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.

This property has all the appeal of actually staying in a medieval palace. In fact, there are tours through the public rooms, that number in the dozens, I believe. Starting with walking through the immense entrance, worthy of all noble persons, there comes a wine tasting cellar then a reception. My room had 18 foot ceilings w frescoes & floors were polished brick tiles. Bathroom was thoroughly modern w a very large walk in shower, so appreciated! The staff spoke fluent English and we're always kind and informative. Perfect location w 2 cafes plus popular pizza shop in a delightful small square the Rocca w a fountain. This is a totally special stay!

I was extremely tired when I arrived. It may have been why I couldn't understand what door was the front entrance. Or misunderstood the museum sign out front also included the hotel. It's such a surprise!

A truly unique experience — staying in a real palace! The interiors are absolutely stunning: magnificent ceilings, antique furniture, and a strong sense of history everywhere. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, and you can wander through the palace for hours just taking it all in. The staff are wonderful — incredibly kind, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. You can also taste local wines here and join a guided tour of the palace. There’s convenient parking nearby, and good breakfast spots just around the corner. It was an unforgettable stay — one of the highlights of our trip!

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).

The palazzo is from 16th century and just so beautifully restored. It was a priviledge to see the different rooms as most of the palazzo is a museum, the 14 rooms are situated all over the palazzo and our room had a terrace to the lake. Just beautiful! Thank You Laura and your kind husband for chatting with us and being so friendly! We will return!!! And Bolsena is a very nice little town!

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

One of the most unique hotels I have ever stayed in. As the other reviews mention it’s just like staying in a museum overnight. The hosts were helpful and the location is perfect, in the heart of town so you can walk to the lakefront, the castle, groceries, parking etc. I will 100% try to stay here again

The mattress is pretty hard but it’s a 1500s palace so

The most amazing place. Our room was large and comfortable, the bathroom was modern and the facility is a 500 year old palace. The rooms of the palace are amazing. Decorated with antiques and comfortable furniture. The location is right in the middle of town. An exceptional experience.

Nothing, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.