Assisi Terrace Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Apartment Awaits!
Assisi Terrace Paradise: My Dream Belvilla Apartment? Maybe. (OMG, That View!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Assisi Terrace Paradise, and my brain is still trying to process it. Belvilla, you promised me a dream apartment, and… well, it was definitely an apartment. Let's break it down, shall we? Because honestly, after that view, I feel like I need to talk it all out.
Accessibility: Not Quite Heaven on Earth (But the View Is)
Okay, let's be upfront. Accessibility is… patchy. The website touted "facilities for disabled guests", which made my heart skip a beat, because I’m always looking out for my folks who aren’t as mobile as I am. The elevator was a godsend (more on that later – seriously, I’m obsessed with elevators now!), but getting to the elevator from certain parts felt a bit like a treasure hunt. And no direct route to the pool with a view! Boo! The wheelchair accessible aspect… well, it claims to be, but I wouldn't bank on complete freedom of movement. More like, “we’ve tried.” The exterior corridor situation wasn't ideal for easy access, either. Now, I'm not saying it's impossible, but plan ahead and double-check specifics if that's a major priority.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Questionable Choices)
Right, let's talk about dining. Because, you know, I’m basically a professional eater.
- Restaurants: There are several, claiming Asian cuisine and Western cuisine at the restaurant, but the quality was varied. Let's just say my noodles tasted like they came straight from the microwave (I'm judging you, Assisi Terrace!), and the European style dishes sometimes leaned towards the bland side. The buffett in the restaurant was so-so, and i ended up waiting to be seated at the a la carte in restaurant.
- Snack bar: great for late-night munchies after a few drinks, and the poolside bar was heaven-sent for those Happy hour deals - the perfect place to relax with a cold beer (bottle of water was available and always appreciated).
- Breakfast: Breakfast was a mixed bag. Breakfast [buffet] was decent, it was great to have the option of the Asian breakfast or Western breakfast. I could have used the breakfast takeaway service a few times, but didn't see it at all. The coffee/tea in restaurant was okay, and the desserts in restaurant were decent (but i'm from somewhere that appreciates them so, take that with a grain of salt). Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a late night of gazing at the stars after a long day of exploring!
- Vegetarian restaurant: I did try to find that one, but it seems it wasn't exactly there, or maybe I was just too tired after the trek…
- Coffee shop: Now, that was good! and let me enjoy and grab a nice salad in restaurant.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I had to arrange several times for this, because the food wasn't exactly to my liking, but hey, at least they tried!
Things To Relax, or… Be Active? (Or Both, Because It’s Italy!)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was glorious. Seriously, the view from the pool… I could have happily spent a week just floating. The pool with view was the money shot, really, and I'm still dreaming about it. You can consider this place as perfect for ways to relax!
BUT… the fitness center… hmm. Let's call it "compact." Okay, it was tiny. Don’t go expecting a full-blown gym. Still, a few machines are better than nothing, I guess. If you're serious about your fitness, maybe pack some resistance bands.
- Spa/sauna : The spa felt luxurious with Body scrub treatments! Ah, the Sauna and Steamroom were an absolute slice of heaven. You can also try the Body wrap, and then chill on the foot bath!
- Massage: A good ol' massage never hurts!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized… Mostly.
Okay, COVID-era travel… here's the lowdown. They took it seriously. They had it all in place: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options (bless!), and physical distancing of at least 1 meter was definitely enforced. They also had Anti-viral cleaning products and sterilizing equipment, which made me feel slightly more relaxed. The room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, and professional-grade sanitizing services were all good signs.
Honestly, I felt pretty safe. They offered Safe dining setup. The cashless payment service was super convenient, and it's a big plus that they had a doctor/nurse on call to help with any medical needs, and the first aid kit was there whenever needed. I even spied some hygiene certification stickers, so that's a plus too.
Rooms: More Like an Apartment (But With Perks)
My apartment was… well, let's say it needed the magic touch of my mother. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, and I was absolutely thrilled with Wi-Fi [free] (essential!). The complimentary tea was a nice touch, too, and the free bottled water was a welcome bonus.
- Bed: The extra long bed was a major win, but I will point out, the blackout curtains were necessary for those late-morning sleep-ins after a night of exploring the city.
- Bathroom: The private bathroom was fine, but some of the features felt a bit dated. Ah, the separate shower/bathtub combo was luxurious.
- Amenities: The alarm clock and coffee/tea maker were also appreciated. Hair dryer and slippers were provided which was a very thoughtful of the owners.
- Internet: The Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were strong.
Services and Conveniences: They Tried!
