Once an important Etruscan settlement, Perugia has long been overshadowed by rambunctious Rome and fairytale-like Florence. But don’t be fooled by its underwhelming reputation, this is a city that combines medieval ruins and renaissance frescoes with one of the largest student populations in Italy, so it knows a thing or two about how to party. Add to this some of Europe’s most prestigious events, including the Umbria Jazz Festival and the annual EuroChocolate event, and it’s hard to see why more people don’t visit.
The hill-top city of Perugia is the capital of Umbria, the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ (Photo: Charlie Llewellin via Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0)
Given that Perugia is off the tourist trail, accommodation is considerably cheaper than the more coiffured towns in neighbouring Tuscany. There are hotels to meet every need too, from laid-back hostels to rural farmhouses. With so many to choose from, we’ve selected five of our favourite hostels and affordable hotels, based on style, service and location.
Hotel Umbria
A pretty terrace overlooking the medieval centre (Photo: Hotel Umbria)
Right in the heart of the historic centre and just a short walk from the Corso Vannucci, Peruggia’s commercial artery, Hotel Umbria is a great affordable base for exploring the medieval city. Unfussy bedrooms are clean and spacious, featuring a television, free WiFi and an electric fan. Guests can choose from 1,2,3 and 4-bed rooms, some with enchanting views of the city’s rooftops. It’s the terrace that really stands out though; peeling pastel-pink paint and stonework arches are covered in trailing vines, and there are spectacular views over the old town. Rates include a continental breakfast of freshly baked pastries, cold cuts and juice. Rooms from $57 per night
Book at HostelBookers.com
Little Italy Boutique Hostel
The only hostel in Perugia, Little Italy Boutique Hostel is just a five-minute walk from the Etruscan Arch. It was once a 12th-century church, but today it expertly fuses historical features such as the original vaults and frescoes, with contemporary touches, like underfloor heating and automated check-in. There 4 and 8-bed dorms to choose from, all with private bathrooms, as well as one private double which was once a private chapel. Rates include breakfast, as well as complimentary snacks, tea and coffee throughout the day. For those keen to explore the Umbrian hills, guests can rent bikes and Vespas too. From $42 per bed per night
Book at Booking.com
Hotel Sant’Ercalano
Rooftop views from a double room at Hotel S. Ercolano (Photo: Hotel S. Ercolano)
The quaint, quiet Hotel Sant Ercolano is tucked away on the Via del Bovaro, a five-minute walk from the medieval centre. From the outside, the former 17th-century villa is the archetypal Umbrian getaway; all whimsical Etruscan charm with elegant pink-hued stone and an artfully crumbling courtyard. Inside, rooms are simply — but tastefully — decorated, some with a private balcony with views out to Assisi. Rates include a continental breakfast, and there is an option to pay for half-board with dinner offered at a range of local restaurants. It’s a good option if you’re travelling by car too, with free roadside parking close by. Rooms from $60 per night
Book at Booking.com
Il Sognatore
Backed by dense Umbrian oak trees, this enchanting hotel offers family-friendly accommodation with easy access to the medieval city centre. Each of the bedrooms is themed, including a Hollywood suite which includes a wall-sized television – perfect for chillier evenings. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and hammocks to kick back and relax after a day of pounding Peruggia’s cobbled streets, and little ones will love the children’s playground. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and fridge, and rates include a continental breakfast. Rooms from $65 per night
Book at Booking.com
Villa Osperellonne
The historic Villa Osperellone formerly belonged to the Marquis Andrea Scini (Photo: Vila Osperellone)
Set in a five-acre park just five miles south of the historic centre of Perugia, Villa Osperellone was once a 16th-Century monastery. Today, it’s a small family-run hotel, offering three light-filled bedrooms overlooking the garden’s Cypress trees. When the sun is out, grab one of the tables outside or make use of the barbeque for dinner alfresco. For days where you don’t feel like sightseeing, visitors can book a cooking class or arrange a tour of the local area with Elena, the host, for a small fee. Rates include a generous breakfast buffet of Umbrian delicacies or an option to order a la carte. Rooms from $60 per night
Book at Booking.com