Escape to Italy: Stunning 3-Pax Apartment in Montone!
Escape to Italy: Montone's Magic – A Review That's Part Pasta Sauce, Part Paradise (and Slightly Chaotic)
Alright, let's dive headfirst, like I did into that glorious outdoor pool, into this review of the "Stunning 3-Pax Apartment" in Montone. Forget the dry, robotic recaps. This is real life, people. And trust me, real life in Montone, Italy, is something.
First off, the name. "Stunning 3-Pax Apartment." Sounds… slightly clinical, doesn't it? Like a doctor's office. But trust me, it’s anything but. It should be called something like, "Casa Nostra: Where Sunsets Kiss Your Face and Life Feels Delicious." But I digress…
Getting There & Settling In (The Arrival Drama – Italian Style)
Accessibility: Okay, so, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I'm always thinking about folks who are. Elevator? Yes, thank the heavens! Because Montone? Pretty much built on a hillside. That would've been a killer climb. Facilities for disabled guests? I saw some, but you'd definitely want to call and clarify beforehand - call and be prepared to learn some Italian. The first five calls were a disaster. My Italian? Non existent. Their English? About as good as my pasta-making skills – which is to say, tragically lacking. But eventually, we connected! (Small victories, right?)
The Airport transfer was a godsend. After a long flight, I was like a soggy noodle. Our driver whisked us up, and boom, we were there. Bless him. Car park [on-site]? Yes, and free! That’s always a win. Car power charging station? I didn’t see one, but I wasn't looking. I was more interested in finding the nearest gelato. Priorities, people, priorities.
Check-in/out [express/private/contactless]: Smooth as silk. Okay, almost. There was a minor hiccup involving a rogue key card and a locked door. My fault, I confess. User error. But the staff were incredibly understanding, and the whole process was surprisingly drama-free. (Though, let's be honest, Italy thrives on a little bit of drama. Keeps things interesting!)
The Apartment – Our Little Italian Nest
The apartment itself… breathtaking. Forget the clinical description. This place was stunning. More like, "OMG, this is where I want to live!" The air conditioning was a lifesaver. And Wi-Fi [free]? Yes! Because Instagram-worthy sunsets await! (Or, you know, checking emails, whatever floats your boat.)
The rooms were sanitized between stays, which gave me so much peace of mind. Big shoutout to the daily disinfection in common areas and the use of anti-viral cleaning products. Good job.
Available in all rooms: Okay, let's get down to brass tacks:
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Useless, because I always wake up early from excitement.
- Bathrobes/Slippers: Oh yes. Embraced the decadence immediately.
- Bathroom phone: I used it to call room service.
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: Yes, the bathroom was a sanctuary. I'm partial to a good bath.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for sleeping off a midday pasta coma.
- Carpeting: I noticed it but it's not important.
- Closet: Big enough for all my Italian shopping.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes! The most important item.
- Complimentary tea/Free bottled water: Yes and Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: The hidden heroes of the trip!
- Desk: Nope, I'd rather sit on the terrace.
- Extra long bed: Comfortable.
- Hair dryer: Thank god, I didn't have to bring my own.
- High floor: Stunning views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – LAN/wireless: Both! The internet was pretty solid.
- Ironing facilities: Needed it.
- Laptop workspace: Was there, but I barely used it.
- Linens/Towels: Soft, fluffy, amazing.
- Mini bar: Tempting, yet I passed.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night novel-reading.
- Refrigerator: Helpful.
- Satellite/cable channels/On-demand movies: Yes, although I didn't watch much TV.
- Scale: For the post-pasta weigh-in!
- Seating area: Comfortable.
- Shower: Great water pressure.
- Smoke detector: (Hopefully!) I didn't test it.
- Socket near the bed: Super convenient.
- Sofa: Cozy.
- Soundproofing: Blissful.
- Telephone: In case of emergency.
- Toiletries: Smell divine.
- Umbrella: Check.
- Visual alarm: Didn't need it.
- Wake-up service: Never used it.
- Window that opens: Yes, fresh air!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Culinary Symphony
Let's be real, this is why we're here, right? Italy is a food paradise.
- Restaurants: Yes! Several absolutely delectable options.
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant: Both, depending on the venue.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nope.
- Bar/Poolside bar: Yes! Aperol spritzes at sunset? Don't mind if I do!
- Bottle of water/Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: All there, all delicious.
- Breakfast [buffet/service/takeaway service] The breakfast was fantastic and filling, ready to fuel a day of exploring.
