Belvilla by OYO Superior 4

The scenery is lovely, the restaurant was good, and service there was smooth. Our apartment was spacious and attractive, but it was about 800 metres from the main building. After unpacking, we found the air-conditioning remote had been removed, perhaps to save electricity, and a wall sign said heating cost an extra €6 per day. The rainy weather left the apartment cold and damp, and our towels wouldn’t dry. I’d have been happy to pay a little more upfront to control the heating or air conditioning. Finding out only after settling in was annoying.

The views are amazing, with lots of old, charming towns nearby, and there are plenty of activities for kids, including farm animals, a playground, pool, tennis court, and bikes. It’s a huge green, country setting among olive groves. Rooms are OK and service was fine. Breakfast costs extra, but it’s generous compared with a typical Italian breakfast. All in all, well worth what we paid.

Il Poggio looks out over Umbria’s valleys toward Assisi, with olive trees throughout the surrounding park. It has hotel rooms as well as fully equipped independent houses, plus two restaurants, a clean and convenient pool, and a tennis court. A lovely base for visiting Umbria’s many sights, from Assisi to Todi and Spello to Gubbio.

The food is amazing, and the quiet makes the place feel just right. It’s beautiful for relaxing in the sun, away from the noise and crowds.