out this time to see their wineries and hopefully have a good authentic Tuscan meals. Barbara
To those who read Jane's recommendation for Fattoria Viticchio, I'd like to mention that it is within walking distance of the center of Greve - no more than a mile. It's a great location and a very pleasant walk. (Jane had likely described it in her blog.)
We visited Fattoria Viticchio after having walked by it on several days. We were staying at the neighboring agriturismo, the San Pierino farmhouse on the Villa Calcinaia winery, which is on the north side of Fattoria Viticchio. I can recommend both agriturismi.
With regard to the discussion about air conditioning, the San Pierino farmhouse did not have any a few years ago when we stayed there.
