Escape to Perugia: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits!
Escape to Perugia: A Belvilla Dream? Let's Dive In! (It's Complicated…)
Okay, so I’m back. Just back from Perugia, or at least, the memory of it is still clinging to my brain like a persistent gelato stain. And, well, Escape to Perugia: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits!… let's just say, the reality was slightly less…dreamy. But hey, that’s travel, right? Let's unravel this tangled ball of pasta, shall we?
Metadata (Because Google Loves that Stuff):
- Title: Escape to Perugia Belvilla Review: Accessibility, Spa, Dining & the Reality Check
- Keywords: Perugia, Belvilla, Italy, Accommodation, Review, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Internet, Cleanliness, Safety, Services, Amenities
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of a Belvilla property in Perugia. Explore accessibility, on-site dining, spa facilities, cleanliness, and other amenities. Find out if it lives up to the "dream" and get the lowdown on the good, the bad and the utterly bizarre.
- Meta Robots: index, follow
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and Not the Last)
Honestly, the accessibility situation was… patchy. They say wheelchair accessible, and technically, yeah, there was an elevator (thank the heavens!). However, navigating narrow corridors felt like solving a particularly annoying puzzle. The “facilities for disabled guests” were present, but maybe, maybe, they should've spent a little more time on making the whole experience actually easy. Anecdotally? I saw a couple struggle with a wheelchair through a particularly tight doorway, and it was a heart-in-your-throat moment. They managed, but it shouldn't be a struggle. This place needs a serious accessibility audit.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Wheelchair accessible: (Okay, let's just lump these together. Some were accessible, some weren't. The main restaurant had ramps but the outdoor terrace…well, good luck. It was a minefield of uneven paving stones, which is NOT conducive to a relaxing, wheelchair-friendly Aperol Spritz. The lounge? It was…fine, but not exactly a haven of inclusivity.)
Internet Access & All That Jazz (Or, The Eternal Wi-Fi Struggle)
“Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” the flyer had screamed. Yeah, well, "free" apparently meant “sporadically available and barely functional.” My partner, a dedicated digital nomad, spent half the trip swearing at the miserable connection. Internet access – LAN was an option for some rooms, apparently, but good luck figuring that out with the general lack of information. Internet services were…present, in the sense that they existed. Wi-Fi in public areas – the lobby mostly, which meant everyone was huddled together like digital lepers, trying to catch a signal. A small triumph!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Spa-tacular Expectations vs. Reality)
Okay, buckle up, because this is where it gets interesting. The Belvilla promised a spa experience. Pool with a view? Absolutely. It was stunning, I will give them that. The view of the Umbrian hills was breathtaking. The swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, when the weather cooperated. Spa/sauna, Spa, steamroom - this sounded amazing! Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath - YES, please! And the sauna was there, which was an absolute highlight after a long day of exploring Perugia. But, and there’s ALWAYS a but…The reality? The fitness center was more like a slightly dusty room filled with old equipment. The sauna, however, was a godsend. The staff were very nice!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
They tried. They really did. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], all the boxes were TICKED. It felt… sanitised, bordering on sterile. The whole experience had an air of "we're trying REALLY hard to make you feel safe" which, honestly, was a bit exhausting. But, no complaints on that front.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly)
The Restaurants were pretty good! A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant - Lots of choices, honestly! I loved the desserts in restaurant. The biggest surprise? The Happy Hour was a genuine happy hour, not a sad, watered-down version. The bottle of water was a welcome touch but really, the room service [24-hour] was worth its weight in gold. Midnight pizza? Don't mind if I do!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Matter)
Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, They offered a lot of services, let's be honest. Convenience store? Okay, that was handy for those late-night snack attacks. Concierge was helpful, although sometimes a bit… overstretched. Laundry service was a godsend after a week of exploring.
For the Kids (Or, Are We Family-Friendly?)
They touted themselves as family-friendly. Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service - These were present, in theory. The Kids meal options were a bit… predictable. But, hey, the presence of a Babysitting service definitely earned some points.
Access: (More of the same…)
The presence of CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, plus a Check-in/out [express], Exterior corridor, a Front desk [24-hour], a Non-smoking rooms, Security [24-hour] and Smoke alarms - all this was reassuring, in the way a lot of things were.
