Unbelievable Belvilla Deal in Assisi: Oyo San Martino Awaits!
Unbelievable Belvilla Deal in Assisi: Oyo San Martino Awaits! - A Frankly Honest Review (and Oh Boy, Did I Need This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little olive oil, because, Italy!), on my recent stay at the Oyo San Martino in Assisi, Italy. This wasn't just a vacation; it was a desperately needed escape. I’d snagged an "unbelievable Belvilla deal" – which, let’s be honest, always makes you a LITTLE suspicious, right? But hey, Assisi! St. Francis! Umbria! Sign me up! And let me tell you, it was… well, it was something.
Accessibility (The Good, The Bad, and the Staircase of Doom)
First things first: Accessibility. This is where things got a little… Italian. The website claimed "facilities for disabled guests", which, let's just say, Italian "facilities" often mean "a vague attempt." The elevator? Praise the Lord, there was one, but it felt suspiciously like a tiny, renovated bread basket. Getting to my room (more on that later) was a bit of a trek, with some… strategic maneuvering around what felt like cobblestone Tetris. And the exterior? Looked pretty but if I was in a wheelchair… hmmm. I suspect it would be more of a pilgrimage of epic proportions. So: Mix of good and "well, it's Italy…".
The Room: My Tiny, Fortress of Solitude (Maybe Fortress of Slightly Damp Solitude?)
Right, the room. "Available in all rooms": Air conditioning, alarm clock, air conditioner, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor internet access - LAN, internet access - wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
My room was… compact. Think "cozy" mixed with "couldn't swing a cat without hitting a wall." On the plus side, the air conditioning blessed me, because, let’s be honest, Italian summers are no joke. The WiFi [free]? THANK YOU, sweet Jesus! (Because, as a travel blogger, access to the internet is my literal lifeblood.) The bed was comfortable, although I’m pretty sure it was bolted to the floor; I could NOT move it even a smidge. The bathroom was…efficient. Let's just leave it at that. The view from my window was…okay. More "courtyard" than "rolling hills."
Now, a confession: I am a mess. I like to spread out. My suitcase exploded. Clothes everywhere. It’s how I travel. So, this tiny room was initially a problem for my inner domestic goddess. But eventually, I made the room mine. I got used to it. Plus, the entire room was actually pretty well equipped.
Breakfast: A Buffet of… Intrigue
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast. Ah, the breakfast! This could have been where things improved, but… The buffet was fine. There was a lot of bread. And cheese. So. Much. Cheese. They even had some Asian-inspired things, and I can't help but think they were a little… confused? The coffee? Not the best, not the worst. The staff was very eager to please, so I can't really complain. I usually grabbed a few things and took them back to my room (in an attempt to stop my suitcase explosion from taking over the breakfast area too).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Pasta, Pizza, and Questionable Poolside Cocktails
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, let's tackle the food situation. The hotel boasts a restaurant and a poolside bar. I didn’t have high expectations, and I was pretty right. The only thing that was great was the coffee shop! Anyway, the food was not bad but not fantastic. The poolside bar was…interesting. Let's just say the cocktails were a vivid shade of something or other, and I'm pretty sure they used a powdered mix. But hey, when in Assisi, right? I did find a delightful little pasta place a short walk from the hotel (off-site, but necessary).
Relaxation & Things to Do: Spa Day Dream or… Just a Dream?
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
So, the spa situation. This was supposed to be the highlight, the thing that made the "unbelievable" deal actually unbelievable. And… it disappointed me. Okay, the pool was lovely, and yes, it did have a view. But the "spa" felt…underwhelming. The sauna and steam room were a bit cramped. The massage was…okay. I think I would skip this entirely next time. The gym? I looked in. Ran away.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, But Still…
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Okay, in the post-pandemic world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. And, thank God, the Oyo San Martino tried. They had all the usual suspects: hand sanitiser everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocols, etc. The rooms were sanitized between stays. However, there was the occasional whiff of something that could have been… bleach? But I'm not complaining!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and Bummer
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver. Seriously. They kept my explosion of a room somewhat under control, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Luggage storage was super helpful, too. Concierge was friendly, though not always the most knowledgeable. The cash withdrawal option on-site was helpful!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, Maybe Too Family-Friendly?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
I think I saw a kid, or two, I guess. The hotel is definitely family-friendly. Which is great if you have kids. If you don’t? Be prepared for some… noise. Earplugs are your friend.
