I was just looking for a simple room to stay overnight so we did not have to rush around on a day trip from Rome, but I stumbled upon this gem and we ended up spending a night in a palace instead! This place is absolutely stunning! If you love paintings, old maps, frescos, books, history and architecture, this is the place to stay when you are in Bolsena, an ancient Etruscan town near Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. It will take too long to describe this magnificent palazzo (please see some photos I took instead), but it felt like staying in a palace, a library, an art gallery and a museum - all combined! We stayed in two double rooms connected by a private corridor, tastefully decorated and tucked away on the third floor of the enormous building. Apart from the 16 guest rooms there are many theme rooms (ie China Room), halls, dining rooms, and even a private chapel where past popes celebrated masses. Guests can even rent an audio guide while walking around the palazzo, if they want to delve deeply into the history of the palazzo and the family who owns it.

DISCLAIMER: This does not apply to us but I'm writing this for the benefits of other travellers. Because the palazzo was originally built in 16th century, it is understandable that accessibility and universal design concept were not part of the plan. If you are on wheelchair or have difficulties walking, then this place may not be ideal for you. I may be wrong but I did not notice any ramp or lift within the building.

Gorgeous antique hotel. This is very much a property for history buffs. Expect to be transported back a few hundred years in time. I found the hotel to be gorgeous, although you do need to be very careful, at all times, not to damage anything. The bathroom was quite modern. And probably the greatest surprise for us was the breakfast. Located next to the hotel, in a small cafe, we had an absolutely wonderful full Italian breakfast for a very modest price.

To preserve the property, there are a lot of rules, and sometimes this felt a bit too much (like don't roll one's suitcases).

This was a fun stay because of the unique historical building and period decor. It was very spacious and a very good bathroom. Breakfast was pretty good. There was no air conditioning, but a fan was provided. We were there in September and did not need the AC, so we were very comfortable. We could walk to restaurants. There is also a wine tasting room there, and that was a great experience.

Could have been better directions to drive in and park, parking was very close to the hotel. We walked around for a bit looking for it because the signage was hard to see. In fact, my husband said - let's ask where to go in that museum over there, and it turned out to be the hotel! So none of these problems were more than a minor thing.

Most unusual property: a centuries-old palazzo which is apparently also a museum. Guests are free to wander around the rooms which are not private bedrooms. Our room at least had an incredible ceiling and more character than surely any other ‘hotel’ room. The breakfast in the neighbouring bar was good.

Our room was cold because of a particularly cold April day, but the member of staff put the heating on for us. Also the bath was missing a plug and my partner said her shower was only intermittently hot. Check-in and check-out times are ‘strict’.

Very central location, easy to find. We received such a warm welcome and the history of the building itself was so interesting. The room was clean and comfortable and had all you could need for a shot stay. The information received before our stay was very useful, especially about where to park and how to find the hotel. Staff very friendly and helpful

Nothing. But wouldn’t be suitable for someone who cannot manage stairs Has plugs at the bedside, but found most plugs were too small for European plugs I.e Spanish

Our room was on the top floor of this gorgeous 500+ year-old building that has been in the same family for centuries. The room was extremely spacious and an added bonus was the rooftop terrace off the room that had spectacular views of the town and the lake beyond. A full breakfast was served in one of the palatial rooms on the lower floor. The husband-and-wife team was extremely gracious and helpful (especially with the luggage).

Parking for the hotel was a bit removed, which meant wheeling luggage for a few minutes.

Very authentic and stately property. Wild be a great place for a relaxing long weekend and to sit in the many parlours in the afternoons to write postcards. We were only there one night so could not take advantage of it all but the room was nice and even had a small courtyard.

Given that it is an historic structure and well-preserved, guests should anticipate some aspects of staying in an older structure in original condition.

Beautiful rooms with history to match. Comfortable with everything you need without detracting from the history of the building. Great location and offer a good breakfast next door. Comfortable beds and very quiet rooms even when there was an event held under the room.

Not a dislike - but be aware that this is a museum and you cannot eat/drink in rooms and there may be events within the building.

A beautiful 16th century Palazzo in the heart of Bolsena with easy walking distance to the lake and Bolsena attractions. Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated with very comfortable bed and super hot shower. Breakfast was in the palazzo’s breakfast room - with plenty of choices. Laura recommended two excellent local restaurants , Gianni was incredibly kind and helpful after confusion with our taxi booking to Ostuni, and got us there on time. can’t thank him enough . Would absolutely stay at VesConte Palazzo again 🤩 Enjoyed our stay in Bolsena

nothing - everything great

It is the most amazing historical building. It was like nothing I've seen in accommodation. Had such style and granduer. It was lovely to wander the halls of the accommodation and imagine you lived there in the 1500's. We just loved it. It's inside the old city walls surrounded by a plethora of restaurants and places to just sit and contemplate.

Nothing