Unbelievable Italian Castle Stay: Belvilla's Castello del Cardinale Awaits!
Castello del Cardinale: My Unbelievably… Unbelievable Stay. (Belvilla, Really?)
Okay, so let’s be honest. When I clicked “book” on Belvilla’s website and saw the words "Italian Castle Stay," my inner five-year-old squealed. A castle? In Italy? I was picturing myself swooping around in a flowing gown, maybe battling a rogue goose or two. Reality… was a little more nuanced. But, in a good way. Mostly.
Let's break it down, because, honestly, there was a lot to break down.
Accessibility & Safety – Praying for a Ramp:
This is where things instantly got… interesting. I was travelling with my Aunt Carol, who uses a wheelchair. Belvilla’s description vaguely hinted at “facilities for disabled guests.” Reality? Let’s just say the castle's charm heavily outweighed its accessibility. Getting Carol into the main building involved a series of ramps and cunning engineering that would make a Roman emperor proud (or at least, a little bewildered). Inside, navigating the ancient stone corridors was a workout in itself! (More on that later).
- Accessibility: This place is a challenge. While they do have some facilities, don’t expect smooth sailing if mobility is an issue.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Now this is where Belvilla actually scored some serious points. I'm usually a germaphobe, but even I could relax here. They’ve clearly taken COVID seriously. The amount of hand sanitizer around was impressive (and appreciated!). They weren't playing around, I saw staff wiping down everything, and you knew they cared. The whole 'anti-viral cleaning' thing, the 'daily disinfection' – it wasn't just for show, it felt clean. Major kudos.
- Hygiene Certification: I didn't find any actual Hygiene certification, but the impression of cleanliness was overwhelming.
- Safety/Security Feature: The front desk was staffed 24/7 and the castle had loads of CCTV.
- First aid kit: I did not have to use it, but it was great to know it was there for emergencies.
- Fire extinguisher: The castle was well protected.
- Doctor/nurse on call: I did not need one, but knowing they were there just in case, made me feel more secure.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Blessing in disguise since the hand sanitizer gel was almost always empty everywhere else in public locations.
Rooms - My Kingdom for a Good Night's Sleep! (And Maybe a Socket Near the Bed)
Okay, the rooms. Breathtaking. Seriously, picture yourself waking up in a room that's basically a museum exhibit. High ceilings, frescoes, giant windows… stunning. My room had… everything. Well, almost everything. I loved the high floor, and soundproofing was amazing, but the layout felt like a maze. I swear, I got lost more than once trying to find the bathroom!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (bless you!), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Minor annoyance: Finding a plug near the bed was like searching for the Holy Grail. Prepare to crawl on your hands and knees (or ask staff to rearrange some furniture).
- Major perk: The blackout curtains. Absolute lifesavers. Slept like a log every night, despite the sheer excitement buzzing through my brain about being in a CASTLE.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day? More Like Spa Maybe Day!
They boasted a spa. A spa! My inner goddess was already envisioning herself draped in a fluffy robe, sipping herbal tea. The reality… again, a little different. The sauna and steamroom were available, but the body wraps and scrubs weren't, leaving me a bit deflated. Still, the outdoor pool was AMAZING, with a view that could make a cynic weep.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This was the crown jewel. Infinity pool, overlooking… well, everything. A true taste of heaven.
- Fitness center: Surprisingly well-equipped, though I'm not sure I could motivate myself to work out when there’s THIS much beauty to absorb.
- Spa: While not everything was available, the offer of a spa and sauna was very appealing.
- Things to do: The castle itself is basically the main attraction. Wandering through the halls, imagining the history… fantastic. Beyond that, there's not a ton specifically on-site, but seriously, you’re in Italy. Explore!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Mangia, Mangia! with some caveats:
The food was… varied. The breakfast buffet was standard – a decent spread, nothing to write home about, but definitely filling. The restaurants were inconsistent. One night, the pasta was divine, the next, it was… less so. The pool bar, though? Perfect for a chilled glass of Aperol in the afternoon sun.
- Restaurants: There were restaurants serving both Western and International options.
- Bar: The bar was open and the drinks were good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard and filling.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a bonus.
- Soup in restaurant: Wonderful.
- Things missing: Desserts could have been better, and coffee was very average.
Services and Conveniences - The Ups and Downs of Castle Life
The staff were generally lovely, but the service was a little inconsistent. The concierge was helpful, but there were moments when it felt like they were stretched a little thin. The Wi-Fi, while free, occasionally resembled a dial-up connection (especially in our room, which was, naturally, two miles from the router).
- Daily housekeeping: Fantastic! Always appreciated.
- Concierge: Helpful, but overworked.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Not available.
- Cashless payment service: Very useful.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus!
For the Kids – Castles and Chaos?
I didn’t bring any children with me, but I can spot a family-friendly spot when I see one. Considering the scale, it seems a good setting for all ages.
Getting Around - Adventure Time!
If you're driving, parking is easy. If you're not… well, get ready for some taxis.
