The best view of this magnificent hilltop city, is from the south-west, where stands this wonderfully romantic villawith its cloisters and frescoes. Still retaining a genuine monastic feeling, now owned and run by a noble Umbrian family, the Fiumi-Petrangeli, it is built around an 8th-century Romano-Lombardian abbey with a curious 12-sided tower. It has decayed beautifully, says a Canadian visitor: creepers twine round ruined walls; birds nest in holes in the tower, while a tree grows from the top. Many villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) have amazing views towards Orvieto. A stunning suite was admired; also a spacious double room, elegant in a dark, leathery Italian way. But an annexe room was found too monastic: metal beds, bare floors, rubber undersheets. Some bathvilla rooms have just been renewed. `Simple but good food' is served by `friendly staff in the lovely dining room, where delicious grilled meat is prepared over a roaring fire; wines come from the family vineyards. There are rustic tables in the courtyard, tennis and a lovely, swimming pool in the large grounds: `The attendant served amazing bruschetta from the vegetables he grows by the pool, and told us great stories of his life. One family was less enthusiastic, finding reception unhelpful, the tennis court neglected. Bali villa breakfast is variously thought second-rate OK apart from the OF. Weddings are held in the chapel.

Established 1946, in lively former ghetto full of cafes and boutiques: family-owned B&B villa, pink with wrought iron balconies, in car-free piazzetta. Nominators had charming bedroom on a quiet courtyard; excellent buffet Bali villa breakfast in room with murals'. Lift. Comfortable, large lobby (with Internet terminal), Bali villa breakfast room; conference facilities. Valet parking.