What People are saying
Utter Nightmare
snosnedon 20/09/2014 19:27This place is definitely unlike any other we have stayed in and we were really looking forward to staying there as part of our 3 week adventure in Italy.
However, there were real problems which travellers need to be aware of, and I would not want to return, as a result of.
1. Communication -The owner does not speak English - a real issue if you don't speak Italian, like us. The thing is, on the web-site it says 'they' do - and it was on this basis that we booked.
2. Parking - The property is in the very heart of the old city (which is beautiful), but if you have a car, this may be a Nightmare - as it was for us. We are not wimps - this really was an outrageous experience.
Even when we eventually risked getting into the ZTL zone with our rented car (Hundreds of Euros a few weeks later back in the UK if we got photographed and fined in the zone...anyway, after approx. 2hrs of trying to find this place & eventually hijacking a very kind English-speaking Italian/German couple to help us) - & despite the police, (who arrived within minutes of us parking outside the place), saying it was ok with the pass that was issued to us by the hostess; we woke up to be told to 'hurry up & move the car, Now!' by the morning maid(?) and there was nowhere else to park, so we missed Breakfast and had to rush off, with a Taxi driver looking very irate outside the apartment door!
Service - The owner left us to it basically, forgetting to show us where the 'shared bathroom' was, and we had to tiptoe around the dark apartment, trying not to disturb other people, when we got in from a much-needed dinner. She spoke no English and didn't really seem very interested, as we were late. She just wanted to leave. It turned out, the man who was staying in the bedroom we unfortunately opened the door to, was using the loo! In fact, we don't know how many people were staying, but the loo was constantly engaged every time we tried to use it (several times) and we now realise the little bathroom is used by all 4 rooms...by the way, the door handle is also dropping off, so be careful not to get locked in! All this made things really difficult, as we are not spring chickens and both had to use it more than once overnight and morning. (I will never book a 'shared bathroom' place again!
Breakfast - Can't comment as we never got chance to have any - we were looking forward to it aswell, as it had got a good review.
Stairs - There are many! 70+ I can have walking & standing problems if I have to go too far - and having walked around wonderful Italy as much as we could anyway, my feet were definitely dropping off after climbing these stairs! We didn't even attempt to take our cases and grabbed some underwear and the handbag to take up.The experience of those stairs up two flights was not funny - I was ready for tears by the time I got to the top, and we both nearly needed Oxygen!
Seriously, I got No Sleep All Night - although I was exhausted from the whole experience of the 'finding & parking' and 'find the toilet and try to use it' fiascos. We were put in a room at the Front, and even with the windows shut, the Noise Carried Up. Even on a Sunday the street outside was Busy, Busy, Busy until about 4.30, with people standing outside, directly below the window chatting at the tops of their voices, it seemed. The Noise stopped for about an hour and a half, to be followed at 6am with the Street Cleaners with their brushes, their Whooshing & extremely noisy Motors and then the Washer! Unbelievable!! Then someone in the apartment put on their television loud...Then the shops started to be opened as the shop workers arrived, chatting away, etc, etc.
I lay in my bed until I heard the voice of the maid at half past 8, then came out and attempted to explain about the noise. This was answered with 'Please move your car, Now!'
We packed and left and moved the car. Nowhere else to park and very upset, we kept going.
We attempted to tell the hostess the situation by text and she simply told me sorry, but it was bad of us to leave without paying (She wasn't there). The week before, we had given her our debit card details, but actually were not happy to pay full price for the traumatic experience and wanted to sort this out. Unfortunately, she merely tried to distract the blame onto us and said she was taking 60 Euros off the card. What a Great Shame. It wasn't about the money for us. We are not fragile travellers and we are generally very easy to please and get on with.
(I think it's best not to say you speak English on a site if you don't, as the lack of communication was a MaJor issue.)
It's not a hotel, it's an ancient, quirky, spooky 'guesthouse', where you're left on your own all night (with who-knows-who other guests) - so be warned!
Despite Pistoia being a beautiful medieval city, we never want to go near it ever again!
The rest of Italy was fantastic. But no, not here!
Decaying splendour
Aidaveronaon 02/09/2014 22:41I loved this B&B right in the middle of Pistoia. It could perhaps do with a little updating but the room was huge, with magnificent frescoed ceiling and view of the basilica from the window. Exceptionally good value for money. The owner was really friendly and helpful. The shared bathroom was a little way from the bedroom - not great if you have to get up in the middle of the night!
NB The B&B is in the restricted traffic zone but great for bikers as there are parking places just outside in the street.
could be better
Barbara Aon 27/06/2014 15:34hello We stayed at the Canto all Porta Vecchia in June '14 for three nights and were disappointed with the b & b
you have to negotiate 70 steps (carrying your suitcase) to the apartment but there was no mention of them in the website description
Also with having no air-conditioning you have to sleep with the windows open letting mosquitos and the noise of the outside revellers come in so no good restful nights sleep..
Has the potential to be a great place but isn't at the present time.
Unique and cozy accomodation but noisy outside
DK_HappyTravellerson 04/04/2013 21:36Spent one night at the huge, unique apartment, where rooms can be rented. Shared bathroom but we did not meet any of the other guests at any time. Big, nice room with paintings on the ceiling. A bit chilly at night. Friendly hostess. However, we almost did not sleep all night as the street noise from drunk people singing and shouting outside went straight through the windows all night long. Ear plugs should be handed out at arrival if guests should have any chance of getting some sleep. Breakfast was quite simple without any bread - only bisquits.
Living in a hold building in the hearth of Pistoia
Orzoluxon 04/11/2012 11:43We (me and my little family) spent five days in this old apartment where, rooms, decorations and hospitality were superb. We felt like we were at home. Big decorated room with view on the central street (noise included). Breakfast was OK (not to much choice but the food quality was fine. Giovanni (Anna was not there) is a very kind man, so, I am sure that next time I will have no doubt where I will book my room.