- Taxi service: Available, but not always readily available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Great.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend Castello del Cardinale? Yes, with caveats. It’s a truly unique experience – a chance to live out your fairytale dreams, or, at the very least, imagine you are. It's not perfect. The accessibility is a huge issue, and the dining is a mixed bag. But, if you’re ready for a little adventure, a dash of history, and a whole lot of stunning beauty, then book it! Just pack some patience, a good pair of walking shoes, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. And for the love of all that is holy, remember to bring a plug adaptor!
Naaldwijk's Chicest Lodge: Combi Microwave & Unforgettable Stays!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to unleash a trip to hell and back (just kidding… mostly) at that Belvilla by OYO place: Il Castello del Cardinale in Civitella in Val di Chiana, Italy. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and more pasta than you can shake a… well, you get the idea.
The Almost Perfect Itinerary (with a healthy dose of "WTF?!")
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Bread Disaster of '24
- Morning (Probably Late): Okay, so the flight was a disaster. Delayed, lost luggage (RIP, my favorite sandals… you will be missed), and the screaming toddler situation? Let's just say I earned my frequent flyer miles in sheer endurance. Finally, finally we arrive at this supposed "castle". And it looks… well, it looks REALLY big. Like, maybe the pope’s summer house big. (I immediately felt underdressed).
- Afternoon: The Check-In Shuffle and the Initial Panic. The instructions seemed straightforward. Get the keys, find the apartment, unpack. Famous last words. We were greeted by a charming, albeit slightly bewildered, woman who spoke only Italian (my non existent Italian). After miming, pointing, and a lot of frantic Googling Translate, we eventually found our apartment. It's massive, which is good, and the view… is just… breathtaking. I seriously almost cried. (Happy tears, thank god).
- Evening: The Bread Incident and a Dose of Reality. Grocery shopping! We hit the local market, armed with my phrasebook and an almost-too-optimistic attitude. I envisioned a perfectly rustic Italian dinner. Reality? Let's just say I misread the "freshly baked" sign. The bread? Rock solid. The pasta was undercooked. The wine? Delicious, thank god. We ended up eating slightly burnt pasta, drinking way too much wine, and laughing until our stomachs hurt, which is kinda my favorite way to spend an evening.
Day 2: Renaissance Rhapsody and a Tourist Trap Tango
- Morning: Exploring Civitella and the Church Bell Blues. We wandered around the nearby town of Civitella. The ancient walls? Stunning. The winding streets? Charming. The relentless church bells? Possibly plotting to drive me insane. (I swear, those bells were ringing all the time.) I swear the entire town has a "sound design" strategy, and bells are their muse.
- Afternoon: A Flop of an Art Excursion. We tried the art museum. I'm not one for stuffy cultural moments. The art…um… was not really my jam. I felt like an alien. I kept mumbling "what is THIS supposed to be" to myself. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it; I just wanted to go back to the castle and stare at the view.
- Evening: The Pizzeria Savior! (and More Wine): Okay, so the pasta from the first night scarred me. We found a small pizzeria in Civitella. I'm talking about the kind with checkered tablecloths and the scent of garlic in the air. Pizza was perfect, the people were lovely, and the wine… well, it just kept flowing. We watched the sunset, ate pizza, and pretended we were locals. Pure bliss.
Day 3: Chianti Dreams and a Near-Death Experience (of Boredom)
- Morning: The Chianti Wine Route. We decided on a day-trip to the Chianti wine region. I imagined rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and endless glasses of wine. Reality? Hilly roads, nervous driving, and… more wine. (No complaints, really). We visited a few wineries, tasted some exquisite wines (with some wines tasting like vinegar). The landscape was amazing. It was worth the drive.
- Afternoon: Lost in Translation and a Terracotta Hell. We took a wrong turn (surprise!) and ended up in an abandoned factory. It was creepy and kinda… romantic in a "abandoned Italy" way, and a little bit creepy.
- Evening: Back to the Wine, and My Sanity? Back at the castle, we drank wine, ate cheese, and watched the stars. The sheer quiet was amazing after the chaos of the day. I began to think that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to relax.
Day 4: The Great Castle Exploration and the Ghostly Encounter (Maybe?)
- Morning: Castle Conquest. Okay, so finally we decided to actually explore the castle. It was even more impressive up close, with secret passages, and some seriously cool (and creepy) architectural details. I could easily see a film crew coming in.
- Afternoon: The Room of Whispers (and Maybe a Ghost). We stumbled upon a room hidden from the main passage. The air was heavy, and I swear, I heard a whisper. Or maybe I was just dehydrated… or maybe it was a ghost! Don't even ask. I swear something was there. I was spooked but it was absolutely thrilling.
- Evening: A "Classy" Dinner and a Late-Night Swim. We attempted a “classy” dinner, and it turned into a hilarious disaster. We ate our pasta and the last of the wine and watched the sunset. We wound up taking a night swim in the (freezing cold) castle pool. The stars? Amazing. The water? Brrrr! Worth it.
