FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Tuscany Italy

Jul 16, 2022 | 10:39 pm

#4

mixmastermark

Join Date: Apr 2013

Location: San Francisco

Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec

Posts: 201

Just got back from a lovely award stay at the Grotto Giusti.

Although rates were about the same and upgrade likelihood appeared better at the other two, chose Grotto Giusti over the:

-Renaissance as I read a few reviews that the property is in need of a refresh, and is 45mins further away from Florence, which we would be visiting as well. But the views from some of the upgraded balcony rooms at the Renaissance seem gorgeous.

-Grand Universe Lucca as we wanted something a bit closer to nature, less noise, and with a pool. But the property is recently refreshed and rooftop champagne terrace is

!

Speaking of pools,
Given how hot it was in Tuscany during our visit, the wide variety of pools, water features, and incredible grotto spa at the Giusti were the deciding factor for us, and we were grateful to have them.

The underground thermal steam caves (Grotto Spa) were expansive and pretty mind blowing. Although underground Grotto experience was €25/person as a Platinum (not sure if it's waived for Titanium/Amb) the Bonvoy Amex card perk covered it. Even if paying, we thought it was definitely worth it at least once for the unique experience.

The regular spa is excellent and free for guests with its sauna, steam room, rain showers, and a variety of different thermal mineral pools, swimming pools, jacuzzis, and cooling waterfall/plunge pool. Lots of water options at the Giusti and they do a nice job of maintaining the spa resort vibe.

The property, rooms look and feel recently renovated while maintaining a classic charm. The toilets & bidets themselves are vintage, but the flushing fixtures seem updated.

Breakfast was enjoyable and sufficient, especially on the outside patio tables in the shade. While the breakfast offering overall was not the best we experienced compared to other 5* hotels on our trip, their espresso, cappuccinos, etc, were top notch, the ambiance was thoughtful, and the staff were wonderful.

During our stay, the hotel was fully booked, and Suite Night Award upgrades did not clear, but we quite enjoyed our Mountain View King, which had a large bathroom with rainshower, very high ceilings, and huge windows with shutters that fully opened up to the greenery surrounding the property. We were not in the room much but were quite happy with it.

I think the property itself, especially with the amenities offered, lives up to its 5* rating. Although the service level feels closer to 4*, as it still lacks a bit of polish and can feel understaffed at times. But it also had its charm, with a very relaxed, laid-back feeling, vintage elevators, friendly staff, etc. Overall, the hotel itself is impressive, we had a wonderful experience here and would return or check out the Grand Universe Lucca if we wanted a different vibe a bit more in the center of action.

We had a car to explore the beautiful surrounding area, wineries, Florence, etc.

If you don't have a car, taxis were abundant and were newer, high-end cars. There is a restaurant & cocktail bar on site plus few local restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Within 8-10mins drive of the hotel in the larger, neighboring town Montecatini Terme, with even more restaurant options and a downtown walkable plaza.

12mins drive from the Grotto Giusti hotel, we checked out Terme Tettucio in Montecatini town. We found it worth the €6/person entry just to experience the Roman baths, gardens, incredible architecture and drink the different healing waters. Then if you walk across the street to the bright red vintage trolly car, Funicolare Montecatini, you take a scenic 10min chug up the steep slopes to Alto Montecatini, a charming little village sitting atop the valley with a few cute restaurants, shops, cafes, and a 1000 year old fortification. If you've got the time, it is a lovely way to spend half a day... gawking at the beauty of Terme Tettucio, then taking a scenic trolly ride up to Montecatini Alto for dinner.

Ciao!