Malvarina Assisi: Italy's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Malvarina Assisi: Italy's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! (and Why I'm Still Dreaming of That View)
Okay, so you're thinking about Assisi, right? You've seen the pictures. Saint Francis, the Basilica, the rolling hills… It's all gorgeous, postcard-perfect. But let me tell you, finding a truly special place to stay in Assisi is a whole other adventure. And that's where Malvarina comes in. Forget the generic hotels, this place… this place gets it. This review is gonna be long, because frankly, I have a LOT to say. And I'm not holding back.
First Impressions (and the Struggle Bus to Accessibility)
Let's be real, getting to Assisi is half the battle. The roads are… well, they’re Italian roads. And Malvarina, being a bit tucked away, requires a bit of a drive and a good sense of direction (or a very patient GPS). Accessibility? This is Italy, so let’s be realistic. While the hotel claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, I'm not entirely sure how extensive they are. I didn't personally need them, but I'd recommend very specific questions if you have mobility concerns. The Elevator is a godsend, though! And the views from the public areas… oh, the views. I'm talking panoramic, breathtaking, "I could stay here forever" views. That alone almost makes up for any potential accessibility hiccups. (More on the views later. Trust me.)
The Rooms: Cozy, Charming, and (Almost) Perfect
My room? Absolutely charming. Think classic Italian elegance, with a touch of modern comfort. It had Air conditioning (essential in the summer!), a comfy Bed with Extra long bed option, and a Private bathroom that was spotless. The Bathrobes and Slippers were a nice touch, and the Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were lifesavers for those early morning starts. I had a Window that opens (a must for fresh air!), and the Blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in (if you can resist the sunrise!). I also had Free bottled water – which is always a plus in the Italian heat.
There were a few minor things. The Internet access – wireless (aka Wi-Fi [free]) was a little spotty at times, but honestly, I was there to escape the internet. Plus, they do offer Internet access – LAN if you really need to be connected. And the Satellite/cable channels were a bit limited, but who needs TV when you have Assisi outside your window? (Although, some On-demand movies would have been nice for a rainy afternoon…) I can see that Room sanitization opt-out available but this is a place where you will really feel safe, so you will probably like it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the pandemic). Malvarina takes Cleanliness and safety seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use, and the Daily disinfection in common areas gave me peace of mind. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked and trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. The Rooms sanitized between stays made me feel super safe. They also have a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit, which is always reassuring. The Cashless payment service was convenient, and the Safe dining setup felt very well-organized. I felt completely safe and secure during my entire stay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Heaven (and Maybe a Little Overeating)
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Seriously, the food at Malvarina is worth the trip alone. Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses, cured meats, and fruit. They even had Asian breakfast options! The Breakfast in room option is also available, if you're feeling lazy (I was, sometimes!). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong and delicious. I had the A la carte in restaurant a few times, and the International cuisine in restaurant was excellent. I tried the Vegetarian restaurant one night, and it was a real treat. I also loved the Soup in restaurant.
The Poolside bar was a perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo. The Happy hour was a great deal, and the cocktails were expertly made. I may or may not have spent a little too much time there, soaking up the sun and the atmosphere. (Don't judge me.) I even enjoyed a Bottle of water from the Snack bar.
The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a couple of nights when I was too tired to go out. And let's not forget the Desserts in restaurant! I'm still dreaming of that tiramisu… They have a Western breakfast option too, but honestly, embrace the Italian vibes! There's also a Western cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Why That Pool is Pure Magic)
Okay, let's talk about the Pool with view. This is where Malvarina really shines. Seriously, picture this: Infinity pool, crystal-clear water, panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside stretching out before you. It's pure bliss. I spent hours just floating around, gazing at the scenery, and feeling utterly relaxed. They also have a Sauna and a Spa/sauna. I didn't try the Spa, but I heard great things. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap treatments.
For the more active traveler, there's a Fitness center (I didn't go, but hey, it's there!). You can also go for a walk around the hotel, because there is a lot of green area.