Available in All Rooms: (The Detailed Nitty-Gritty)
Get ready for the wall of text! Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
The rooms? Decent. Clean, functional, maybe a bit… sterile. The non-smoking was a plus, as was the air conditioning. The mini bar was a slightly sad selection but, hey, there was a refrigerator. Honestly, the blackout curtains were a total lifesaver.
My Verdict (aka The Rambling, Emotional Finale)
So, would I recommend this Belvilla in Perugia? That's the million-dollar question.
The Good: The location was good. The views? Stunning. The sauna? Heaven.
The Bad: The internet was a joke. Some accessibility issues. The “dream” wasn’t quite as polished as the brochure promised. And the constant sanitization felt a bit… suffocating at times.
The Ugly: Ok, maybe nothing was actually ugly. But the entire vibe felt like they were trying very hard.
It truly wasn’t perfect. It was a little bit rough around the edges, like a beautiful old building that desperately needed a modern touch. But despite all the flaws, I had a genuinely lovely time. I wouldn't necessarily rave about it, but it was a decent base of operations for exploring the gorgeous city of Perugia
Unwind in Luxury: 6-Person Spa Chalet in Stunning Belgian Bllingen!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is my Belvilla by OYO Calfattore Duca Federico Perugia adventure, warts and all. And let me tell you, there will be warts.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Sheer, Bloody Effort of It All!)
- Morning (or, Let's Be Honest, Mid-Morning): Arrive at Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Oh, the joy. The sheer thrill of customs. I swear, I aged ten years in that line. Finally, after a battle of wills with a particularly grumpy official, I got through (and swore I'd learn more Italian than "ciao" and "pizza" before the week was out).
- Afternoon: The train to Perugia. Now, Italians and trains. It's a love/hate relationship, isn't it? The scenery was gorgeous, mind you, rolling hills dotted with cypress trees. But the delayed departure? The questionable choice of music blaring from someone's phone? Let's just say I felt a tiny crack of stress forming in my perfectly curated travel facade.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Promised Land (Maybe?) Arrive at Calfattore Duca Federico. Finally. The photos online painted a picture of Tuscan perfection. The reality? Well, let's just say there was a slight discrepancy in the "spaciousness" of the apartment. And the Wi-Fi? Let's call it "intermittent." But the views! Oh, the views were genuinely breathtaking. A panoramic sweep of Perugia, the valley below, everything bathed in that golden Italian light. I stood there, leaning on the balcony, and for a moment, the stress just… melted. Bliss. (Until I realized I hadn't eaten anything all day and my stomach started growling like a grumpy bear).
- Evening: Found a tiny Trattoria nearby (thanks, Google Maps, you beautiful thing). Ordered pasta, probably carbonara. It was… good. Not earth-shattering, but good. And the feeling of finally sitting down, sipping local wine, watching the world go by? Priceless. Briefly considered learning Italian, but decided to stick with pointing and smiling.
Day 2: Lost in Translation (and Art, and Chocolate!)
- Morning: Attempted to visit the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Emphasis on attempted. Finding it was a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. Perugia is a labyrinth. Seriously. I walked in circles for a solid hour, getting increasingly frustrated. People looked at me with pity. Finally, I stumbled upon it… and promptly got lost inside the art gallery. But hey, the art was amazing! Giotto was pretty incredible and the Umbrian paintings, like something from a dream. Still, I think I saw more of the gallery's corridors than the actual paintings.
- Lunch: Found a cafe near the gallery. Ordered… something Italian. It tasted like Italian (that's all I know to say). The people at the cafe were super friendly and gave me a crash course in basic Italian, mostly involving hand motions and laughter. I think I ordered coffee four times.
- Afternoon: Chocolate Heaven (and a Near-Disaster). Perugina Chocolate Factory. This was the reason I came to Perugia. And it did not disappoint. I'm talking mountains of Baci (those chocolate hazelnut kisses) and enough chocolate to fuel a small nation. I stuffed myself silly. Then, disaster struck. I tried to buy way too much chocolate to bring home. The line was long, and I was already melting from the heat and the chocolate overload. I was nearly broke, but I wouldn't turn down the temptation of so much deliciousness.
