m3red

slightly OT but does anyone have a recommendation of a good day trip wine tour from Florence?

Prefer a high end private tour not a group plonk tour if you know what I mean - think business and first class wines not tesco

MikeFromTokyo

Although FS is definitely the best option in Florence, if the money saved by redeeming points for an award stay at StR would free up cash that could materially enhance your trip (extra money for shopping, fine dining, adding some nights at another lovely hotel etc...) then I would strongly consider that option.

There is afterall a high risk of Point devaluation looming ahead once Starwood and Marriott roll out their new combined marketing/'loyalty' scheme. So, now more than ever is the time to maximize value from SPG points for anyone who has them.

So, basically if money were no object I would just go with FS. If on the other hand that money would allow me to do something else that otherwise would not be within budget, then by all means I would use the points at StR. Incidentally both hotels are under same ownership. StR is very highly regarded on Flyertalk in the SPG forum.

livefromtuscany

We work with Il Girasole (car/driver/guide) and are very happy. They'll arrange private tastings at the best winemakers in Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano.

m3red

Thank you I'll look them up.

LarkSFO

We engaged Ashley Turney (L'Esperta) for our trip in and around Venice, with quite a few tours she directed us to. (she also arranged our luxury apartment accommodations) We were very happy with her service, contacts, and recommendations.

A friend we recommended Ashley to also had a great experience.

I am not sure if she would want to coordinate just a single outing, but you could shoot her an e-mail to ask.

www.lesperta.com/italy-travel-blog/

bhrubin

The FS and StR Florence BOTH are heavily celebrated hotels at the top of their game. If one can stay for free on points at the StR vs paying for the FS for a marginal or negligible difference inexperience, I'm not quite sure what the dilemma is, to be honest.

bhrubin