- Desserts in restaurant: Obviously. Tiramisu, every single time.
- Happy hour: Yes, indeed, a time to celebrate!
- International cuisine in restaurant/Western cuisine in restaurant: Mostly Italian.
- Room service [24-hour]: Brilliant. Ordered pizza at 2 AM and it was heavenly.
- Salad in restaurant/Soup in restaurant: Did both.
- Snack bar: Right there.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't specifically look for one, but there were definitely vegetarian options.
- Breakfast in room: Fancy.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Didn't need it!
- Asian breakfast: Nope.
Important Note: The Safe dining setup was excellent, and I felt totally comfortable. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check.
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax)
- Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor]/Pool with view: Oh. My. God. The pool. The glistening water. The view. I spent approximately half my waking hours there. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Spa/Spa/sauna/Steamroom: Didn't use them.
- Massage: Ohhhh, yes. A full body massage after a day exploring the hill towns? Yes, please!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Didn't even look at it. Vacation!
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Foot bath: Not my thing.
- Things to do: Exploring the charming town of Montone, visiting local markets, wandering the winding streets, and getting lost in the beauty of Umbria.
Services & Conveniences – The Nitty Gritty
- Daily housekeeping: Indispensable.
- Concierge: Helpful, even with my limited Italian.
- Currency exchange/Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Practical.
- Luggage storage: Always handy.
- Elevator: Yay!
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Smoke alarms/Fire extinguisher: Good to know!
- Non-smoking rooms: Perfect.
- Pets allowed: I didn't see any pets.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Helpful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Used them.
- Bar: Perfect for an apertivo.
- Cashless payment service: Good!
- Doctor/nurse on call/First aid kit: Nice.
- Convenience store: Good to know!
Cleanliness & Safety – Peace of Mind
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Probably, but who knows.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A detail I really appreciated
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I was fine
- Sterilizing equipment: Present. *
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a cry for help… a slightly manic, Umbrian-infused cry for help! We're off to Montone, Italy, and by "we," I mean me, the perpetually anxious travel planner, and… well, let's just say two other souls I've yet to emotionally prepare for. My sanity, upon completion of this trip, will be a miracle of modern medicine.
The Belvilla by OYO Appartamento Garden 3 pax Montone Itinerary: A Descent Into Italian Delight (and Potential Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (aka "The Lost Luggage Tango")
- Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up, fueled by coffee and the unwavering belief that I've forgotten something. Probably my passport. Nope! Just a rogue sock. Victory!
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Fly into Perugia airport! Pray to the travel gods that my luggage arrives. (Spoiler alert: it won't. This is the start of The Great Luggage Disaster of ‘24.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Rent a car. Pray the rental car looks ANYTHING like what the picture on the website showed. (Spoiler alert: The poor car has seen better decades.)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Drive to Montone! Google Maps is my Bible now. Try to navigate the impossibly narrow, winding roads without hurling myself into a ditch. Take a deep breath and remember, "It's Italy, dammit! Relax, and enjoy the bumpy ride!" (My internal monologue is a constant battle.)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Arrive at the apartment. Breathe. Try to remember which bag is which without my clothes. (Spoiler alert: it’s all in the same bag.)
- Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Unpack, or attempt to unpack. Curse the airline that lost my luggage. Find a local restaurant, order anything involving pasta. Cry into my wine. It's supposed to be a celebratory Chianti, but the overwhelming relief of NOT being dead on the side of an Umbrian road is enough to take my breath away. It tastes like utter bliss.
Day 2: Montone Exploration & The Pursuit of Perfect Pizza (and maybe my lost luggage)
- Morning (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Coffee, coffee, coffee! (I’ve now befriended the Nespresso machine.) Breakfast will be whatever I can scavenge from the local market (or a kind-faced local).
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Explore Montone! Wander aimlessly, which is my favorite travel style. Get lost in the medieval streets. Pretend I'm in a Renaissance painting. Snap a million photos of everything… and then delete half of them because I'm a terrible photographer.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): PIZZA. The Holy Grail of Italian cuisine. Find a local trattoria and order a pizza with something… anything! I’m not picky. (Okay, maybe I’m slightly picky.) The quest for the perfect pizza begins.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Visit the Rocca di Braccio Fortebraccio. Climb the tower. Pretend to be a medieval queen (I have a long history of this). Gaze out at the Umbrian countryside. Feel ridiculously, ridiculously happy. It’s moments like these…
- Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Search desperately for my luggage again, because, of course, it hasn't magically appeared. Dinner at another restaurant. Discuss the pizza-eating strategy. Order gelato. Debate whether it's socially acceptable to have gelato for dinner. (It is, obviously.)
