During our 12 trips to Italy, we have stayed at many restored Italian palazzo hotels - Palazzo Magnani Feroni, Palazzo Tucci, Palazzo Dragoni, Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, Palazzo Stern, Palazzo Paruta, Residenza del Moro - just to name a few that came to mind. But none of the suites that we have stayed in those Palazzos have frescoes like the one we stayed at the Bosone Palace, room 214, its simply BELLA & BELLISSIMO!

Though there are two such Renaissance suites here, the room 212's entrance is via a small and twisted spiral staircase, near the reception area. Whereas room 214 could be reached by a normal lift. Our room 214 has only one frescoed ceiling while 212 has 2. Both should be having the same view - the Hotel's ristorante, back street and a commanding view of Gubbio.

Before making this second Umbrian trip, I had already know that Gubbio would be the highlight of the 10 days trip, and sure it was! Luckily, we had opted to spend two nights here, which is just about right for Gubbio has many sights and shopping to keep you occupied for 3 full days! So much so that I have given up a 4 hour tour of Urbino, preferring to stay put in Gubbio.

We had arrived in Gubbio early by taxi transfer from Spello (80 euros). Room was not ready till noon so off we go, sightseeing and shopping! Upon our return, we were practically awestruck by the great beauty of the suite, the ceiling frescoes, the moldings above the door and surrounding the unique fire place; extra separated sitting room with sofa bed (not frescoed) and a walkway between the two rooms for some form of privacy, hence the suite 214 is good for families.

Bathroom was small though, toiletries provided were also quite poor, imagine no body lotion, shampoo and bath the same solution; small TV but with Sky TV so there are many English channels, insufficient lighting in suite due to its sheer size; and flat pillows, an Italian thingy.

The above small glitches, however, did not affect our wonderful stay at this bella palazzo. Location was superb, as you are steps from Piazza Grande, and you are on the main thoroughfare of Gubbio, Via XX Settembre, where there are lots of shops selling ceramics and pottery, handicrafts and so on - you are simply spoilt for choice!

Staff were all helpful and friendly, even help to book our next taxi transfer to Todi (130 euros). Breakfasts was served next to the Bar area, also another frescoed area, simply stunning and beautiful! But the choice offered here is below par, not of the 4 star standard I expect - no bacon and scrambled eggs, cheap cakes, but surprise - freshly squeezed Blood Orange Juice!!!

Well, for the price that I have paid, at a mere 190 euros in October, I am certainly not complaining - imagine such a suite would have costs me 500 euros in Florence and probably 800-1,000 euros in Rome. And believe me, I have paid that kind of price in Florence but the frescoes here are indeed better!

Lastly, we had two good meals at the same owner Taverna del Lupo, which is just 3-4 minutes away from the Hotel Bosone Palace. Set menus start from 16.50 to 29.50, quality truffle meals from about 40 euros I think.
Yummy, all the way! As hotel guests, they would also offer a 10% discount if you order from their ala-carte, but, no discounts for set menus.

If we are ever back to Gubbio, you would know which suite I would be staying ... a hotel snob has finally find her permanent place in Gubbio.