- Evening: Attempted to find a "traditional" dinner. Ended up in a pizza place. Pizza is always perfect but, I was hoping for something more "authentic." Still, the pizza was good. The wine was questionable but, the company was with good and the view from the window was beautiful.
Day 3: Assisi & Reflections (and a Run-In with a Pigeon)
- Morning (still struggling with the time difference..): Took a day trip to Assisi. This beautiful city is perched on a hillside and the atmosphere is so… spiritual. The Basilica di San Francesco was incredible. I just stood there, mouth agape, soaking it all in. The history, the frescoes… stunning. The whole day was sort of mystical, but the heat was definitely testing how close I could get to spiritual bliss.
- Afternoon: More Assisi. Wandered around the town, getting hopelessly lost in the winding streets again. The light up there is just special. So so good. Did I mention I got pooped on by a pigeon? Right on my favorite shirt. A truly humbling experience, but also hilarious.
- Evening: Back in Perugia. Attempted (and failed) at making a proper Italian dinner in the apartment. Let's just say, the results were… rustic. Ordered takeaway from a place I stumbled upon and watched a show.
Day 4: Wine Tasting, and the Pursuit of the Perfect View (again).
- Morning: Found a wine tour. Went to a beautiful vineyard and finally got the full Italian immersion. I learned a little about the winemaking process, but mostly, I just drank wine. And it. Was. Glorious. The rolling hills, the sun, the laughter… pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Back in Perugia. Climbed another tower. This time, the Torre degli Sciri. The view was even better than the one from my balcony. Or maybe I was just more drunk on life (and wine).
- Evening: A small concert in the Piazza IV Novembre. Perfect final touch to the day, filled with history and culture, a real Italian vibe.
Day 5: Departure (with a Heart Full of Pasta and a Suitcase Full of Memories)
- Morning: One last, bleary-eyed stroll around Perugia. One last coffee. One last attempt to memorize the faces of the people I wanted to see again.
- Afternoon: The journey home. More trains, more airports, more customs. This time, I navigated them with a strange mix of weariness and happiness. I'd slept poorly. I'd got lost (several times). I'd nearly succumbed to chocolate overload. I'd been pooped on by a pigeon. But I'd also tasted incredible food. I'd seen breathtaking beauty. I'd laughed, a lot. I'd met some wonderful people.
- Evening: At home now (and writing this). I am exhausted, sunburnt, and slightly poorer. But already, I'm dreaming of my return. Italy, you magnificent mess.
In conclusion: The imperfections made it perfect. The logistical nightmares, the lost moments, the moments of pure joy. It all blended into an incredible experience. I shall be back. And next time, I'll definitely learn more Italian. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Durbuy Cottage Awaits!
Escape to Perugia: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits! ... Or Does It? Let's Figure *This* Out.
Okay, so, Perugia. Why Perugia? What's so special? (And is it *actually* special?)
Alright, alright, Perugia. The heart of Umbria, supposedly. Look, I'm not gonna lie, the photos? GORGEOUS. Rolling hills, medieval this, stunning that... it's all very "Eat, Pray, Love," but with less Julia Roberts (thank God, no offense, love her, just... overplayed?). But the *real* question is: does it live up? Well, from what I've gathered... it kind of does? It's a bit like a really, REALLY attractive person. You're initially captivated, maybe a little intimidated, but then you start to see the quirks. The wonky smile, the slightly off-kilter sense of humor... Perugia's like that. It's got history dripping from every cobblestone, yes. The views? Breath-taking. Seriously, bring asthma meds. You'll need 'em. But it's also got... potholes. And some truly *feral* traffic. And the occasional crumbling facade that makes you wonder if you're about to become an archaeologist's new exhibit. So, special? Undeniably. Perfect? Absolutely not. And that's part of the charm, dammit!
Belvilla? Never heard of it. Are these things legit? Like, not some sketchy timeshare scam in disguise?