Day 3: Arts & Crafts… And More Pizza! (Also, potential luggage sighting?!?!?)
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Visit the Museo Civico San Francesco. If my lost luggage appears, it will be a glorious day, but if not, I will attempt to ignore my loss. Observe the art. Pretend to understand art history. (I mostly just admire the pretty pictures.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): PIZZA ROUND TWO! Different pizzeria, different toppings, same level of intense, pizza-fueled joy. I’m on a mission!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Visit the Casa del Capitano. Explore the history of Montone. Try to find any information about my lost luggage! Ask the staff for help. If my luggage does not appear, I will probably cry.
- Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Cooking class! Learn to make pasta. Probably make a mess! This is the kind of authentic, messy experience I crave. Eat the fruits of our labor (hopefully edible pasta). Drink too much wine and laugh until my stomach hurts.
Day 4: Day Trip to Assisi & The Emotional Rollercoaster
- Morning (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Early start! Drive to Assisi, the home of Saint Francis.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Visit the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi. Feel small. Feel inspired. Feel a deep, inexplicable connection to something bigger than myself. Experience pure, unadulterated awe.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Eat lunch in Assisi. Try a local specialty (if I can manage to pull myself away from the pizza).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Explore Assisi. Wander through the charming streets. Buy souvenirs. Wonder how people live in this place peacefully.
- Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Drive back to Montone. Dinner at a restaurant with a view (if possible). Reflect on the day. Think about how utterly wonderful it all is. It’s enough to lift your spirits!
Day 5: Relaxation & Last-Minute Adventures (and the Goodbye Tears)
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Sleep in. (Finally!) Relax. Read a book in the garden (weather permitting!). Stare at the view. Soak it all in.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): One last pizza! (Maybe!) Or perhaps a picnic. Or, you know, whatever.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Explore the area surrounding Montone! Discover something new! Get lost (again!). Embrace the spontaneity (sort of). Maybe visit a nearby village. (Check my luggage? No, I'm not still checking! Stop it!)
- Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Final dinner in Montone. Sigh dramatically. Soak up the atmosphere. Order one last tiramisu (because, priorities). Pack. Pretend not to cry. Cry a little bit.
Day 6: Departure & The Post-Trip Blues
- Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up. Say goodbye to the apartment. Double-check everything. Try to remember where I parked the car.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Drive to Perugia airport. Return the tiny, beaten-up rental car. Pray the return goes smoothly.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Fly home. Grieve for the perfect pizza I left behind. Begin planning my return trip.
- Evening (2:00 PM - onwards): Unpack (if my luggage finally arrives). Suffer from post-vacation depression. Already miss Italy. Start saving for my next trip, which will hopefully include more luggage and a lot less panic.
Important Notes:
- Expect delays, both human and logistical.
- Embrace the chaos.
- Eat all the pasta.
- Drink all the wine.
- Never stop searching for the perfect pizza.
- And for the love of all that is holy, I wish my luggage will be found!
- Most of all, enjoy Italy. It is a truly magical place.
Escape to Italy: Montone Apartment - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions)
Alright, spill! What's the *real* deal with this "stunning" apartment? Is it actually stunning, or is it like, *stunningly* needing some TLC?
Okay, okay, let's level with each other. "Stunning" is a strong word. It's beautiful, yeah. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Think rolling hills, vineyards... the whole nine yards. I spent a solid five minutes just staring out the window, jaw agape, the first day we arrived. Even the *smell* of the air was different, like, cleaner and slightly…flowery? (I’m not a big smell-descriptor kind of person, but it was *good*). It's definitely *not* a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel room. It's got character.
Now, the TLC thing… well, it’s Italy. Things age, you know? There’s a certain… *rustic charm* to it all. (Translation: don't expect perfection. We're not talking minimalist chic here. We're talking cozy, lived-in, and maybe a little bit…quirky.) The bathroom had a slight draft, and the shower pressure wasn’t exactly a power wash. But honestly? After a day of exploring Montone, it was *perfect*. The imperfections just added to the charm. It's like, it let me relax. A little bit messy is good.
Three people? Was it squished? Did you all fight over the bathroom? (Be honest!)
