From the moment we walked through the ancient, stone arch I knew we had found somewhere special to stay while exploring Umbria. The Relais Ducale Hotel is a lovingly restored, heritage listed building overlooking the medieval town of Gubbio.
My son and I stayed at the Relais Ducale for four nights arriving on the 8th of December, the eve of the ‘Tree Lighting’ festival. We had no idea of the extent and magnitude of this festival and simply expected a beautiful Christmas tree in a park. As the sky washed with fireworks and the whole side of the mountainous backdrop to Gubbio lit up with lights in the shape of a Christmas tree we were left at a total loss for words - stunning.
The entire town was alive with festive lights, bells and a wonderful Christmas energy. We felt quite privileged to be able to experience this incredible event and the Relais Ducale the perfect place to experience it from. It is located high up overlooking the entire town and directly across from the Piazza Grande and bell tower.
The initial room we were shown was very small, with a window that looked directly on to a brick wall. Tip 1: If you are unhappy with a room don’t hesitate to tell them. We found that the staff really goes out of their way to ensure that you are happy. We were placed for our first night in a wonderful ‘attic’ room on the fifth floor. This room had two bathrooms, large ‘lounge area’ as well as the most amazing view over all the roof tops. For our remaining three nights we upgraded to the ‘Suite Federico da Montefeltro’. This suite is on the fourth floor and has its own private balcony overlooking the whole town, surrounding area and the hotel’s third floor garden.
We found the rooms beautifully decorated with tasteful attention to detail. The bathroom was fitted with a spa bath and quality accessories, the study area had a massage chair and the balcony a wrought iron table and chairs. The beds were large (for twin share single beds).
Breakfast is provided down stairs in the hotels café/bar. It is extensive. The staff are very attentive and try hard to make the start to your day enjoyable. Tip 2: If there is anything you want that isn’t there don’t hesitate to ask.
The reception staff is a great source of information regarding the attractions in the area. They were helpful providing literature, books and tips on where to go, route planning and places to eat. Tip 3: We found an amazing wine bar called ‘La Madia di Giuseppe’. It’s not far from the hotel entrance and has an extensive range of wines from all over Italy, a good, reasonably priced menu and a chic, understated friendly atmosphere.
The hotel has a lovely bar down stairs which is available to the hotel residence for drinks. Light snacks are provided free of charge.
Parking is approximately 500meters away from the hotel in a public car park. You can drive up to the hotel to drop your luggage quickly and then go and park your car. This gave us the opportunity to walk through the town on a daily basis, exploring new areas, streets and shops. The drawback is that you do need to find a parking spot and pay for parking, which is over and above the room rate. Tip 4: Take the public elevator up and down. It helps you avoid a lot of steps.
We loved our stay at the Relais Ducale, even the bells, which reminded us of the time on a very regular basis, added to the atmosphere of this medieval town. The authentic renovations of the hotel gave a rich feeling of history and wrapped us in comfort.

The Relais Ducale Hotel is truly a five star hotel. We only spent one night since there was not much to do in Gubbio and we were on our way to Orvieto, but that one night was great! The room was fabulous and we enjoyed a bottle of wine and cheese on the upper balcony with a wonderful view of the Tuscan valley. They had a very good breakfast and the clerk suggested an excellent restaurant, Ristorante Bosone Garden.

Enter into a beautiful herb garden, explore a tunnel in the hotel, and relax in the garden on the 3rd floor. It was a wonderful retreat after 5 days of hiking in Umbria. The room was wonderful with a great view, service was fantastic, and I hated to leave. Ask for a room with a view and if you can get something on the 3rd floor, there will be lovely garden outside your door, almost.

At first sight the hotel frontage seems bland and formal, with the entrance being through the bar. But once you are inside you find a wealth of unique features. The hotel's origins are in a medieval fortress built into the hillside. Go upstairs to the reception and you find it leads onto a pretty enclosed garden. To the rear is a more exotic part of the hotel, with its own secret passage, on the third floor of which is another pretty garden, with terrific views. Our room on the fourth floor looked out over the town and the sunny valley to the appenine hills beyond. Our room was well appointed and comfortable, though wardrobe space was limited. Very good service from the English- speaking staff. A bell rings in the town square, so bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.