This is where Assisi Terrace Paradise gets a mixed bag. The concierge was helpful when he was around (more on that later), and the daily housekeeping kept things tidy.
- Convenience: Having a convenience store on-site was actually super handy for snacks and essentials, and the laundry service was a lifesaver when I had run out of clean clothes!.
- Business: The business facilities such as the Xerox/fax in business center looked promising.
- Food and Drinks: The bar seemed nice!
- Others: They had the facilities for disabled guests (which were helpful but weren’t perfect), the elevator was great.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly…ish
I didn't have any kids with me, but from what I saw, it seemed… okay. There were kids facilities, but nothing that blew me away. I didn’t see any Babysitting service, so, parents might want to sort that out in advance.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, or a Pain?
- Parking: Car park [free of charge] was a real bonus, and there was also a car park [on-site] available.
- Transportation: The airport transfer was seamless.
Final Verdict: The View Redeems (Almost)
Look, Assisi Terrace Paradise has its quirks. Some things are amazing (that view!), some are just okay, and some need a bit of work. But, honestly, that view? That alone almost makes it worth it. If you're looking for a luxurious, perfectly-accessible paradise, maybe keep looking. But if you're after an apartment with an absolutely breathtaking view, clean rooms, and are willing to roll with the punches, this could be your dream. Just, you know, pack extra patience, and maybe some earplugs for the slightly-less-than-perfect soundproofing.
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- Title: Assisi Terrace Paradise: Review – Honest & Unfiltered (Belvilla Apartment!)
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of Assisi Terrace Paradise in Assisi, Italy. Honest opinions on accessibility, dining, amenities, and (OMG!) that view! Belvilla apartment review.
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- H1: Assisi Terrace Paradise: Review – The Good, The Bad, and the Breathtaking View!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly-photographed itinerary. This is real travel, Belvilla by OYO Apartment in Assisi style, with all the glorious chaos that entails. Let's dive into my (probable) week in Umbria, Italy, and the roller coaster of emotions that's sure to follow. Prepare for rambling, opinions, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much limoncello.
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Great Olive Oil Debacle
- Time: Whenever the heck I finally get off that plane. (Probably after a 3-hour delay due to a rogue pigeon).
- Destination: Arrive in Rome (FCO), then the long, winding road (or train, if I’m feeling ambitious and not completely exhausted) to Assisi.
- Transportation: Assuming the pigeon hasn't sabotaged the flight, I'll brave a rental car. Pray for me. If that's not the case, a train might be the best option.
- Expectation: Breathe in the Italian air. Finally, I'm here!
- Reality: After a terrifying drive that was a baptism by fire from day one. "Is that a hill? AND HOW ARE THEY DRIVING ON THIS THING?!" – I roll into Assisi, barely clinging to my sanity. The Belvilla apartment, thankfully, isn't too difficult to find… except the darn parking. Okay, okay, that's stressful.
- Action: Unpack. Immediately locate the terrace and breathe. That view of the Umbrian countryside is absolutely worth the sheer terror that was the drive in. Now, food. I’m STARVING. Find the nearest alimentari (small grocery store) and stock up on essentials: pesto, bread (duh), cheese, and… wait. I CAN'T DECIDE ON THE OLIVE OIL. There are like, a million kinds. The old woman behind the counter just smirks at my indecisiveness. I'm so overwhelmed. I end up grabbing the one with the prettiest label (a huge mistake) because I'm basically a culinary disaster waiting to happen. Later review: that olive oil tasted like… sadness. Avoid the pretty label, embrace the wisdom of the old woman.
- Evening: Wandering the cobbled streets of Assisi. This is what dreams are made of. Churches, shops, all kinds of cute. I hit a small trattoria and over-order pasta. Sigh. So good. The terrace at the apartment? Worth every penny. Sip some local wine and watch the sunset. Absolute bliss.
Day 2: Basilica Bonanza and Saint Francis's Inner Thoughts (Maybe)
- Time: Wake up, hopefully after the jet lag fades a bit.
- Destination: Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi (the big one), then maybe wander into the little side streets.
- Action: Basilica-hopping. The lower basilica is… dark. The upper basilica is… breathtaking. The frescoes? Mind-blowing. I try to get a sense of Francis. I imagine him wandering these very streets, maybe grumbling about the price of bread. I touch the walls, feeling the weight of history. Is this cheesy? Probably. Do I care? Nope. I'm just soaking up the feels.
- Quirky observation: The sheer number of pigeons. They are EVERYWHERE. I swear one tried to steal my gelato.