Okay, so three people *could* be a recipe for disaster, right? Especially after a long day of travel when everyone's hangry and cranky. But honestly, no, it wasn't squished. The apartment was actually pretty spacious. There was a proper bedroom with a queen bed and a separate living area with a sofa bed, and all the space we needed.
The bathroom situation? Well, it was Italy. We each had to bring our own towels (I didn't do this, and had to buy one - total newbie mistake). Bathroom fights? Nope! We just…strategized. Early risers went first, then the late sleepers. Simple! The worst part was when my friend, Sarah, ran out of hot water after she took her time, and then moaned and wailed about it for an hour. (She's dramatic, but we all love her!) Seriously, though, no major issues. We even *bonded* over our morning coffee and the shared Wi-Fi frustrations (because let's face it, the internet in Italy is an experience in itself).
Montone. Never heard of it. What IS there to *do*? Was it boring?
Montone! That's the beauty of Montone! It's *not* a tourist trap. It's a proper, authentic Italian hilltop town. Think cobblestone streets, old churches, and… the absolute BEST gelato I've ever tasted in my life. (And I say that as someone who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of good gelato!)
Boring? Absolutely not! Maybe if you're the kind of person who needs constant flashing lights and screaming crowds. But Montone is perfect for wandering, getting lost in the alleyways (guaranteed you'll find something amazing!), and soaking up the atmosphere. We explored the Rocca, climbed the tower for incredible views (seriously, bring water!), and we just wandered around until we were starving, then ate at a tiny little restaurant with grandma in the back.
One particularly funny thing happened with the church. So, we went into this small church, and there was a wedding going on. The bride looked like she was straight out of a movie. I may have shed a tear or two. (Don't judge me!). Turns out the whole thing was in Italian, which made it even *more* charming, in a "didn’t understand a word, but felt very spiritual" kind of way.
Okay, food. Italy is *all* about the food. What was the food situation like? Did you starve? (This is important!)
Starve?! Are you kidding me?! It's ITALY! It’s *impossible* to starve in Italy. We ate like royalty. Seriously, pasta, pizza… the bread…oh, the bread. I think I gained five pounds just from *looking* at the baked goods.
We had a small mini-kitchen that was very useful. I am by no means a chef - I can just about boil water without burning down a kitchen. But we were able to cook some basic meals at the apartment. The local market was a treasure trove of fresh ingredients – tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes, basil that smelled like heaven, and the most amazing olive oil I've ever had. We’d buy a loaf of crusty bread, some prosciutto, and a bottle of local wine and have picnics on the steps. Perfection.
One afternoon, we went on this crazy pasta-making course! It was hilarious! The instructor was this tiny, feisty Italian woman named Francesca (who looked like she could probably feed a small army!), and she didn’t speak much English, but we somehow managed to make a (mostly) edible pasta dish, with so much laughter. I still remember the taste of the first bite fondly.
The Wi-Fi. Everyone's biggest fear. Was the Wi-Fi a nightmare?
Fine, let's talk about the Wi-Fi. Yes. It wasn't blazing fast. Okay, it was… intermittent. Let's just say if you’re planning on streaming Netflix every night, you might be a little disappointed. We spent a fair bit of time staring and staring into the loading-wheel of doom.
That said, it actually wasn't the *worst* thing in the world. It forced us to, you know, *connect* with each other. We played card games, we actually TALKED (shocking, I know). We stared out the window, drank wine, and watched the sun set over the rolling hills. If anything, the unreliable Wi-Fi was a gift. It forced us to be *present*. The world didn’t end because we couldn’t upload our selfies immediately. (Okay, maybe I panicked a *little* bit). Anyway, it was a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
Anything I should absolutely pack, or definitely avoid?
Okay, the packing list. **Definitely pack:** comfortable shoes for walking those cobblestone streets (your feet will thank you!), a plug adapter (Italy uses a different type), and a small first-aid kit (just in case!). Bring a refillable water bottle! I think it's pretty important, and also good for the planet. Bring a portable charger for your phone – you’ll be taking a million pictures!
**Avoid:** Overpacking. Seriously. You'll want space for souvenirs (trust me, you WILL want souvenirs). Also, don't bring high heels. Seriously. The cobblestones are a killer. Trust me, I thought I could do it. I was wrong. Also, leave your fancy, fussy clothes at home. This isn't a place for showing off - it's about enjoying the beauty and the freedom.
So, overall… would you go back?
Your Stay Hub
Belvilla by OYO Appartamento Garden 3 pax Montone Italy
Belvilla by OYO Appartamento Garden 3 pax Montone Italy