Getting Around: Parking, Praying, and Perilous Paths
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Car park [free]! PRAISE BE! Because parking in Assisi is a nightmare. The airport transfer was a definite plus, that's for sure.
The Verdict: Worth It? Maybe. With Caveats.
So, the Oyo San Martino in Assisi? An "unbelievable Belvilla deal"? Well… it was a deal. It wasn't perfect. It had its quirks, its flaws, and its moments
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Farmhouse in Namur, Belgium!
Okay, deep breaths. Belvilla by Oyo San Martino Assisi Italy. Right, let's get this trip… planned is a strong word. Let's call it "hoped for." Here's my attempt at a chaotic, emotional, and utterly unreliable itinerary, fueled by copious amounts of caffeine and the romantic ideal of a Tuscan sunset:
The "Assisi, or Bust (Mostly Bust)" Adventure: A Very Personal Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL! (Or, the Great Luggage Labyrinth)
- Morning (Approximately 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Expect utter chaos. Last time, I swore I saw a pigeon trying to steal someone's pasta. This airport is a beast. The goal: navigate to the train station. The reality: probably wandering aimlessly for an hour, accidentally buying a ridiculously overpriced bottle of water, and mentally composing a strongly worded email to myself for not learning more Italian.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Train from Rome to Assisi. Pray for a seat. Pray harder that the train doesn't get delayed. I have severe train-related anxiety. Picture this: me, frantically Googling "Italian train delayed is it my fault?" at every stop. Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. (Specifically, those little individually wrapped biscotti. Obsessed.)
- (An hour and a half in) Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The grand arrival in Assisi! Okay, maybe "grand" is an exaggeration. More like "slightly breathless and clutching my handbag like a lifeline." Locate the Belvilla by Oyo. Assuming I can find it, which is a battle in itself, I'll need to find the reception.
- Expectation: Sun-drenched terrace, breathtaking views, smiling receptionist handing me the key.
- Reality: Sweaty, jet-lagged, hauling luggage up a ridiculous hill, muttering under my breath, and possibly needing Google Translate to communicate. I might even take a wrong turn and get lost… again.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Unpack (sort of). Admire the view (if there is one). Attempt to figure out how the stove works (almost guaranteed failure).
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wander around Assisi. Get delightfully lost. Visit the Basilica di San Francesco (at least attempt to!). The Basilica is beautiful, the kind of place you can just sit and feel… something profound, even if that "something" is just the crushing weight of existential dread. Regardless, I'll try to find a quiet corner; I'm not sure I'll be able to navigate the crowd inside, though.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner! And this is where it gets truly, wonderfully messy. Finding a restaurant that's both charming and doesn't require a second mortgage is my quest. Pasta is mandatory. Wine is absolutely necessary. Expect a whole lot of awkward pointing at menus and possibly accidentally ordering something utterly bizarre. I will probably overeat. Regret it immediately. But then, probably order dessert anyway.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Attempt to stay awake long enough to watch the sunset. Fail. Crash. Dream of pasta, basilicas, and ridiculously expensive bottled water.
Day 2: Basilica Bound and the Accidental Art Adventure
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Refuel with coffee and biscotti (if I haven't eaten them all). Seriously, obsessed. Head back to Basilica. This time, with a clear mission: soak it all in. The colors! The history! The sheer grandeur of the thing.