- Emotional Reaction: A deep sense of peace. The sheer age and beauty of this place is overwhelming. Makes you think about life, the universe, and whether you should have bought more pasta yesterday.
- Afternoon: Exploring the narrow, winding streets. Getting gloriously lost. Bumping into a tiny artisan shop. Falling in love with handmade ceramics (and almost buying the entire store).
- Evening: Trying to cook something in the Belvilla apartment. Realizing the "sad olive oil" is all I have. Give up and seek out pizza. This time, I'm doing the research! (And ignoring the pretty labels).
Day 3: Spello's Floral Fantasies and an Accidental Gelato Adventure
- Time: Up and out early, dammit!
- Destination: A day trip to Spello, a nearby town famous for its flowers.
- Transportation: Back in the deathmobile.
- Action: Spello is basically a Instagram dream. Walls covered in flowers! Cute little shops! More cobblestone streets! I wander, take a million photos (because duh), and get completely lost…again.
- Quirky observation: The sheer joy on the faces of the local grandmas tending their flowers. Seriously, these women are gardeners-slash-artists.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. This is what I came for: beauty, peace, and the feeling that I've stumbled into a postcard.
- Double Down Gelato Incident: I decide I'm entitled to a special treat and go into a gelato shop. I ask for two scoops. Well, the guy asked "What's your favorite flavor?" And like a derp, I said, "That's tough… Can I try samples?" He gave me seven samples (!!) The other customers, all Italians, start laughing. I finally chose my two scoops, and was ready to pay… he gave them to me for free. Sweet revenge for Day One. I eat the gelato and then decide to have more of it.
- Evening: Back in Assisi, after a near-miss with a runaway scooter (don’t ask). Dinner: pizza, again (because…pizza). Contemplate (with a glass of vino, naturally) the meaning of life and the beauty of gelato.
Day 4: Wine Tasting, Wine Tasting, Wine Tasting!
- Time: Need to plan this one carefully.
- Destination: The Umbrian countryside, in search of wine!
- Transportation: Rental car, because I'm clearly either a glutton for punishment or an idiot.
- Action: I booked a wine-tasting at a local vineyard. The views, the food, the wine. Amazing! I ask a billion questions about the wine making process, and the owner of the vineyard gives me every information about the location. He tells me his life story, and I tell him mine. It's amazing.
- Quirky observation: I am a lightweight. I end up a little tipsy, but happily so.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. This is what I came for: beauty, peace, and the feeling that I've stumbled into a postcard (again).
- Evening: Back to the apartment. I go to bed early because I'm very tired from all the wine and the sun.
Day 5: The Fortress, the Views, and the Existential Dread
- Time: Hit the snooze button… twice.
- Destination: Rocca Maggiore, the medieval fortress overlooking Assisi.
- Action: Ascend the hill. Sweat. Curse. But the view from the top? OMG. Assisi, the valley, the mountains… it's cinematic. I spend a good hour just staring (and taking a million photos. Gotta document the struggle!).
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of tourists. But hey, I'm one of them, so who am I to judge?
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed by the beauty, but also the sheer weight of history. Life is short! Eat more gelato! See more castles!
- Afternoon: A quiet afternoon after lunch and drinking, just wandering the streets, or relaxing in my room, enjoying the silence.
- Evening: A solo dinner at a little restaurant. Contemplate my life choices. Decide I need more pasta.
Day 6: The Monastery, the Silence, and the Search for Inner Peace (Maybe)
- Time: Sleep in. I need it.
- Destination: Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage tucked away in the woods near Assisi.
- Action: The drive there is even more beautiful than I expected – trees everywhere! The hermitage itself is serene. I wander the small cells, imagining the monks living in such simplicity.
- Quirky observation: The tiny, tiny size of the cells. How did they fit in there?!
- Emotional Reaction: A sense of calm. The silence is almost deafening. I attempt to meditate. Fail. But it's okay.
- Afternoon: Head back to Assisi. Buy souvenirs for everyone (because I feel guilty for having so much fun).
- Evening: A final pizza (because, again, pizza). Pack. Contemplate whether I can possibly stay forever. The answer: probably not, but a girl can dream, right?
Day 7: Departure and the Sad Olive Oil Lesson
- Time: Wake up with a start. I forgot something!
- Destination: The airport. Farewell, Assisi! (Sob).
- Transportation: The deathmobile.
- Action: Pack. Actually, the worst part of the trip. I have to get back to reality. I make sure to leave the sad olive
Assisi Terrace Paradise: You're REALLY Considering This, Huh? A VERY Honest FAQ
Okay, first things first: Is "Paradise" REALLY the right word for Assisi Terrace? Seriously?
