Dei Priori: Assisi's Most Stunning Boutique Hotel (Secret Garden Views!)
Dei Priori: Assisi's Secret Garden Oasis (Or My Obsession with a View!)
Alright, let's be real. I'm obsessed with good hotels. And Dei Priori in Assisi? It's not just good. It's… well, let me just say, I'm still dreaming about it weeks later. This isn't your cookie-cutter, chain hotel experience. This is pure, unadulterated Italian charm with a serious dash of "wow." And yes, those secret garden views lived up to the hype. More on that later, because, really, where do I even begin?
First Impressions: The Grand Entrance (And My Struggle with Baggage)
Okay, so getting to Dei Priori is… an adventure. Assisi is all winding cobblestone streets and steep hills. This is something of a challenge. Parking is available, blessedly, but you might need to hoof it a bit to get to the hotel entrance. (See: Car park on-site, Car park [free of charge] for the official details. My advice? Pack light!) But the moment you step inside… poof. All your travel woes melt away. The lobby is a symphony of rustic elegance, all exposed stone, polished wood, and the subtle fragrance of… something lovely. I’m useless with scents - but it was lovely! The staff were ridiculously welcoming (Concierge is your best friend here), and the whole place just oozes history.
Rooms & Views That'll Steal Your Soul
Now, about those secret garden views… I booked (haphazardly, as usual) a room with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. And… whoa. Truly. The view was breathtaking. I’d recommend opting for it because your life is enriched greatly if you do. (See: View. It's that important.) My room was impeccably clean (see: Cleanliness and safety), spacious, with a really comfortable bed (see: Extra-long bed for those of us who do some serious stretching), and all the amenities you could ask for. (See: Available in all rooms for an exhaustive list - it's all there!) The included mini bar was a nice touch (see: Mini bar, Free bottled water) after a sweaty day of exploring. I'm a sucker for a good bathtub, and the one in my room was divine (see: Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub). I actually took a bath. While in Italy. Mind blown. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver (see: Blackout curtains) – especially after a late night spent drinking local wine and laughing with my travel buddies. So many of the rooms have soundproofing (see: Soundproof rooms!), which also goes far to make the hotel a place of peace and respite - which is perfect after a hard day of sightseeing.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Personal Food Diary)
Food in Italy? Obviously, it's a highlight. Dei Priori doesn't disappoint. The breakfast buffet (see: Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet]) was a feast of deliciousness. Seriously. I went a little overboard on the pastries. Okay, a lot overboard. (See: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, which makes me happy.) The coffee was superb, and the staff were always incredibly attentive. (See: Coffee/tea in restaurant).
For lunch and dinner? The hotel's restaurant (see: Restaurants) offers a wonderful a la carte menu with local specialties. (See: Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant for those of us who dabble in such things). The outdoor terrace (see: Terrace) is a perfect spot for a romantic meal or pre-dinner drinks. The service was never lacking. I had a happy hour (see: Happy hour) some nights where I sat with friends.
And the Poolside bar (see: Poolside bar) is worth a mention – even if you, like me, spend most of your time staring at the view. This pool is a Pool with a view (see: Pool with view).
Relaxation & Wellness: Spa Days and Secret Gardens
Okay, so here’s where things get really good. Dei Priori has a Spa (see: Spa). The Sauna (see: Sauna), Steamroom (see: Steamroom), and massage (see: Massage) are absolute bliss. I’m usually a gym-avoider, but the fitness center (see: Fitness center, Gym/fitness) looked pretty good for those who still want to sweat it out. They even offered body scrubs and wraps (see: Body scrub, Body wrap) - I didn't try, but I was tempted!
One of the days, I decided to be a total cliché and got a massage. I didn't go to the gym.
Accessibility, Safety, and (Mostly) Smooth Sailing
Dei Priori is committed to taking care of its guests. (See: Hygiene certification, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, etc.). While not fully wheelchair accessible (see: Wheelchair accessible for details - there are elevators!), they do have facilities for disabled guests (see: Facilities for disabled guests), and the staff are incredibly helpful. They offer doctor/nurse on call (see: Doctor/nurse on call) if needed.
I felt incredibly safe and cared for throughout my stay. The CCTV in common areas and 24-hour security (see: CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Security/safety feature, Fire extinguisher) gave me peace of mind.
Niggles, Nitpicks, And a Few Honest Admissions
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. I did find that the room service, while available 24 hours (see: Room service [24-hour]), could sometimes take a little longer than expected. And I did find the wi-fi (see: Internet, Wi-Fi [free], Wi-Fi in public areas) occasionally a little… slow. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
And yes, I did go a little overboard on the pastries at breakfast. But I have no regrets.
The Verdict: Book It. Now.
Dei Priori is, without a doubt, one of the most magical hotels I've ever stayed in. From the stunning views and luxurious rooms to the impeccable service and delicious food, it's an experience you won't soon forget. It's the perfect base for exploring Assisi and the surrounding area, and it’s also a place where you can simply unwind and soak up the Italian atmosphere.
My Highly Biased Recommendation (aka, Book Now!)
I give Dei Priori a solid 9.5 out of 10. It's not perfect - but it's damn close. The Couple's room (see: Couple's room) is so great for a romantic getaway, I think it also works well as a spot for a solo traveler, which is what I was! I'm already planning my return trip.
Dei Priori: Assisi's Most Stunning Boutique Hotel (Secret Garden Views!) - Your Invitation to Escape
Ready to experience the magic?
Book your stay at Dei Priori now and receive:
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Start your stay with a taste of Italian hospitality.
- Guaranteed Garden View Upgrade: (Subject to availability! Book now!).
- Exclusive Discounts: Explore this beautiful boutique hotel at a special rate.
Don't just visit Assisi. Experience it. Book Dei Priori today!
Suripah Kostel Syariah Purwokerto: Your Perfect Halal Stay in Indonesia
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated travel blog – this is the real, messy, glorious truth of my trip to Dei Priori Boutique Hotel in Assisi. Expect me to wander off on tangents, get ridiculously excited about tiny things, and probably complain about my feet at least twice. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and the Almost-Lost Luggage Debacle (and My Love Affair With a Lemon Tart)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Florence airport, slightly disheveled. Honestly, the flight was fine, but I’m convinced my luggage has a vendetta against me. It ALWAYS takes a scenic route, apparently. Thankfully, it eventually arrived (thanks, airport gods!).
- 11:30 AM: Train to Assisi. The scenery is already breathtaking. Rolling hills, olive groves… I'm already feeling a sense of peace, which, let's be honest, is probably going to be shattered the second I step foot in a church. (I’m not exactly a religious person, sorry, but I appreciate a good painting!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Dei Priori. Oh. My. God. This place is stunning. It’s like stepping into a movie set. The reception area alone… I wanted to just curl up right there with the cat. (There may or may not have been a tiny cat. I’m still trying to confirm if it was real or just a figment of my over-excited imagination.)
- 1:30 PM: Check in, get to my room, unpack, and immediately collapse on the softest bed I've ever encountered. (It was heaven, genuinely.) But then… the hunger pangs. The immediate need for sustenance.
- 2:00 PM: The Quest for Lunch! Wandered into a tiny cafe just off the main piazza, desperate. Found the lemon tart. I am not even exaggerating when I say it was life-changing. The crust was all crumbly goodness, the filling had the perfect balance of tart and sweet. I’m pretty sure I devoured it in a single, slightly frantic sitting. I may or may not have considered ordering another one.
- 3:00 PM: Wander through the town, getting lost in the charming cobblestone streets. Attempted to take photos but every shot looked like something from a bad Instagram account. I'm blaming the cobblestones; they're distracting!
