Arrival/Check-In: The five-star Brufani Palace is widely regarded as the finest hotel in Umbria, perched on Perugia’s scenic “balcony” with sweeping views of medieval rooftops and the rolling countryside. Arriving during the low season meant swift, attentive service: a couple of staff members who spoke excellent English handled paperwork, keys, a WiFi card and messages efficiently. I was escorted to my room and then left to settle in peacefully. (20/20)
Guest Quarters: My junior suite leaned fully into Old World elegance: rich reds and golds, dark wood furnishings, tapestry wallpaper, period lighting and a chandelier. The room felt atmospheric and refined. The bed was somewhat disappointing in thread count and comfort, though the soundproofing was impressive given the building’s historic structure. The bathroom, finished in green-gray marble, was spotless and functional, featuring strong water pressure and a hydro-massage bathtub. I initially missed in-room coffee facilities, but that was softened by a complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates on arrival. (13/15)
Services/Amenities: The Brufani Palace features a distinctive indoor pool with a glass floor revealing Etruscan ruins beneath—a striking architectural detail. The pool’s temperature was a bit cooler than preferred, and the Jacuzzi jets were excessively forceful, making the experience uncomfortable rather than relaxing. The small fitness area included a treadmill, a stationary bike and a limited set of free weights. Steam bath and sauna facilities were compact but adequate. The business center was minimal, consisting of a single, older computer, printer and fax in the basement with no staff attendant. On the positive side, hotel-wide WiFi was reliable (for a fee), and the on-site restaurant and bar offered attentive service and a carefully curated wine list. Notably, this is the only hotel in central Perugia with off-street parking, which is a significant convenience. (35/45)
The Experience: Aside from the disappointing pool and Jacuzzi, the Brufani Palace delivers an excellent overall experience. The hotel’s ambiance, décor and attention to detail create a memorable stay. Staff members were consistently helpful and proactive, often anticipating needs before I asked. The bartender crafted an outstanding mojito—arguably the best outside of Cuba. (19/20)
Total score: 87/100
HOTEL BRUFANI PALACE
Piazza Italia 12
06100 Perugia
tel 39 07 5573 2541, fax 39 07 5572 0210
http://www.brufanipalace.com