Fattoria di Vagli
Located in a quaint part of Tuscany, this small renovated hotel features just 10 rooms, but more ambiance than you'll find on all the interstate hotels in America put together. This is a family owned and run operation and has the feeling of a bed and breakfast. The grounds are vast and if you take a walk through the fruit orchard you'll be surprised to find a swimming pool. Those who love a nice bike ride through the Tuscan countryside are especially suited to Fattoria di Vagli as the family makes available bikes for the free use of guests. The owner also will get you ready to take a fascinating guide tour of the Castelvecchio nature reserve that is highlighted by the ruins of a genuine Dark Ages castle.
Fattoria di Vagli
Localita Vagli, Libbiano, 14
San Gimignano, Italy
011 (+39) 0577 946025
naturaesalute.it
La Begude Saint Pierre
You don't normally use the word large to describe rooms inside a country inn, but La Begude is something special in every way. Located in the beautiful Provence area of France, the spacious accommodations are just the beginning. Air conditioning may not be at the top of your priorities, but after a day walking the 35 acres of grounds around this hotel you may be very grateful for this distinctive American touch. The greatest thing about the hotel is the scenery. Take advantage of the bikes that are offered or get on your hiking boots and stroll along the ancient Roman aqueduct. Not far away from the hotel are the mountains of Avignon which add a whole new level to your choice of recreational activities. Of course, to truly appreciate the beauty of this area check with the owners about reserving a spot on a hot air balloon ride over Provence.
La Begude Saint Pierre
D 981 F, 30210
Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France
hotel-saintpierre.fr
The Goring Hotel
The Goring Hotel in London is probably closer to what you are used to in an American hotel, but leave no doubt that it is just as unique as the other two mentioned above. This hotel actually holds a spot in history as the first hotel to ever offer both private bathrooms and central heating in every room. Thankfully, that still holds true today. The Goring uses its stiff upper lip to scream out luxury and elegance. After spending your day boating on the Thames or taking hikes outside London, nothing beats coming back to a warm room or hitting the bathroom decorated in marble. During the summer you get air conditioning in addition to laundry service, room service and Internet lines.
The Goring Hotel
Beeston Place, Grosvenor Gardens
London SW1W 0JW, England
(800) 323-5463
thegoring.com
Article Written By Timothy Sexton
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