- 5:00 PM: Sunset views from a random viewpoint. Absolutely. Gorgeous. The colors were just… chefs kiss. I took about a million photos, but none of them do it justice. You just have to be there, people. It's mandatory.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I can't even remember the name of, but trust me, it was authentic and I may have (definitely) eaten too much pasta. The waiter was charming and insisted on speaking at least some of english, bless him.
- 9:00 PM: Back to Dei Priori. Bed. Bliss.
Day 2: Saints, Strolling, and the Search for Perfect Olive Oil (Plus an Existential Crisis)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Ah, the buffet. A glorious spread of fresh fruits, pastries (another cornetto!), and coffee. I overdid the coffee, naturally.
- 10:00 AM: Basilica of Saint Francis. Okay, here's where I admit I actually felt a bit moved. The frescoes are incredible. The scale of it all is astounding. I have a major "is this what life is actually about" existential moment, of course. I think I even felt a little teary-eyed. (Don’t tell anyone.)
- 12:00 PM: Wander around the town, more aimless walking, and more attempts at buying souvenirs. The locals are very patient with my terrible Italian. I learned the word "bellissimo" and used it approximately 500 times.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch: Panini purchased from a small grocery store. Simple, satisfying, and cheap. This is the life. After that, I sat down in a piazza just staring at the people. It was incredibly relaxing.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Olive Oil Hunt. I'm on a mission to find the perfect olive oil to bring home. I tasted at least five different types. Okay, maybe six. I am a complete olive oil snob now and will probably bore my friends with my newfound knowledge.
- 5:00 PM: Back to Dei Priori for some downtime but I found time for some more lounging. I needed to catch up on some rest.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. (This was a splurge, I admit.) The food? Divine. The wine? Even better. I met another couple from across the world and had a lovely chat about our travel experiences.
- 9:00 PM: More bed. My feet are killing me. Seriously, I need to invest in better walking shoes. Note to self: buy new walking shoes.
Day 3: Farewell and a Promise to Return (and Maybe Learn Italian)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Sigh. I want to stay forever.
- 10:00 AM: Final stroll through the town, one last chance to soak it all in. I vowed to return and at least attempt to learn some Italian before the next visit.
- 11:00 AM: Checkout. Hugs and goodbyes to the lovely staff at Dei Priori. They were so welcoming.
- 12:00 PM: Train to Florence. I'm already missing Assisi.
- 1:00 PM: I’m back in Florence. From now, on I’ll be staying at a hotel there.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring Florence. More sights, more gelato because you can’t come to Italy and not eat gelato every day.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in Florence. Delicious, and I'm suddenly realizing that all this amazing food is probably going to make me gain a pound, or ten.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Reflecting in all that I've accomplished the past few days.
Final Thoughts:
Assisi, you stole my heart. Dei Priori, you were perfect. I'll be back. And next time, I’m bringing better shoes. And maybe a phrasebook. And definitely more room in my suitcase for olive oil. Ciao!
Bangkok's Secret Magenta Oasis: Thonglor Ekamai Love Nest!
Okay, spill it...is Dei Priori REALLY as dreamy as the Instagram photos make it look?
Ugh, fine. The *truth*. Yes. And no. Mostly yes. Okay, the courtyard? *More* beautiful than the photos, somehow. The secret garden? Forget about it. It’s like stumbling into a Renaissance painting...or, you know, a really well-curated Instagram feed brought to life. The trick is, you gotta be prepared to share that beauty with a dozen other people simultaneously taking selfies. I personally, prefer to get there early, before the hoards swarm. Got there *once* at first light, sun streaming through the grapevines…almost brought a tear to my eye. Then, of course, some influencer appeared with like, five assistants...but, before they got too far, I was able to capture a few moments before she could ruin it.
What kind of rooms should I book? And what are their advantages?
