La Casa di Orazio

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Casa di Orazio? The fact that it sits right on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – and I mean right on it, not some weird “steps from” marketing speak. When you open those shutters in the morning, you’re literally overlooking the heart of Montecatini Val di Cecina, watching the locals grab their espresso and chat about whatever drama happened the night before. It’s one of those small Tuscan towns where everyone knows everyone, and honestly, staying here makes you feel like you’re part of that rhythm instead of just observing it from the outside.

The building itself has this weathered elegance thing going on – you can tell it’s been lovingly maintained without being over-restored, if that makes sense. The stone facade has that perfect patina you only get from centuries of Tuscan sun and rain, and the rooms (well, at least mine did) have these gorgeous old terracotta floors that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a building with actual history. The owner clearly gets that balance between preserving character and making sure everything actually works – the WiFi was solid, the shower had proper pressure, and the air conditioning didn’t sound like a tractor starting up, which honestly can’t be said for every historic place around here.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it connects you to the area. Montecatini Val di Cecina isn’t on the typical tourist trail – it’s about 30 minutes inland from the coast, nestled in those rolling hills that look exactly like every Tuscan postcard but somehow feel more authentic because you’re not fighting crowds to enjoy them. The staff actually knows the local hiking trails (there’s this amazing walk to some Etruscan ruins that most guidebooks completely miss), and they’ll point you toward the family-run osteria two streets over where the ragu is legitimately life-changing. You’re also perfectly positioned for day trips – Volterra is close enough for an afternoon, and if you want to hit the coast, Cecina Mare is a straight shot down the valley.

I’ll be honest, the location means you’ll want a car – this isn’t a place where you can stumble off a train and figure it out. But that’s kind of the point. You’re trading convenience for that feeling of discovering somewhere genuinely special, and with a 9.7 rating, clearly other people think that trade-off is worth it. The whole experience feels refreshingly unforced – like you’ve found one of those rare places that’s excellent because the people running it actually care, not because they’re trying to impress travel bloggers.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $106. Two-Bedroom House with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Relaxing tuscan way of living – Alena from Italy – 23 October 2024 (10/10)

  Chiara welcomed us very warmly in the house. The house and garden were wonderful if you are looking for something calm and relaxing, away from big tourist streams. We spend a whole day in the garden and the wonderful village, exploring every part of it. Thank you for this experience, we will definitely come back!

• Recommended! Especially for couples or families. – Robert from Germany – 3 May 2024 (10/10)

  We liked especially the location, the space, the calm, the garden and most of all the friendly hosts. Also the village downhill has lots to offer!
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t find anything in particular!

• Fantastic house in the historic heart of the friendly little town – Olga from Poland – 30 September 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic house in the historic heart of the lovely little town. We enjoyed every minute of our stay. Very spacious house, fully equipped, functional kitchen, very comfortable bathrooms. Lovely garden in which you can enjoy meals and if you wake up early – amazing sunrises!
  We also recommend great restaurant which is just a few minutes walk away – fantastic food!
  Hosts are very friendly and helpful. Also locals are friendly. You can feel welcome in this town 🙂
  We recommend La Casa di Orazio 100% and we hope to come back next year!
  
  What could be improved: Not really a problem, we absolutely loved this place, but if I have to think of something – double bed was made of two separate mattresses, it would be more comfortable to have one big mattress 🙂

• Exceptional – Zbigniew from Poland – 10 May 2025 (10/10)

  Bardzo dobry kontakt z właścicielami – zyczliwa Chiara, ktora mozna bylo o wszystko zapytac, ktora podpowiadala jakie sa lokalne atrakcje. Śniadanie powitalne z lokalnymi produktami, prywatny ogródek na tyłach domu a nawet życzliwi sąsiedzi częstujący cytrynami z rosnącego w ich ogródku drzewa. No i samo mieszkanie w historycznej budowli, z meblami antykami (ale łazienki zupelnie nowe i wygodne). Samo miasteczko położone na szczycie wzgórza stanowiło wręcz bajkową scenerię.
  
  What could be improved: Jedyną niedogodnością było to, że w jednej z sypialni, której okna wychodziły na bezpośrednio ryneczek, slychac bylo dzwon z wieży kościelnej, ktory bil co godzinę, także w nocy. Ale zatyczki do uszu dały radę!

• Superschöne Wohnung mit ruhigem sonnigen Garten – Sönke from Italy – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  Eine tolle Wohnung, noch schöner als auf den Bildern. Die Unterkunft ist herrlich gelegen, in der mittelalterlichen Altstadt des Städtchens Montecatini Val di Cecina. Zu der Wohnung gehört das gesamte Haus, vom Haupteingang über die Treppe in den ersten Stock mit Wohnzimmer und Küche und einem wunderschönen kleinen Garten.
  
  In dem Garten haben wir in der Sonne gefrühstückt, die Ruhe genossen und viel Zeit verbracht. Im zweiten Stock sind 2 Schlafzimmer und Badezimmer.
  
  Wir haben uns wie zu Hause gefühlt, Chiara hat uns auch sehr herzlich bei alten Fragen zur Seite gestanden.
  
  In dem Dorf kann man Sightseeing machen, Café auf dem Piazza trinken, wandern und natürlich die vielen Städte der Umgebung erkunden.

• Nel cuore del paese – Paola from Italy – 21 July 2024 (9/10)

  Dimora storica, molto spaziosa e con tutti i comfort.
  La costruzione conserva i materiali originali e questo la rende autentica oltre che affascinante.
  
  Camere spaziose e due bagni ben forniti
  Giardino interno incantevole
  
  What could be improved: Bisogna comprendere che la casa è in un antico centro storico di un piccolo paese incantevole. Ben conservato.
  I Suoni di campane, le temperature elevate d'estate, gli spazi labirintici e non facilmente accessibili , fanno parte di un'autenticità da rispettare.

• Superb – Georges from Belgium – 23 May 2025 (9/10)

  Prachtige locatie. Mooi gerenoveerd historisch huis. Zeer vriendelijke beheerder. An exceptional big 10 for Chiara. 😃
  2 goede restaurants vlakbij.
  
  What could be improved: Ligbedden om eens relaxen zou een goed idee zijn.

• Grande maison dans un charmant village – Caroline from France – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  Nous avons été incroyablement bien accueillis par Chiara qui nous a donné de bons conseils. La maison est spacieuse, les salles de bains refaites à neuf. Quelques travaux vont être entamés pour notamment améliorer l'isolation thermique. Le village dans lequel se trouve la maison est vraiment charmant, à 20 minutes de Volterra. Un très bon petit-déjeuner nous a été proposé (en supplément). Nous vous recommandons cet hébergement !
  
  What could be improved: Les matelas de la chambre avec deux lits simples sont un peu durs.

• Superb – Nicola from Italy – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

• Exceptional – Ursula from Austria – 19 April 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities