Locanda Palazzone

Locanda Palazzone: A Serene Umbrian Retreat with Exceptional Charm

Locanda Palazzone in Orvieto, Italy, is widely lauded as an outstanding and magical property, offering guests a tranquil escape amidst Umbria's rolling vineyards. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently receives glowing reviews for its impeccable service, exquisite dining, and beautifully restored historic setting.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Locanda Palazzone is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently using words like "amazing," "fabulous," "magical," and "outstanding" to describe their experiences. It's seen as a truly special destination, providing a peaceful and sybaritic experience that many wish to return to.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Locanda Palazzone:

• Peaceful and Serene Atmosphere: The property offers an extremely peaceful environment, where the dominant sound is birdsong, especially by the pool.
• Exceptional Service and Hospitality: The friendly, informative, and accommodating staff, including the welcoming Dubini family (owners), are frequently highlighted as a major asset.
• Stunning Location and Views: Situated on a hilltop surrounded by its own 124 acres of vineyards, the locanda boasts panoramic 360-degree views of the Umbrian countryside and the dramatic cliff of Orvieto in the distance.
• Superb Food and Wine: The on-site restaurant and winery are significant draws, offering excellent local cuisine paired with Palazzone wines, considered among Umbria's best. Wine tours and tastings are also a highlight.
• Historic yet Modern Design: The 14th-century building, once a hostel for pilgrims, has been beautifully restored, blending austere ancient stone architecture with elegant, contemporary interiors.
• Beautiful Pool: The outdoor pool, set on a low-walled terrace overlooking the vineyards, is a beloved amenity.

3. Room Quality

Locanda Palazzone offers seven exclusive suites, described as comfortable, quaint, and elegantly designed. While retaining the building's historic charm with features like mullioned windows and stone columns, the interiors are contemporary with hardwood floors and simple, modern furnishings. Suites often feature king-size beds, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and high-quality bathroom products (e.g., Bulgari and Sa di Sapone). Many rooms boast garden, city, or vineyard views, and some even include balconies. The Cardinale Suite is particularly noted for its living room with vineyard-facing windows and a mezzanine bedroom/bathroom. Junior Suites often have a small living area. However, it's worth noting that the Family Apartment has been described as more basic and located at the back of the building without a significant view, compared to the other suites.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Locanda Palazzone is a major highlight. The restaurant serves a superb fixed menu of Umbrian specialties for dinner, expertly paired with the estate's own wines. Guests frequently describe the food as "superb" and "the best meal" they had during their trips. The breakfast, often included in the rate, is equally praised as "amazing" and "outstanding," featuring a delightful selection of fresh fruits, local cheeses, meats, homemade breads, cakes, and fresh juices. Dinner is served every evening except Monday, and guests are advised to confirm their dinner reservation 24 hours in advance, especially for arrival night.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Locanda Palazzone consistently receives rave reviews. Guests describe the staff as wonderfully welcoming, friendly, informative, accommodating, super helpful, and caring. The owners, the Dubini family, are highlighted for their welcoming nature and generosity with their time, contributing to a feeling of being welcomed into their home.

6. Location & Accessibility

Locanda Palazzone is ideally situated on a hilltop, surrounded by its expansive vineyards, just 7-15 minutes by car from the historic town of Orvieto. This offers a perfect balance of serene countryside retreat with easy access to Orvieto's attractions, including its famous cathedral. Free parking is available on-site. The closest train station is in Orvieto, approximately 5 km away, with connections to major cities like Rome and Florence. While Rome is about a 90-minute drive, and Perugia-Sant'Egidio Airport is about 45 minutes away, guests should be aware that the winding dirt track leading up to the hotel through the vineyard can be a bit rough for taxis.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary and are not consistently detailed across all reviews, the overall sentiment is that Locanda Palazzone offers excellent value for the experience it provides. Dinner, while acknowledged as being "quite expensive," is often deemed "worth it" due to its superb quality. Rates generally include a buffet breakfast. Some booking options might offer a free room upgrade (subject to availability) or a complimentary continental breakfast for two on the first morning. During summer months, there is typically a two-night minimum stay.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor issues have been noted by guests:

• Sound Carrying Between Rooms: Some guests have mentioned that sound can carry between rooms, particularly from people walking up and down stairs.
• Family Apartment Standard: Feedback suggests that the Family Apartment might be less elaborate and more basic compared to other suites, located at the back of the building with no real view.
• Dinner Cost: While largely considered worth it, the evening meal is noted as being on the expensive side.
• Occasional Dinner Cancellation: In at least one instance, dinner was canceled due to the chef being ill, requiring guests to find alternative dining arrangements in town.

Sources

1. i-escape.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. michelin.com
8. locandapalazzone.it
9. bedebreakfast.net
10. hotels.com
11. fodors.com
12. audleytravel.com