Services and Conveniences: Covering All the Bases
Malvarina offers a wide range of Services and conveniences. They have Air conditioning in public area, Concierge services, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. The Front desk [24-hour] is incredibly helpful and friendly. They can arrange Airport transfer, Taxi service, and even Car park [free of charge] (which is a huge bonus in Assisi!). They also have a Gift/souvenir shop if you need to pick up some last-minute presents. They also offer Cash withdrawal.
For the Kids:
While I didn't travel with kids, Malvarina seems pretty Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which is a plus.
The Emotional Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Look, I could go on and on about the specific features, the Internet, the Laundry service, the Meeting/banquet facilities (they do have those, if you're into that sort of thing). But the truth is, Malvarina is more than just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a place where you can truly relax, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Assisi. It's a place where you can feel pampered, cared for, and utterly at peace.
The Imperfection: That One Tiny Little Thing…
Okay, I have to be honest. There was one slightly annoying thing. The Car park [on-site] was sometimes a bit crowded, and finding a spot could be a minor challenge. But honestly? That's such a tiny, insignificant detail in the grand scheme of things.
My (Unsolicited) Advice:
- Book early! This place is popular, and for good reason.
- Embrace the views. Seriously, spend time just looking at them. It's good for the soul.
- Try the tiramisu. Trust me.
- Don't be afraid to get a little lost. Assisi is a maze, and that's part of the charm.
- Just go. You won't regret it.
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My Honest Recommendation (and a Special Offer for YOU!)
Malvarina Assisi is a truly special place. It’s a place where you can connect with the beauty of Assisi and create memories that will last a lifetime. And I’m not just saying
Unbelievable Kuching Find! Vivacity Mall Jazz Suite 0907 Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Malvarina, Italy, and this isn't your Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal. Prepare for some serious pasta-induced euphoria, questionable decisions fueled by cheap wine, and the occasional existential crisis triggered by a particularly beautiful sunset. Let's get messy.
Malvarina: A Hot Mess of a Holiday (Or, My Love Affair with Assisi, and My Stomach)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pasta Pursuit (Plus, a near-miss with a scooter)
- Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Okay, here's the thing. I hate flying. The recycled air, the cramped seats, the sheer existential dread of being hurtled through the sky… Ugh. Anyway, survived that. Train to Assisi (a very pretty train ride, I'll give it that). Found a seat by the window and spent the whole time drooling over the Umbrian countryside. Seriously, it's like a Renaissance painting, only real.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Check into the absolutely charming (and slightly wonky) Hotel Umbra. The owner, a tiny woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a voice like gravel, basically adopted me on the spot. She kept calling me "bella," which, even though I probably look like a slightly sunburnt potato, made me feel like a movie star.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch! This is where things get serious. Found a trattoria called "La Taverna dei Priori." Ordered the pasta alla Norcina (sausage, cream, truffle – basically heaven on a plate). Ate so much I almost cried. Seriously. I think I saw the face of God in that pasta. Then, attempted to find the gelato shop. Got lost, almost got run over by a scooter (those things are lethal!), and ended up in a tiny piazza where I saw a beautiful fountain that I had to take a picture of, but then I realized it would probably look better in person.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Wandered around the streets. Assisi is stunning. The pink stone buildings, the winding alleys, the way the light hits everything… It's overwhelming. I felt a sudden, intense urge to buy a beret and pretend I was a famous artist. Resisted. Mostly.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Basilica di San Francesco. Okay, this place is…wow. I'm not even particularly religious, but the frescoes are jaw-dropping. You can feel the history, the artistry, the sheer human effort that went into creating this masterpiece. Sat there, feeling small and insignificant, and just soaked it all in.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant called "Ristorante Medioevo." Ordered the tagliatelle al ragù. Another pasta-induced nirvana. And a glass of local red wine. Or maybe two. Or three. The wine was cheap, the food was divine, and the conversation with the waitress (who spoke about as much English as I do Italian, which is to say, very little) was hilarious. We somehow managed to communicate our mutual love of pasta, and the world felt right.