Alright, so room selection requires some serious strategizing, my friend. First, let's ditch this "advantage" talk, alright? Luxury comes at a price, and the higher the room, the heavier your wallet gets. I’m a sucker for anything with a garden view, obviously. The ones that open onto the courtyard – WORTH IT for the atmosphere. But, be warned: You can't be too shy. You'll be hearing everyone's morning coffee talks. I stayed in a "classic" room once – perfectly fine, clean, all that. But the next morning I walked right into the premium rooms that opened up to an amazing terrace and, oh man, the space! I was too poor to stay, but I got to look, and it was *glorious.* Seriously, consider that terrace. Just...consider the cost. Breathe.
What's the deal with breakfast? Is it worth waking up for?
Breakfast? Oh, *yes*. Absolutely. The *pain* of having to peel myself from that plush bed...but then you arrive downstairs and are greeted by a spread of local cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and pastries that will, quite literally, make you believe in miracles. The coffee is STRONG, which is good because you'll need it after being up far too late in Assisi the night before. And look, it’s all *very* civilized. But sometimes, I find myself craving, like, a giant, messy American breakfast. So I had to remember I'm in Italy and just embrace it. It’s worth setting an alarm for, even if you’re the type who usually defaults to sleeping until noon on vacation. Trust me on this one.
Is there a restaurant on-site? If so, what’s the food like?
Sort of. It's less a restaurant and more a dining room, but the food is the *best* Italian you could ask for. They're all about authentic, regional dishes, prepared with what tastes like *magical* ingredients. I had the pasta carbonara one night and, seriously, it was a religious experience. The service can be a *little* slow when it’s busy. Okay, *very* slow. You're on Italian time, baby! But honestly, with that view of the courtyard, who cares? Just order an extra glass of wine and enjoy the ambiance. I ordered a bottle of wine, and they forgot about me for about an hour, but in the end, I got a nice chat with the chef!
What else is there to do at the hotel besides, you know, existing in beauty?
Well, you *could* just exist in beauty all day. I highly recommend it. Read a book in the garden, sip coffee on your terrace, stare at the ancient walls...it's a whole vibe. But if you're the kind of person who *needs* to be doing things, there are walking tours you can sign up for. The front desk can help you with that. Or, here's a pro tip: just wander. Assisi is small, so you won't get *too* lost. And you can always, ALWAYS come back to the hotel and recharge with, well, more beauty.
Is Dei Priori a kid-friendly hotel?
Hmm... this is where things get a little complicated. Dei Priori leans towards the "romantic escape" vibe, which means, in my (very opinionated) opinion, it's not *ideally* suited for small children. The vibe is quiet. There's a lot of delicate furniture you would be stressing about. Tiny, breakable things everywhere! If you’ve got well-behaved kids who appreciate art and beauty, maybe. But, if you’re traveling with toddlers who might run amok in the courtyard or shout during breakfast, maybe look for a place with a pool and a playground. Just saying…I'd be cranky if someone's kids were ruining my serenity. And I'm not usually cranky, I swear!
What about the staff? Are they helpful, or are they the snooty kind?
Okay, this is crucial. The staff at Dei Priori are…mostly lovely. You'll encounter varying levels of helpfulness, like anywhere. Some are absolutely angels, going above and beyond to make your stay magical. Others are…well, busy. But even the busiest ones are polite and professional. Here’s my advice: Be nice. Be patient. They’ll bend over backward to help you if you treat them well. And try to learn a few basic Italian phrases. It'll go a long way! And the cleaning staff? Superb. My room was always spotless. They even left little chocolates on my pillow. Seriously, those chocolates were a highlight of my day, every day!
Anything else I need to know? Any hidden gems or insider tips?
Oh, yes, *so* many. First of all: book in advance. Seriously. This place is popular. Secondly: Bring comfortable shoes. Assisi is hilly, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. Third: Explore the back streets. Get lost. That's where you'll find the true magic. Also, try the local gelato. You will *not* regret it. And, my most important tip? Take a deep breath. Let go of your worries. Dei Priori is a place to slow down, to appreciate beauty, and to soak up the Italian spirit. Embrace it. And for goodness' sake, take lots of photos. Just try not to let the influencers ruin it for everyone. *eye roll*.