Day 5: Departure, Reflections, and the Italian Hangover
- Morning: The dreaded packing. The cleaning, the final walk around the castle… it was bittersweet. On the one hand, I was ready to go home to a real bed. On the other hand, I was (dare I say it?) sad to leave this crazy, imperfect, beautiful place.
- Afternoon: The drive to the airport. The final Italian cappuccino. The last glimpse of rolling hills.
- Evening: The flight home. The emotional baggage (both literal and metaphorical). The lingering taste of Chianti. The certain, absolute, knowledge that I will be back. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything.
This wasn't just a vacation. It was an experience. And like all good experiences, it was messy, frustrating, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable. And, if I can be honest, I could use a nap. Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Garden Apartment in Charming Mzrz, Germany!
Is the Castello *really* a castle? I mean, *really* really?
Okay, picture this: you're driving for what feels like eternity down a winding Tuscan road. Then, BAM! You see it. That imposing stone structure, draped in ivy, like something ripped straight from a movie. Yeah, it's a castle. A *real* one. Except... it's a castle that probably hasn't been updated since the Renaissance. Think: creaky floors, maybe some questionable plumbing, and ghosts… maybe? Seriously, I'm pretty sure I heard a cello playing at 3 AM. Or was that just the wind? Regardless of ghosts, it's a castle. So yes, it's *really* a castle.
What's the vibe? Is it all white linen and polite conversation?
God, no. Mercifully, no. While you *could* rock the white linen (and probably feel judged for it), the vibe is more… lived in. Imagine a slightly eccentric relative's amazing, and slightly dusty, country estate. There's a relaxed, "come as you are, darling" attitude. Except, maybe "don't track mud on the antique rugs" is also implied. Which is fair. It's definitely NOT a stuffy hotel. It's the kind of place where you could spill red wine on the table – (I may or may not have firsthand experience) – and, with the right amount of charm and apologetic glances, still be forgiven.
The food. Tell me about the food! Is it as amazing as the pictures?!
Alright, let's be honest. The pictures showed a feast. The reality… varied. Sometimes, it was straight-up *divine*. Think: pasta that practically melted in your mouth, fresh-baked bread, local wine that made you question all your life choices (in the best way possible). Other times… well, let's just say I became intimately acquainted with the local supermarket. But here's the thing: even the "less stellar" meals were part of the experience. One day, the lasagna was… interesting. But the *view* while eating it? Unbeatable. Let's just say the food is part of the adventure. And the wine ALWAYS delivers.
Are there any downsides? Like, seriously? Because this all sounds… idyllic.
Ugh, yes. Nothing's perfect, and this place has *character*. First, the Wi-Fi is spotty. Prepare to embrace digital detox... whether you want to or not. Second, driving there! You'll swear your GPS is trolling you. The roads are... let's call them *picturesque*. Narrow, winding, and likely to induce a near-death experience or two. Finally, the sheer size of the place. It's easy to get lost. I spent a solid hour trying to find the breakfast room one morning. Wandering through dusty corridors, and finding a portrait of a stern-looking gentleman staring down at me, gave me a slight sense of the uncanny. It's a charming quirk, sure, but a quirk nonetheless.
What about the pool? Is it as amazing as the photos?
Okay. The pool... The pool. Let me tell you about the pool. The photos? Exquisite. Crystal-clear water, an infinity edge, overlooking rolling hills... pure Instagram fodder. The reality? Well... there was a *slight* issue with the water clarity. And let's just say the sun loungers weren't exactly plush. But here's the thing. One afternoon, I had the pool practically to myself. The sun was setting, and the air was warm, the sounds of the birds. And you know what? It was *magical*. Imperfect, yes, but completely, utterly magical. I mean, i almost peed myself laughing looking at the murky water, but damn was it worth it.
Is it good for kids?
Honestly? It depends on your kids. If they’re the "run wild, explore everything, and maybe accidentally break something" type, then YES! The castle is a giant playground. If they're the "needs a screen at all times" type, maybe reconsider. Limited Wi-Fi! And the ghost of a disgruntled cardinal... possibly. It's an adventure. Just make sure you pack your sense of humor (and maybe some duct tape, just in case… you never know what might fall apart... the building, the kids...).
Will I meet any other guests? Is it good place for socialising?
You WILL probably meet other guests. Unless you spend the entire time locked away in your room, which... could be an option, tbh. The Castello seems to attract a certain type of person. Adventurous, slightly quirky... and probably up for a glass of wine. There are communal spaces, so you can socialize. One evening, we ended up having a very boisterous discussion about the best pasta shape with a group of complete strangers from all over the world. It was hilarious. You'll either LOVE it, or you'll hide out. Either way, you're in for a story. Just be prepared for someone to want to share *their* story.
Is it worth the money?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it's not cheap. But, if you’re expecting perfection, go elsewhere. If you want an experience, a story, and a whole lot of memories? If you're ready to embrace the imperfections and the occasional burst of bewilderment, and you appreciate a good bottle of wine with a breathtaking view? Then, yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. It's an adventure. It's a gamble. And, trust me, you won't forget it. Even if, like me, you're still trying to figure out if that cello was real.