Day 2: Saints, Sunsets, and the Search for the Perfect Espresso (And, More Pasta)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Okay, so, the espresso machine in my hotel room is a disaster. More like, "a machine that pretends to make coffee, but mostly just spits out lukewarm disappointment." The quest for the perfect espresso begins! Wandered the streets, searching for a real Italian coffee experience. Found a tiny bar, and the barista, a guy with a handlebar mustache and a permanent air of smugness, made me the most incredible espresso I've ever tasted. He looked at me and I swear he knew the joy I felt.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Basilica di Santa Chiara. This one’s less ostentatious than the Basilica di San Francesco, but still profoundly beautiful. The quiet, the light streaming through the windows… It was a moment of peace. I sat there, thinking about how to be a better person, or at least, a person who doesn't judge people who take too many pictures of their pasta.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Walked along the Rocca Maggiore, the medieval fortress. The views are breathtaking. You can see the whole valley, the rolling hills, the vineyards… I felt like I was on top of the world. Took approximately 500 photos.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at "Trattoria Pallotta." Ordered the pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragu). Seriously. I think I'm developing a pasta addiction. It's a problem. But a delicious problem. And the restaurant had a cat that looked like it was judging me. I think I understood it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): More wandering. More absorbing. More feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Found a tiny artisan shop and bought a hand-painted ceramic plate that I’ll probably break the second I get home.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Climbed the hill to the Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage where St. Francis used to retreat. It's a quiet, peaceful place. I sat in a small courtyard and tried to meditate. Failed miserably. My mind was racing with thoughts of… pasta.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset from the Piazza del Comune. This. This is why I came. The sky was a riot of color, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the whole town glowed. It was pure magic. I wanted to cry. I wanted to laugh. I wanted to eat pasta.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at "Osteria Piazzetta dell'Erba." Ordered gnocchi al pesto. I think I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to replicate this dish. It's a quest.
- Evening (9:00 PM): More Wine. I'm starting to feel a little tipsy. I decided to try and learn Italian. I think I now know how to say "I love pasta" and "Where is the bathroom?". Tomorrow, I'm going to order every pasta dish I can find.
Day 3: The Great Pasta Finale (And, a Moment of Reflection)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Another failed attempt at the hotel espresso. This time I just gave up and went back to the smug barista for my morning fix.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Visited the Museo e Foro Romano. I’m not usually a museum person, but this was actually fascinating. Learned about the Roman history of Assisi. It’s amazing to think about all the people who have walked these streets before me.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): The GREAT PASTA FINALE! Went back to La Taverna dei Priori and ordered the pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans). This one was the best of all the pastas.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Wandered the streets, soaking up the last of the Assisi magic. I was sad to leave, but also… full. Physically, emotionally, spiritually (maybe).
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Train back to Rome. The countryside looked even more beautiful this time, maybe because I was starting to feel a little homesick.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Arrive in Rome.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner in Rome. I was too full for pasta. I ordered pizza.
My Verdict:
Assisi, you were amazing. You were beautiful, chaotic, delicious, and everything I didn't know I needed. I ate far too much pasta. I almost got run over by a scooter. I had moments of profound beauty and moments of pure, unadulterated silliness. And I wouldn't trade any of it. I have a feeling I'll be back, and next time, I'm bringing a bigger appetite and a stronger resolve to learn some actual Italian. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally master the art of the perfect espresso. Or, you know, just stick to the pasta.
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secret of Villa Uma Sepi, Bali
So, Malvarina Assisi... What *IS* it, exactly? Because "hidden gem" is thrown around a LOT.
Okay, so picture Assisi, right? The iconic, postcard-perfect Assisi, all medieval charm and Saint Francis vibes. Now, imagine… less of that. Kinda. Malvarina is, well, it’s a tiny little village, practically *attached* to Assisi but feels worlds away. It’s where the real locals live. Less tourists, more… well, life. Laundry hanging from windows, kids kicking a soccer ball in the piazza, the smell of someone's Nonna's cooking wafting through the air. It's Assisi, but *rawer*, you know? Less polished, more… real. It's like stumbling upon a secret handshake between you and Italy.
Is it *really* worth the hype? Is it actually "hidden"? Because I've seen a few Instagram posts...
Ugh, Instagram. Don't get me started. Yeah, some influencers have sniffed it out, but it's still pretty darn hidden. I mean, compared to the main Assisi drag, it's practically invisible. And worth the hype? Absolutely. Listen, I was skeptical. I'm a jaded traveler. I've seen a million "hidden gems." But Malvarina… it got me. There's a certain *something* in the air. Maybe it's the lack of hordes. Maybe it's the way the sun hits the stone buildings. I don't know. But I’m still trying to figure out how to get back there. Seriously, planning a trip as we speak!