Oh, honey, you're starting *right*. That's what I thought when I booked this place. "Paradise?" My cynical heart almost gave out. Look, it's *lovely*. The views? Stunning. The sunsets? Postcard-worthy. But Paradise? Let's just say if Eden had a slightly temperamental washing machine (more on that later) and a neighbor who hummed opera at 6 AM, then yeah, MAYBE. It's more like "Charming with a side of character." Which, honestly, I prefer. Paradise is intimidating. Charming and characterful? Now *that's* realistic.
What's the deal with the Belvilla part? What does that even mean?
Belvilla, as far as I gathered (after a quick Google search while frantically packing) is like… a rental agency. They handle the booking, the deposit blah blah blah. Okay, fine. I'll be honest, I only paid attention to the pictures, which were EXCEPTIONAL marketing. Which is why, after scrolling endlessly, I took the plunge. They do a pretty decent job, but don't expect the concierge service of a Ritz Carlton. They're there if you NEED them, but mostly you're on your own, which is a plus! You're given a code, and you enter. It's a good system, I suppose.
The apartment itself… is it *actually* as nice as the photos? I’m always suspicious.
Okay, this is where things get *interesting*. The photos are VERY good. Let's just say the lens may have been strategically positioned to minimize the… vintage charm. It IS lovely. But there's a certain… lived-in quality. Think: beautifully aged Italian art museum. Its ancient and in good condition! BUT, you will find the occasional wonky tile. The odd loose drawer. The "antique" furniture? Mostly antique. Not necessarily *designer* antique. But cozy, mind you! It gives the impression that real people ACTUALLY live there, and don't just pose for influencer photos. Consider the view, and then you'll be just fine!
Are the views *really* as incredible as they say? Because I saw some "stunning views" that turned out to be a parking lot once.
Oh, the views. THEY ARE REAL. Seriously. The picture on the Belvilla website is NOT a cleverly-angled shot. You look out the window into a postcard. The sunset at the terrace is like someone took the best parts of a Van Gogh painting and then… just plopped it down right in front of you. I actually squealed the first evening. Seriously. Squealed. My husband rolled his eyes, but even HE was impressed. Even though it's crowded with tourists at sunset, it's worth it!
Okay, spill the tea: What's the biggest downside? What REALLY went wrong?
Alright, deep breath. The washing machine. The washing machine from the DARK AGES. It's one of those ancient Italian contraptions that probably pre-dates sliced bread. It took a PhD in appliance engineering to figure out how to operate it. The instructions? In Italian, of course. I spent a solid hour battling it, trying to get my jeans clean. (I succeeded. Eventually. I got the shirt's done the next day). It also has a tendency to… flood the laundry room if you're not careful. LET ME TELL YOU. It's a character-building experience, let's leave it at that. Pack light.
Is it noisy? I cannot handle noise.
Depends. Assisi itself is pretty quiet, especially after the tour buses leave. You might hear the occasional church bell (lovely!), the distant chatter of tourists, or the aforementioned opera-singing neighbor. But compared to, say, a city apartment? Bliss. It's peaceful. The birds are the loudest ones, actually. That was nice. And the neighbour? He was alright, even though his tempo was all over the place.
Parking situation? Do I need to sell my car to fit it in?
Parking in Assisi is a *nightmare*. Let's not sugarcoat it. Assisi Terrace *may* have parking, but it’s limited, and spaces are TIGHT. Prepare for some serious maneuvering. My advice? If you can, ditch the car. Walk everywhere. The town is gorgeous, and you'll get more gelato that way.
Any tips for a first-timer?
Oh, DO bring comfortable shoes. You'll be walking. A lot. Learn a few basic Italian phrases. The locals are lovely, and they appreciate the effort. Pack an adapter for your electronics. And be prepared to slow down. Embrace the Italian pace of life. Also, bring a corkscrew. And maybe some extra towels, just in case the washing machine decides to play Aquaman again.
Would you go back? Be brutally honest.
Honestly? Yes. Despite the wonky washing machine and the parking drama, absolutely. The views, the charm, the feeling of being *somewhere*… it's worth it. It's not perfect, but that's what makes it memorable. Would I book it again? Probably. But I’d definitely pack a pair of industrial-strength rubber gloves for tackling that washing machine again. And maybe a therapist. Just in case.
Is there a supermarket nearby? I get hangry.
Yes, there are small grocers and delis around, but you might want to figure out the exact location ahead of time. They're not massive, so don't expect the selection of a mega-mart. But you can get the basics. Stock up on your snacks, and prepare to feast! There are also plenty of restaurants!
