Hotel Castello di Monterone
One Michelin Key
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Expert Review: Hotel Castello di Monterone
A Royal Retreat in Umbria: A Comprehensive Review of Hotel Castello di Monterone
Perched atop a hill overlooking the enchanting city of Perugia, Hotel Castello di Monterone, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently captivates guests with its unique blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury. This 13th-century castle offers an "absolutely outstanding" and "magical" experience, providing a serene escape steeped in centuries of history.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their stay as "exceptional" and "wonderful". The hotel frequently garners top ratings for its unique atmosphere, stunning setting, and impeccable service, making it a highly recommended destination. Guests often express a desire to return, highlighting it as one of the best hotels they've ever stayed at.
Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the hotel's breathtaking location and meticulously maintained grounds as key highlights. The opportunity to "feel like a step back in time" within a 700-year-old building, tastefully restored with modern comforts, is a significant draw. The peaceful and relaxing ambiance, coupled with spectacular views of Perugia and the Umbrian countryside, creates an idyllic retreat. The attentive and friendly staff also receives widespread praise for their exemplary hospitality. Amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities (sauna, steam room, hot tub), and delightful gardens further enhance the guest experience.
Room Quality
The 18 rooms and suites at Castello di Monterone are described as "comfortable" and "immaculate," thoughtfully designed to blend ancient beauty with contemporary fixtures. Rooms feature stone walls, gorgeously restored dark wood doors, and carved furnishings, retaining the castle's historic character. Modern amenities include air conditioning, safes, complimentary bottled water, and free wireless internet. Bathrooms are fully modern, tiled with stone, and equipped with bidets, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms boast private outdoor tables and chairs with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Dining Experience
The hotel offers two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Il Postale. Guests generally rate the dining experiences as "excellent" and "wonderful". Dinner, particularly at Il Gradale (which also serves as the breakfast room), has been described as "exceptional and abundant," with guests advised to "arrive hungry". The complimentary breakfast is a highlight, featuring a "big spread of sweet and savory food, fruits and a bottle of prosecco", and is often lauded as "very good" and "decadent". However, some guests have noted that the decor of the restaurant and breakfast room felt "a little bland" and didn't quite match the historic charm of the rest of the property.
Service & Staff
The service at Hotel Castello di Monterone consistently receives high praise. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "incredibly friendly, helpful, attentive and very welcoming". Many describe the hospitality as "exemplary," contributing significantly to an overall memorable stay.
Location & Accessibility
The hotel's hilltop location provides a "magical castle hotel overlooking Perugia". It offers a peaceful and serene environment while still being conveniently located "just over 1 km from the old town" or approximately 3 kilometers from Perugia's city center. This makes it an excellent base for exploring Perugia and the surrounding Umbrian towns. However, guests advise that having a car is beneficial for accessibility. Some guests have also recommended using a manual map rather than solely relying on Google Maps to avoid navigating steep and narrow roads when approaching the property. Issues with the hotel being unable to call taxis for return trips to the city center have also been noted by some guests.
Value & Pricing
As a luxury hotel and a Michelin Key One-Keys property, Castello di Monterone is considered to offer excellent value for the unique experience it provides. The guide price typically ranges between $150 and $300 per night. Guests generally feel it is "worth the cost" due to the stunning property, historic ambiance, high level of service, and quality amenities.
Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring observations from guests include:
- The decor of the main restaurant and breakfast room occasionally being perceived as "bland" and not fully aligning with the castle's historic aesthetic.
- Some rooms, due to the castle's original architecture, can be smaller, with tiny windows potentially leading to darker interiors.
- There have been instances of noise being audible from adjoining rooms.
- For those without a car, accessibility can be a minor concern, with limited taxi availability from the hotel to the city center.
- Navigation systems like Google Maps might direct visitors through challenging, narrow roads; a manual map is recommended for better routes.
- Isolated reports of air conditioning not functioning properly have appeared in reviews.
- While generally child-friendly, some outdoor spaces may not be ideal for young children. The hotel previously had a strict no-pet policy, though some newer information suggests dogs may be allowed for a fee in specific rooms.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •For those without a car, accessibility can be a minor concern, with limited taxi availability from the hotel to the city center.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
