The Best Hotels to Book in Orvieto, Umbria
The Umbrian city of Orvieto is a popular pit stop between Florence and Rome, with storied places to stay carved into medieval walls, and great wines to sample from nearby vineyards. Read on for the best hotels in Orvieto, all bookable on Culture Trip.
Elevated on a broad plateau of cliff-fringed rock, the small Italian city of Orvieto surveys scenic Umbrian surrounds of rolling fields, vineyards and olive groves. The commune itself is a dense labyrinth of cobbled lanes, shady piazzas and medieval buildings – most notably, the spectacular cathedral. Midway between Florence and Rome, it’s a popular stop-off for travellers road-tripping between the Italian capital and the centre of Renaissance art, but more than merits a visit in its own right.
1. Grand Hotel Italia
Independent Hotel
From an unfussy 19th-century facade to traditionally styled interiors, Grand Hotel Italia has an unpretentious old-world air throughout. Dark-wood furnishings, heavy drapery and classical decor lend the guest rooms a timeless quality that extends to the bar and breakfast rooms. A central location next to the centrepiece Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo puts everything within easy strolling distance of this hotel in Orvieto. Be sure to join a tasting in the centuries-old, Etruscan-era cellars.
2. Hotel Virgilio
Boutique Hotel
Just steps from Orvieto’s showstopper cathedral, Hotel Virgilio gets top marks for location. In fact, it’s the only hotel in Orvieto facing the medieval landmark and was once home to the artisans who helped build it. About half the rooms have views towards it, and all are neatly finished in a blend of classical and modern styles. Breakfast is rich with local produce and served in a pleasant dining room. There’s no restaurant, but you can’t move for places to eat in this part of town.
4. La Badia di Orvieto
Hotel
5. Hotel Duomo
Hotel
6. Palazzo Piccolomini
Hotel
7. Misia Country Resort
Resort, Hotel
8. Ripa Medici
Bed and Breakfast
There’s little doubt the main selling point of this quaint guesthouse is the glorious panoramas over Orvieto’s scenic surroundings afforded by a position on the city walls. Accommodation is unashamedly romantic, with antique furniture, pastel tones and draped detailing; some rooms feature the view. Apartment-like suites add kitchenettes, lounges and separate bedrooms. Private parking is a bonus for those touring by car, and the city centre is just minutes away on foot.
9. Hotel Aquila Bianca
Independent Hotel
There’s more than a touch of old-school grandeur about Hotel Aquila Bianca, from a broad stately frontage to many traditional flourishes. The breakfast room, which was a ballroom in the 17th-century, is dazzlingly ornate with a curved coffered ceiling and intricate tiling. Guest rooms at this Orvieto hotel tone it down, but still come with plenty of classical touches. The impressive cathedral is also just a few minutes away on foot.
10. Locanda Palazzone
Independent Hotel
Surrounded by rolling vineyards, this elegantly rural hotel in Umbria is wine heaven. The roots of the estate go back to the 13th century, and much of the original building has been artfully restored and integrated into swish contemporary interiors. Many of the suites are dotted with vintage furnishings and all are located on the upper floor for gorgeous pastoral views. You can gaze over the Umbrian countryside from the pool, too, before heading to the restaurant for fine dining and, of course, some excellent estate-grown Palazzone wines.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Luca Pinelli.
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