- Imperfection: Might accidentally drop my phone and shatter its screen. Or worse, accidentally take a selfie… with a halo.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Find a trattoria. Try to avoid the tourist traps. Challenge: Acceptable. Ask the waiter for what's good. Ask for extra garlic. Probably order too much.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Accidental Art Adventure. I'll stumble upon a hidden alley. A little art gallery. Maybe. Probably. The goal is to find a local gallery, somewhere off the beaten track, filled with art I don't understand. Maybe I'll be inspired. Maybe I'll just look confused.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Seriously, I'm going to find somewhere to buy local wine. The taste of history, the feel of the earth, whatever it may be. After all, this is Italy.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner round 2. This time, I'm going to explore. A new restaurant. A new menu. I'll try to order in Italian .And I should at least learn a common phrase or two.
- Quirky Observation: The Italian waiters are just… different. They're passionate, flamboyant. I love it.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Stargazing! From a terrace (hopefully). If I can stay awake. If the moon is out. If I'm not utterly defeated by the day.
Day 3: The San Damiano Revelation and the Goodbye (Maybe Not Goodbye)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The pilgrimage to San Damiano. The place where St. Francis heard God's call. Expect to be deeply moved. Or maybe just mildly intrigued. Either way, it's a must-see. I'll take a moment to just… breathe. Think. Maybe I’ll pray. (Okay, probably not pray, but at least think about praying.)
- Emotional Reaction: Whether or not I experience a religious epiphany, I promise myself that I'll appreciate the beauty of it all.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. I have a feeling I'll want something light, after all that contemplation.
- Rambling thought: This might be a good time for a gelato.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Souvenir shopping. Panic-buying. Regret. I am notorious for this. I'll get overwhelmed by the options, buy something completely impractical, then question my life choices. (A ceramic donkey? A tiny gondola? A beret? Who knows!)
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Final walk around Assisi. Savor the last moments. Take pictures of everything. Take pictures of nothing. Just be.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner! This time, I'm going to try to cook something myself (within the extremely limited capabilities of the Belvilla kitchen). Expect a culinary disaster. Expect smoke alarms. Expect a lot of laughing.
- Opinionated Language: Even if it's a disaster, I will enjoy it. Because I deserve it!
- Stream of Consciousness: What if I don't want to leave? What if I just stayed here forever? Would I learn Italian? Would I become a pasta expert? Hmm…
- Departure: Okay, so technically the departure is supposed to be on Day 4, but honestly, I will probably be in denial until the very last minute. This means: frantically packing, frantically searching for my passport, a strong cup of coffee, and a promise to myself that I will definitely come back. Probably next year. Maybe even sooner.
Okay, there. That's my "plan." And that's a very, very human view of the real kind of trip. Wish me luck. And send biscotti.
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona!
So, this "Unbelievable Belvilla Deal" – is it *actually* unbelievable? Spill the beans!
Unbelievable? Heh. Well, let's just say my expectations were… elevated. I'd seen the pictures. The rolling hills of Umbria bathed in golden light. The impossibly perfect stone facade of the Oyo San Martino. I was picturing myself, espresso in hand, gazing out over vineyards. Reality… well, it's rarely Instagram-worthy, isn't it?
The *deal* part? Yeah, it was pretty good. Compared to some other options, it actually *was* a steal. But remember, deals are like those 'bargain' clothes: you still need to check the stitching. Or in this case, the Wi-Fi. More on that later… (cue ominous music).
Oyo San Martino... What's the vibe? Give me the lowdown, quick!
Okay, picture this: rustic charm meets... slightly faded glory. It *is* gorgeous, in that classic Italian way. Think weathered stone walls, terracotta tiles, maybe a courtyard groaning under the weight of a thousand years of history. But there's also a hint of, shall we say, "lived-in" character. Like, Grandma's attic, packed full of memories (and maybe a few cobwebs).
The location? Assisi itself! Pinch-me-I'm-dreaming! You're practically walking distance from the Basilica of Saint Francis. The views? Spectacular. Especially at sunset, when the light paints the town gold. Just… prepare for hills. My calves haven't forgiven me.
