Hotel Umbra

Assisi is easy to explore from this very central location, but that was the only thing we liked. The rooms are tiny and so old fashioned they feel untouched for decades. Worst of all, they smell awful, like rotten old furniture mixed with chemicals trying to cover it up. We avoided spending time there and only went back to sleep. The dining room felt tired and dated too. Breakfast was among the worst we've had, so we ate elsewhere for the rest of our stay even though it was included. The staff could also recognize that it's 2025, not 1965. Their old fashioned hotel rules aren't appreciated these days. We really didn't enjoy our stay, wouldn't recommend it, and wouldn't return.

Our room, #21, had a lovely semi-private patio with two chairs, a table, and a stunning view. The hotel's location is perfect for visiting Assisi, with plenty of places to eat and shop within a few minutes' walk. A small red bus tour has also started, and one of its three stops is in the plaza right by the hotel, just a short walk uphill. The restaurant by the front door isn't open, but you can use its seating if you bring your own food. The staff even gave us wine glasses and an opener without us having to ask.

The hotel didn't warn me, despite several conversations, that a three-day festival would close Piazza to cars and leave it guarded by police and security. They had told me to pull up there briefly to drop my bag. With the parking station a 20-minute uphill walk away, this put me in a very difficult spot. Check-in was convoluted, and the room felt dated and bare. It was expensive and looked quite different from the online photos, and I found it overrated. I had booked two nights but moved on after one, though I still had to pay for the second. The hotel and staff were dismissive. The crowds and traffic restrictions also made it hard to get around, see the festivities, and visit the town's interesting sites.

The patio was a lovely place to read and listen to the birds, with valley views from there and some of the rooms. The owners made the space inviting with plants, flowers, and lighting, and it was perfect for a glass of vino. We were there on our Rick Steves tour. The hotel was quiet, and the staff were incredibly accommodating.