MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Italy

Accommodation Types

Budget & Traditional Stays

  • Hostels (Ostelli)

    Found mainly in larger cities like Perugia and Assisi, hostels feature dormitory beds and private rooms. A good choice for solo travelers seeking a social atmosphere and lower costs.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&B)

    Numerous B&Bs exist throughout Umbria, from simple rooms to luxurious establishments. Many include breakfast, a good start to your day. B&Bs often create a personalized experience and local insights.

  • Hotels (Hotel)

    Hotels are available in various star ratings, from basic to luxurious. Discover them in cities and larger towns, with standardized amenities and professional services.

  • Agriturismi

    These farm stays capture a quintessential Umbrian experience. Staying at an agriturismo often means lodging on a working farm, savoring meals with local produce, and participating in rural activities like cooking classes.

Unique & Flexible Options

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique design and personalized service. Often in renovated historic buildings, specifically in Perugia or Assisi, creating a distinct ambiance.

  • Luxury Villas & Relais

    For an indulgent experience, Umbria presents high-end, exclusive properties, including restored historic estates or private villas. These feature top-tier amenities and often panoramic locations.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available via platforms, vacation rentals offer flexibility, kitchen facilities, and more space. Good for families or groups planning longer stays, allowing for self-catering and a "home away from home" feel.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Campsites are available, especially around Lake Trasimeno and in some rural areas. They offer pitches for tents and caravans, and sometimes provide bungalows or mobile homes for rent.

Neighborhood Guide

Umbria's towns and countryside each carry distinct qualities, affecting your stay.

Perugia

Good Aspects
  • Central location, strong transport hub for the region
  • atmosphere from the university
  • Good dining and shopping
Bad Aspects
  • Can be busy
  • Parking presents a challenge
  • Some areas feel more urban than rural

Assisi

Good Aspects
  • Historically and spiritually important
  • Beautiful architecture
  • A sense of peace (outside peak hours)
Bad Aspects
  • Can feel very crowded
  • Economy leans heavily towards tourism

Rural Agriturismo

Good Aspects
  • Tranquil and authentic experience
  • Often includes homemade meals and a swimming pool
  • Presents panoramic views of the countryside
Bad Aspects
  • A car is necessary for convenient exploration
  • Can feel isolated without a vehicle
  • May have fewer amenities than hotels

General Considerations

Safety Notes

All listed areas in Umbria maintain general safety for tourists. Petty crime, mainly pickpocketing, presents a concern in crowded areas of Perugia and Assisi. Practice standard precautions in these locations.

Ambiance

Perugia can feel lively and noisy, notably around the university and main squares in the evenings. Smaller hill towns like Spello, Montefalco, and Gubbio, along with rural agriturismi, create a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

Booking Strategies

Timely reservations secure preferred lodging and better rates.

When to Book

  • High Season (June-Aug, Holidays): Book popular accommodation types, especially agriturismi with pools and hotels in popular towns like Assisi, 3-6 months in advance. Availability shrinks rapidly, and prices rise.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Booking 1-3 months in advance is good for selection and prices. This period is popular for its pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Low Season (Nov-Mar): More flexibility for last-minute bookings. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead still wise for specific accommodation that might have limited winter availability. Some smaller establishments close.
  • Direct Booking Advantages: Many agriturismi and smaller B&Bs prefer direct bookings via their websites. They sometimes present better rates or perks when booking directly.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia see wide use and reliability for finding and reserving accommodation across Umbria. These platforms present a broad range of options and guest reviews.
  • Local Reservation Systems: For unique villas or specialized properties, specifically for longer stays, local Umbrian agencies might present a more curated selection.
  • Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property. Always check specific deposit requirements and cancellation policies before finalizing your booking. Many properties offer free cancellation up to a certain point.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices reach their highest in July and August, coinciding with peak summer travel and major festivals like Umbria Jazz and the Spoleto Festival. Prices also rise during Easter and Christmas.

Negotiation & General Advice

Walk-in Rates

Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common for hotels or established B&Bs in Italy. Some smaller, independent properties might offer a slight discount for cash, but this is not guaranteed.

Lowest Prices

The lowest prices typically appear in January and February, and parts of November, during the low season.

Agriturismo Check

When booking an agriturismo, confirm if a car is necessary. Many are in rural locations not served by public transport. Verify if meals (breakfast/dinner) are included.

Accommodation Recommendations

Choose from varied lodging types to match your travel style.

By Travel Style

Budget Travelers

Consider hostels in Perugia or Assisi. Simple B&Bs located just outside the most popular town centers can also present good value.

  • Hostels for social atmosphere
  • Simple B&Bs for value
  • Community interaction
  • Central locations
Mid-Range Stays

Agriturismi throughout the countryside present excellent value, often with pools and meals. Explore comfortable 3-star hotels in towns like Spello, Orvieto, or Spoleto.

  • Agriturismi with amenities
  • Pools and local meals
  • 3-star hotels in towns
  • Comfortable town stays

By Duration & Interests

Family-Friendly Options

Agriturismi often feel ideal for families. They typically feature swimming pools, ample outdoor space for children, and a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Agriturismi for families
  • Vacation rentals for space
  • Kitchen facilities for meals
  • Ample outdoor space
Long-Stay Travelers

Vacation rentals (apartments or villas) are ideal for stays longer than a week. They present home comforts, including kitchens, saving costs on dining and deepening local life immersion.

  • Weekly+ rentals
  • Kitchen access
  • Cost savings on dining
  • Deep local immersion

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels for Social Interaction

    Hostels for social interaction and a communal atmosphere.

  • B&Bs for Personal Experience

    B&Bs for a more personal experience and interaction with hosts.

  • Towns with Public Transport

    Staying in towns with good public transport connections (Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto) is good for solo travelers without a car.

  • Easy Exploration

    Easy exploration of sites and local life.

Properties with Historical Significance

  • Renovated Historic Buildings

    Many hotels and B&Bs in Umbria are in beautifully renovated medieval or Renaissance buildings.

  • Highlight Historical Features

    Seek out properties that highlight their historical features.

  • Distinct Stay

    Historic properties create a distinct stay.

  • Artistic & Architectural Beauty

    Experience artistic and architectural beauty within your accommodation.

Proximity & Convenience

Public Transport Hubs

Perugia is the best hub for public transport, with regional train and bus connections, and the Minimetrò.

  • Regional train and bus connections
  • Minimetrò system
  • Central for northern Umbria
Train Access & Agriturismi

Orvieto presents excellent train access, notably useful for those arriving from Rome or Florence. Agriturismi generally necessitate a car for convenient access to towns and attractions.

  • Easy train connections from major cities
  • Agriturismi often require a car
  • Convenient exploration of countryside

Comparison Table: Accommodation Types in Umbria

Agriturismo

Authentic rural experience, local food, often has pools and views, peaceful setting. Requires a car, can be isolated. Typical Cost: €80 - €200

B&B/Guesthouse

Personalized service, local insights, homey feel, often includes breakfast. Less privacy than hotels, fewer amenities. Typical Cost: €60 - €150

Hotel Mid-range

Standardized amenities, professional service, often central location in towns. Can lack local character, sometimes more expensive. Typical Cost: €80 - €200