**Anecdote alert!** One evening, after a particularly grueling trek up the hill (carrying groceries, of course – Italian supermarkets NEVER have enough bags!), I collapsed in the courtyard. A local, bless his heart, saw my flailing attempts to put my backpack down and offered me a seat and a tiny glass of something (which I think was Grappa but I honestly didn't care). This experience was quintessential - a beautiful place, a little bit of a challenge, and some incredible locals.
Okay, but like, the *practical* stuff? Wi-Fi? Parking? Coffee?
Ah, yes. The *real* questions. Buckle up, because here's where the romance meets the reality.
* **Wi-Fi:** Let's just say, it's… temperamental. Think of it as a mischievous Italian cat – sometimes present, sometimes completely MIA. I'm not kidding. I spent a decent chunk of my trip in a cafe down the road, mainlining espresso and leeching off their connection. Bring a book! (Or prepare to embrace the digital detox, if you're into that sort of masochism).
* **Parking:** This one is a nightmare. Prepare for a Hunger Games-esque free-for-all for parking spaces. Narrow streets, tiny spaces, and the unwavering confidence of Italian drivers. I spent more time circling looking for a spot than I care to admit.
* **Coffee:** Phew. The good news! The coffee in Italy is *divine*. Seriously, even the instant stuff is better than what I get at home. There are plenty of cafes nearby, offering up espressos, cappuccinos, and all sorts of caffeinated goodness. Thank. God.
* **Kitchens:** If you're planning on cooking, check the amenities descriptions carefully. I'm not saying there's a 100% of all the things you need, but be prepared to adapt and embrace your inner improvisational chef.
I'm being dramatic, but the Wi-Fi seriously tested my patience, to the point that my partner and I almost had a full-blown argument about streaming. Don't get me wrong; the location makes it worth every single technological hiccup.
What should I expect from cleanliness and maintenance?
Alright, here's where we get *real*. Cleanliness can be… variable. It depends on the exact apartment you get, really. Some are spotless, some have a sort of… "lived-in" feel. I'd recommend reading reviews *thoroughly* and paying attention to any comments about the cleanliness of the specific unit you're considering.
Maintenance? Well, it's an old building. Expect the occasional quirk. A leaky faucet, a slightly dodgy electrical outlet, a door that sticks. Nothing that’ll ruin your trip, but don't expect pristine perfection. Part of the charm, right? (I tell myself that to stop my inner neat freak from screaming).
Any Quirky Observations? Give me the dirt! The *real* dirt!
Okay, here's the stuff you *won't* find in the glossy brochures:
* **The Cats:** Assisi has a *lot* of cats. Like, a *lot* a lot. They're everywhere. Sunning themselves on walls, slinking through alleyways, giving you the stink eye from the rooftops. They're adorable. And they shed. A lot.
* **The Cobblestones:** Prepare for your ankles to hate you. The cobblestone streets are beautiful, but they're also incredibly uneven. Wear comfortable shoes. Trust me.
* **The Gelato:** This requires its own special category in my mind. It's ridiculously good. And available on every corner. Be warned: you will gain weight. You will not care. I had *at least* two scoops a day.
* **The Laundry:** The washing machines seemed to be some sort of ancient technology that I could not figure out even with the help of Google translate. Embrace the local launderette, or learn to wear your clothes inside out.
* **The Silence:** The sheer QUIET. Especially at night. Coming from a city used to sirens and road traffic... it's a blessing. It's a gift. It's also a little unnerving at first.
Would I recommend this place? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend the Oyo San Martino in Assisi?
The truth? *Yes*, with caveats.
If you're looking for a luxury resort with perfect Wi-Fi and flawless amenities, then *no*, this isn't for you. Look elsewhere.
But… if you're looking for an authentic Italian experience, a charming location, a chance to soak up the history and beauty of Assisi, and you're willing to embrace a little bit of "character," then *absolutely, yes*. It's a bargain, it's beautiful, and it's an experience. Just… bring a portable hotspot and a sense of humor. And maybe some earplugs for the cats.
One last thing, while gettingHotels With Kitchen Near Me
