This tip goes for all of Tuscany actually. Medieval cities are beautiful. There can be no denying this. However, they do require seemingly endless teams of construction workers to repair and maintain the wear and tear of so many centuries passing by and leaving their mark. As a result, it is not improbable that near the hotel you book, or even in the hotel you book, there would be considerable noise from a work site of a building undergoing repairs.

Always ask before you book a restaurant for your reception or a hotel for your stay, if there is to be any construction done in the neighborhood during your stay. If they don't know, have them check and get back to you. I once booked a place in the country side that was supposed to be quiet and romantic, it turned out that the inn was having a major overhaul done to one of its out buildings when we came and the noise was nerve racking. Of course, when we booked this inn, no one mentioned to us this "trivial" detail.

posted by gina, 2005-08-09