Thank goodness for the GPS, as without it, we would never have found Il Podere, which is in a very rural area. Imagine going down narrow country roads for miles and finally coming up to Il Podere, a charming large walled complex, with classic gates.
The room was huge, the bed comfortable. No elevator and our room was on the first floor (second floor to Americans, as the ground floor is not the first floor). The key was not the customary plastic cardkey, but a hunk of brass about as big as an apricot.
The hotel had a gorgeous swimming pool, but it was only usable from 10 to 7. It had playground items for kids.
The restaurant was lovely, with good food and excellent service in a very formal setting. We made a mistake by ordering the 25€ prix fixe four course dinner, which was just too much food.