Review of Hotel Vannucci, by Kamin Mohammadi

Built in 1887 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, this elegant villa is now a charming boutique hotel offering fantastic value. Rising out of a lovely landscaped garden, the boutique hotel overlooks the Umbrian countryside.

Ornate iron gates separate the hotel from the road which leads into the medieval stone Umbrian town of Città della Pieve. Inside, the hotel combines traditional Umbrian décor and artefacts with contemporary touches, the colours are muted and the whole impression is one of order and serenity.

Public rooms are filled with books and information about local artists and events and the staff so out of their way make guests feel welcome, making one feel immediately at home.

The facilities

There is a fully-fitted fitness room complete with sauna and Jacuzzi and outside, the walled garden harbours the swimming pool. The hotels' cosy bar, Trillio, is a popular meeting place, tables and chairs spill out onto the lawn in fine weather.

The rooms

The thirty bedrooms are recently restored and carefully furnished, each different but each decorated with hand-crafted Umbrian furniture and opulent fabrics. Some open out to a private balcony and have views over the courtyard on one side, or the garden on the other. All rooms have high-speed internet and air-con as well as the usual facilities. Cots can be arranged - the hotel is very child-friendly.