Okay, sold. How do I *get* to Malvarina? Is it a secret handshake kind of thing?
Not *quite* a secret handshake, thankfully. But it's not immediately obvious. You'll probably arrive in Assisi, which is easy – train, bus, whatever. Then, you're going to need to walk. And walk. And *walk uphill*. Seriously, bring good shoes. It's a bit of a hike, especially if you're carrying luggage (I made *that* mistake). Follow signs for something vaguely like "Via Malvarina" or "Porta Perugina." Ask a local! Italians are generally super friendly. Just be prepared for a bit of a climb. My lungs screamed, but the views were worth it. The views from the top? *Chef's kiss.*
What's there to *do* in Malvarina? Because "wander around" sounds lovely, but...
Okay, so this is where it gets interesting. There aren't any big attractions. No Colosseum, no leaning towers. It's all about the *vibe*. Wander. Get lost. Chat with the locals (learn some basic Italian phrases, seriously, it helps). Eat. Oh, the food! I had a pasta dish there that… I still dream about. It was simple, just perfectly cooked pasta, fresh tomatoes, and basil. Heaven. There's a little *pizzeria*... I think? Or was it a *trattoria*? Ugh, memory is a fickle friend. Anyway, find it. Eat there. You won't regret it. Also, a church. You'll find it. It's beautiful in its simplicity. And just… breathe. It's a place to *be*, not to *do*.
Where can I stay? Is there even accommodation, or am I sleeping in a ditch? (Kidding... mostly.)
Okay, ditch-sleeping is probably not an option. (Unless you're *really* committed to the "authentic" experience, I guess. But don't.) There are a few B&Bs. I stayed in one. Charming doesn't even begin to describe it. The owner? A lovely woman who plied me with coffee and pastries every morning. It felt like staying in someone's actual home, not a sterile hotel room. Google is your friend here, but book in advance. This isn't the kind of place where you can just waltz in and expect a room to magically appear. I almost had to *sleep in the piazza*. That was a *moment* of stress I never want to repeat.
Is it good for kids? Because my little gremlins...
Honestly? Depends. If your kids are the type who need constant stimulation and flashing lights, probably not. Malvarina is about slowing down. But if they appreciate a slower pace, fresh air, and the simple joy of running around a piazza, then yes! It's safe, it's beautiful, and there's plenty of space to explore. Just… prepare for the uphill climb. And maybe bribe them with gelato. Gelato solves everything, right?
What's the best time to visit?
Shoulder season! Spring or fall. The weather's perfect. The crowds are manageable. And the light… oh, the light! It’s like everything is filtered through a sepia-toned Instagram filter, but like, *real*. Summer can be scorching and packed with tourists. Winter is… well, winter. Though, I bet it's magical with a dusting of snow. But I’m not brave enough to test that theory yet. I'm a sunshine kinda gal.
Okay, you mentioned food. Tell me *everything* about the food. Specifically, that pasta...
Right. The pasta. Okay, so it was a tiny little place, maybe a family-run *trattoria*, I think. It was tucked away down a little alleyway. I'd walked past it a few times before I actually went in. I was nervous, you know? I'm terrible at ordering in Italian. But I was starving. And the aroma… Oh, the aroma! It was intoxicating. I mumbled something about "pasta," the waiter (who was probably the owner's son) smiled kindly, and brought me this plate of pure, unadulterated *bliss*. The pasta was *al dente*, the sauce was fresh, the tomatoes were bursting with flavor. It was the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and moan with pleasure. I swear, I almost licked the plate clean. I wanted to ask for the recipe, but I didn't want to be *that* tourist. I still dream about that pasta. I'm going to learn Italian just so I can go back and eat it again. Seriously. It was *that* good. It's the *reason* I'm planning a return trip. Forget the churches, forget the views, the pasta is the real star of Malvarina. Seriously. Go. Eat the pasta. Thank me later.
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be aware of?
Well, it's not exactly the easiest place to get to. The walkWeb Hotel Search Site