Belvilla. Right. My initial thought? "Sounds suspiciously like a villain in a Bond film." My *second* thought, after finally crawling out of the generic booking site swamp? "Okay, maybe… maybe not a scam." Look, I did my due diligence. Checked the reviews. Cross-referenced them with actual *people* not just bots with suspiciously good English and repetitive phrasing. Mostly positive. Key word: mostly. There were, naturally, some horror stories. "Shower wouldn't drain," "Neighbors with a yapping chihuahua," "Ants. Everywhere. You think you’ve killed them all, and then… *more*." Charming. But, generally, Belvilla seems to be a legit player. They're basically a middleman. They connect you with the owners of these gorgeous villas in places like… Well, Perugia. So, yeah, legit? Probably. But always, *always* read the fine print. And maybe pack some ant spray, just in case. I'm always prepared, you know. Had a whole *thing* in Greece with killer mosquitoes... learned my lesson.
Okay, so I'm in. What kind of Belvilla villa *should* I be looking for? Pool? Views? A real kitchen? I need the inside scoop!
This is where things get *real*. Pool? Absolute necessity. Unless you like sweating more than you already will, navigating those Umbrian hills. Views? DUH! This is Italy! You're not going to stare at a brick wall. Unless that brick wall is *super* old and *super* charming in a crumbling-castle-kinda-way. Then, yeah. Appreciate the brick wall. The kitchen? Essential. Unless you plan on eating pasta… EVERY. SINGLE. MEAL. And, let’s be honest, you probably will. But having the option to *try* to make something *other* than pasta is nice. I mean, I tried making risotto once… let's just say my cat still won't look me in the eye. So, practical advice: Look for a place that's got: * A freaking pool. (Seriously.) * A view. (Preferably of something that isn’t a parking lot.) * A decent kitchen. (Even if you only use it to make coffee, or, you know, open wine.) * A washing machine. (Because you're going to hike, and you're going to sweat.) * Air conditioning. (Unless you *like* feeling like a wilted lettuce leaf.) * And… a good internet connection. (Gotta Instagram those views, right? And stalk my ex... just kidding... mostly.) Consider the accessibility too. Some are located literally *up* steep hills!
What about location? Do I need to be *in* Perugia? Or can I be in the Tuscan countryside eating cheese all day? (Please say I can eat cheese all day.)
Okay, cheese-lover, listen up. Ideally, you're in the *general vicinity* of Perugia. Within driving distance. Because the *real* magic of Umbria isn't just Perugia itself, but the little towns surrounding it. Assisi! Spello! Todi! Each one more ridiculously picturesque than the last. And the cheese? Oh. The cheese. You can (and should) eat cheese all day. It's practically a national sport. Try pecorino. Try it with honey. Try it with… well, anything that isn’t moving. The Tuscan countryside? Also a good bet. But remember, you need to *find* your place. Think about what you want from your vacation. If you want complete solitude and goats as your only neighbors? Rural countryside is for you. If you thrive on the buzz of a city and easy access to art and people-watching, base yourself a bit closer to the heart of Perugia. And the cheese. Always the cheese.
Driving in Italy! I heard it's… an experience. Should I rent a car? (I'm terrified of driving.)
Driving in Italy. Oh, boy. Picture this: narrow roads, hairpin turns, drivers who treat stop signs like suggestions, and scooters that appear from nowhere like caffeinated ninjas. It's… intense. Terrifying. exhilarating. But also… necessary. Unless you're planning on being confined to Perugia and immediate surrounds, you'll need a car. Public transport? Exists, but it's… well, it's not the most efficient way to explore the hidden gems of Umbria. My advice? Get a small car. A *very* small car. Something that can squeeze through those aforementioned hairpin turns. And get good insurance. And maybe… just maybe… practice your Italian hand gestures. You know, the ones that say, "I'm sorry! I didn't see you! Please don't kill me!" You'll use them. A lot. Take it easy. Breathe. And remember the phrase, "Piano, piano." Slowly, slowly. That’s Italy’s unofficial motto, really.
Food. Obviously, food is important. What kind of edible delights can I expect in Perugia and the surrounding areas? (And can I possibly come back without gaining 10 pounds?)
Food. Ah, yes. The single greatest reason to go to Italy. Forget the history, the art, the stunning scenery… the food is the *real* star. And Umbria doesn't disappoint. Expect pasta. LOTS and LOTS of pasta. Often with black truffles. Don't even *think* about turning down the truffleWhere To Stay Now
