Just off the highway between Rome and Florence, Orvieto is relegated to a day trip by many, but our Gurus believe its pleasures deserve a bit more time, so have come up with some recommendations for the best places to stay in Orvieto to try to entice you. Orvieto has a broader range of accommodation options than many local towns too, including a wine resort, two spa resorts and a collection of hotels, as well as the usual B&Bs and villa and palazzo conversions.

Orvieto sits spectacularly, but slightly inconveniently, at the top of a steep volcanic hillside — but that was what the Etruscans hoped for when they designed an impregnable town! The location is a huge challenge for developers, and Orvieto’s historic centre has changed painstakingly slowly over the years, so many of the best places to stay in Orvieto are outside the historic walls. But out Gurus do have a couple of Orvieto hotels within the walls on their list. The upside of Orvieto’s slow change is that it’s unspoilt, unchanged, and that some of the best hotels in Orvieto have been converted from incredibly beautiful, historic buildings.

In addition to the art, architecture and scenery, you really shouldn’t miss out on the cuisine, and our Gurus recommend almost all the hotels on their list of the best places to stay in Orvieto to foodies.

The best places to stay in Orvieto

For The Views

• The Locanda Palazzone has all the charms you'd hope to find in a gorgeously rustic Umbrian country villa: excellent food served in five course set banquets, paired with exceptional local wines, stylish surrounds, and a beautiful pool and terrace. But it also has incredible views if you like patchwork hills and stunning light. Great for foodies, this is also a good choice for families, because, believe it or not they serve a special menu tailored to your kids and what they enjoy. And some of their suites are family-sized. Bliss for all!

For an Indulgent escape

• Idyllically located in the hills above Orvieto, the Altarocca Wine Resort is a purpose built wine resort with an indulgent onsite spa and excellent restaurant. The menu is all about local cuisine, and of course, local wines.
• Borgo La Chiaracia is a five star spa resort about ten kilometres from Orvieto, and close to the Lago di Bolsena. Designed to pamper, the sleek, state-of-the-art spa has beautiful pools — indoor and outdoor — plus hot tubs, a sauna and a number of elegant treatment rooms. The restaurant is headed by a chef who has earnt his stripes in Michelin-starred kitchens and the wine cellar is extremely impressive too. There are just 26 rooms and suites, spread between three traditional buildings, and surrounded by lush, serene grounds.

For a Rural Retreat

• Built by hand, this medieval monastery has its latest incarnation as a 14 room retreat called Eremito Hotelito del Alma. Remote-feeling, and on its own 7000 acre estate, but only about ten kilometres north of Orvieto, this is a proper retreat, with rooms converted from the monks’ cells, stone walls, and only the essential comforts — like hand embroidered sheets. There’s an excellent Vegetarian set menu and a spa with a heated pool and steam room — hewn directly from the stone of the mountain — where you can relax with the calming music of Gregorian chants.

For Families

• Misia Country Resort & Spa is in the quiet village of Rocca Ripesena, which is about two kilometres from the historic centre of Oriveto, surrounded by rural views. It has just 12 rooms and self-contained apartments, all of them bright and decorated with contemporary furnishings. One of the apartments has a games room as well as living space, so it’s an extra good pick for families. There’s no restaurant, but they offer breakfast.

For Great Value

• The Ripa Medici Rooms and Suites is a charming townhouse B&B magically positioned overlooking the walls of Orvieto, so the views of the surrounding countryside are incredible. This is a small property, with three double rooms and a couple of suites with kitchenettes, all of them decorated in a rustic, homely style, with a pastel palette and a smattering of florals. Romantic, cosy and in town.

For an apartment or villa

• If you've decided that you'd prefer to book a villa or apartment, we recommend you visit our online booking partner, Booking.com, where you'll find a wide range from budget to boutique.

Travel information

• The best way to get to Orvieto are from the airports of Rome or Perugia, roughly an hour and a half away from the city centre.
• Alternatively, Orvieto's train station is on a main route that travels from Rome to Milan and passes through major cities including Florence, Arezzo and Bologna. If you arrive by rail there's a little funicular railway which runs right into the Piazza Cahen, which makes for an easy and spectacular way of entering the town for the first time.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Best time to visit: Although Orvieto displays a variety of attractions throughout the year, the best times to visit are during the pleasant summer months when temperatures range between 20 to 28° C, or right after the winter (February to March) to enjoy the Gothic architecture and welcome the spring flowers.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Umbria
• Consider some of Umbria’s other historic hilltop towns: what about the best places to stay in Assisi or Todi?
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.