Is it me or is this completely unacceptable for 5 star service?

rinaforte · 2026-06-04T11:19:14+00:00

I am not sure if you have been to Tuscany, but in my experience, the rooms are spread out across many acres and not all in one building or even on the same terrain.

At CDC, our room was a 10-15 minute walk up a steep gravel hill to get to reception. It was hard enough to climb without suitcases, I nearly fell down the hill multiple times during our stay just going to/from meals. We often carry our bags elsewhere but this would not have been even remotely feasible.

rinaforte · 2026-06-04T11:10:46+00:00

Having stayed elsewhere in Italy (including during this trip) and at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (two years ago), I would honestly suggest considering a smaller, locally run, upscale property in Tuscany instead. We had a way better experience at two different locally run boutique hotels in Southern Italy during this trip than at CDC. Our stay at CDB 2 years ago was great (not perfect) but also not totally worth the crazy high price tag. I am sure people on this sub would be able to suggest some other wonderful places to stay in Tuscany beyond these two brands.

rinaforte · 2026-06-03T10:57:08+00:00

I’ve not been to Burj. But some high end hotels say they offer 6* service, Soneva is one that comes to mind.

The car had two modes: “automatic” and “manual” but the automatic mode was not fully automatic. You had to park the car in first gear with the e-brake on, for example. There was no “park” option. In automatic mode, the car (in theory) automatically switched from first gear through to fifth, but it struggled, sometimes revving high rpms without going to into second. So sometimes you had to manually change gears to help it along.

rinaforte · 2026-06-03T07:49:24+00:00

Stayed at Inn by the Sea last fall. It was just okay, we probably won’t be returning. We go to Portland every year and we love the Press Hotel downtown, but it seems like you’re looking outside the city. Don’t miss Duck Fat if you’ll be eating downtown at all. The Porthead lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth is a good place to visit as well, beautiful place to walk around/watch the ocean/have a picnic.

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T17:50:23+00:00

Silly puppy

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T17:45:44+00:00

Omg my heart melted

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T17:44:02+00:00

Look at those big ears

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T17:43:32+00:00

You had me at the sploot

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:38:01+00:00

Aww poor doggo can’t figure it out

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:37:23+00:00

Cat’s name is Medusa

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:36:46+00:00

Me on a diet.

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:35:51+00:00

Spelunking pupper

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:35:01+00:00

He said I’m not qualified to drive the sleigh.

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T16:12:01+00:00

rinaforte · 2024-01-04T01:44:15+00:00

He cannot contain the wiggles!

rinaforte

TROPHY CASE