Parker VillasReviews of parkervillas.com

The hosts were awesome! The location of the villa was a little weird, being in a commercial area, but once inside the gates you could have been in the countryside of Italy. But this was also good, as we were close to a gym, the supermarket, the train station, and all points beyond. The outer areas of the villa itself were beautifully landscaped with roses, fig trees, and pots of flowers everywhere. Our only complaint is that there was no shelving in the bathrooms or the shower, and as we stayed for three plus weeks, it became tiresome to have toiletries on the floor.

It's not often that when experiencing a wonderful vacation in Italy - you also can't wait to get back to praise those responsible, and yet that was our feeling throughout our phenomenal stay at Cottage Alexa, in Radda in Chianti - all put together through the capable hands and guidance of Parker Villas. To say that their efforts and initiatives associated with our stay were impeccably orchestrated would be an understatement - everything was brilliantly handled - from our initial meeting to explain our wants and needs when in the Chianti region to the advice afforded us by way of their years of hands-on experience Upon arrival, Cottage Alexa, located on the estate of the Castella di Albola wine vineyards, was like something from a storybook. Built by a prince for his personal usage in the early 1700's - one is magically transported to a time and place where issues such as elections, economics and other areas deemed important - simply do not matter. The exterior of the property is magnificently manicured by on-site attendants, Paolo and Lisa, and there's quite a bit to attend to. A stunning swimming pool, olive trees, walnut trees, fig trees, surrounding lawn and acreage - all professionally monitored to provide one the feeling that you are residing on an estate that once was the property of nobility - because you are! Once inside, the interior is from another time - yet every convenience imaginable is available. The kitchen was equipped with all the tools one needed to prepare a Tuscan-styled dinner, while the living room area allowed relaxation with a glass of Chianti - which comes from the vineyard outside. Amazingly, you're promoted to utilize the cottage for much more than just your base of operations while in the region. You can relax there, whether it be by the pool or the fabulous front porch - cook there when the feeling hits you to do so, and walk the grounds whenever you wish. Most locations are simply a place to stay while you rush out and sight-see. Because of Parker Villas - we were able to experience and enjoy both sides of life while were were in Radda. Might we also suggest allowing Parker Villas to reserv e a spot for you on the winery tour as well as having the wonderful Lisa and Angela cook you an out-of-this-world Tuscan-styled family dinner. The warmth and personality exuded by both was welcoming as you got the feeling they meant it -and not just going through the motions because it was there job to do so. And can you imagine our surprise when on Sunday morning, Paolo knocks on the front door with a basket of over 100 tomatoes of varying varieties - for us!!! While on location, you can be assured that everything will be done to make your stay one of the most memorable ever. Moving forward, whenever I hear that someone is planning a trip to Italy, Parker Villas will be the first words they will hear from me. They were even free with their advice to other areas we were travelling to and staying at - even though we were not using them for those locations. Mario's experience is second to none and it spills over to his staff as well - both stateside and in Italy. When we return to Italy, Parker Villas will be our first phone call when in the planning stage.

Could not have been happier with our experience. Roberta at Parker was very helpful in the planning stage. The villa we rented was everything we hoped for and more. The family who owned the property and lived there as well were very friendly and welcoming.

Roberta Lerman, Senior Travel Advisor at Parker Villas, helped make our Tuscan Villa rental the trip of a lifetime!

Roberta was so helpful and all her suggestions were excellent. Five women traveling is no easy feat to please! Everything went according to plan, hotels, car rental and the Villa La Cantina in Chiancci Cortona was amazing. Our host Edda was a gem! I highly recommend Parker Villas for your next Italian adventure!

Parker representative we worked with was knowledgeable, professional and responsive. She helped us with reservations, car rental and area information. Great villa and we recommend Parker for anyone visiting Italy.

Margaret was great to work with. The villa Cassia Antica wax beautiful. I have already told my friend to call you. She went on your website and found villas she is interested in. Margaret was extremely helpful in the car rental and hotels in Milan. The trip was a dream come true.

My Husband and I booked a first time trip to Italy through Parker Villas in July 2016. We wanted a quiet "off the beaten track" location with a pool that would have some good sight seeing venues close by if we desired. Knowing it would be > 90 degrees in July, having AC for sleep at least and a pool were musts. We were delighted to stay at Cottage Vacuna at Villa Oria with the Cortese family on their Olive Grove Property in Lazio. The property was spotless, well equipped and tastefully decorated with artwork. The garden and view over the hills and hill towns was so gorgeous! We had a magnificent pool all to our selves. This was just what we wanted! We relaxed, read books, ate pasta and pizza and drank wine watching the sun set from our private garden. We took day trips to see Ancient sites at Tarquinia for Etruscan art and Roman ruins at Tivoli. It was a great area for those who want a bit of sightseeing without the huge tour buses or waiting in lines. Margie helped us find this and was careful in making sure we would be happy at this sort of property in the country. I felt very secure booking with Parker Villas because of the availability of a local Italian Speaker who could serve as an advocate if needed. (Of course it was not, needed. The property owners were so gracious and welcoming and there were no problems during the week stay.) I found that we received a terrific rental car rate booking through Parker Villas also. The GPS was given to us Free but for the overnight mailing of the unit because Parker Villas is considered a Luxury Partner of Europe Car. I would book a return trip with Parker Villas in a heartbeat. They are Italy specialists. Margie and Ruth were wonderful anytime I called or emailed with questions. It's so nice to know there were human beings I could call on with questions. The personal touch mattered. Thanks! Anne