We were invited to speak at a meeting in Tuscany! We had never been to that part of Italy (one of our very favorite countries) and were renovating a room with a Tuscan theme, so we were excited to go. The hotel is near (10 mi) the Grosetto Marina and nearby castle, but the hotel itself is located in the middle of flat, uninteresting farm land. We drove in from the Pisa Airport (GPS required to find the hotel!). On arrival, there was no one at the entrance and we had to wander around inside until we found the front desk. Check in went alright, but there was no bellman to help with the luggage, so we dragged the bags ourselves. My wife never fully unpacked as there was only a small amoire to hang clothes in. The first room we were shown was dismal and poorly furnished, so we asked to see a second room. It was less attractive than the first so we settled in. Air conditioning worked well in our room, but in the meeting space we were sweltering in our professional suits and ties. Temperatures ranged inside over 90 degrees. Food in the hotel was mediocre at best, a new experience for us in Italy where we have always found delicious meals in even the smallest, most unattractive hotels. Architecturally, the hotel was a total disappointment. Tuscany? The hotel was a converted modern factory. It turned out to be a good thing that we both had lots of lectures to give so the time passed quickly. We did have a Saturday afternoon free, but discovered that all the wineries are closed on weekends! Our disappointment in the facility was mirrored by all in attendance and the sponsors of the meeting themselves were embarrassed to have brought us together in such a place. We will have to plan another trip to see the real Tuscany...it certainly was not in Principina Terra!.
- Fattoria La Principina Hotel
