Umbria - Italy - page 220

Elegant Hilltop B&Bs near Spoleto
North of Spoleto, two excellent hilltop bed-and-breakfasts offer alterna-
tive options for your stay. Both B&Bs are close to the highway, but be sure
to call for directions, as they're hard to locate.

(Franzione Silvignano, 14; % 0743 -
270518; www.leloggedisivignano.it) is a meticulously restored and deco-
rated collection of houses in a tiny hilltop village. Rooms range from the
three-room Loggiato “honeymoon suite,” with raised bedroom behind a
medieval romance screen, to the Elia Room, built into an old dungeon of
the keep. Owners and co-hosts Alberto and Danielle are fluent English-
speakers, full of stories and local recommendations, and glad to share a
glass of wine with guests. By early 2007, they plan to have added a din-
ing room, swimming pool, and entertainment clubhouse to their ever-
expanding complex. Suites run from € 190 to € 250 a night.

5

Le Logge di Silvignano €€€€

5
(Localita Poreta; 0743 - 275810; www.seeumbria.com) has the better his-
torical setting, in a fortified keep and 15th-century church, with a high-
end restaurant on the premises, but basic rooms. In a crazy arrangement
typical of Italy, the province owns the site, the walls are owned by the
state of Italy, the olive groves are privately owned, and the Vatican still
has the deed to the church. The restaurant has been rated one of the top
50 in Italy, and has hosted the prime minister for lunch. Rooms are serv-
iceable, but nothing special, aside from the old priest's quarters, which are
decorated in a traditional style. Doubles run € 110 to € 115 a night.

That's the luxury rooming option. Nearby Il Castello di Poreta €€€

(Via del Duomo, 13; % 0743-222220; www.palazzo
dragoni.it) is my choice for best value in town. Most rooms have views over the
valley, and a great period feel with antique furniture and decor. The superior
rooms at € 145 are really superior, with canopy beds and super views, while the
standard rooms are still quite nice at

5

The Palazzo Dragoni

€€€

119. The breakfast room is an elegant nook
with arched windows and a view of the Duomo. As a special bonus the Dragoni
has free wireless Internet access in all rooms.

€

€€€ - €€€€ Worth a splurge just for its jaw-dropping views of the bridge
and the river gorge, the Hotel Gattapone

(Via del Ponte, 6; % 0743-223447;
[e-mail]) has sharp modern rooms with glossy wood floors, split levels,
and comfy beds. The older rooms still have good views but aren't quite as nicely
furnished. The hotel is on an isolated street south of town, but road traffic can be
annoying in some rooms. The older, standard, and inner-facing rooms cost

5

€

140

in summer, the superior rooms € 190.