Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16: Your Dream Italian Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16: My Italian Dream… Almost! (A REALLY Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the (very strong Italian) beans on Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16: Your Dream Italian Escape Awaits! This place… well, let's just say it lives up to some of the hype. But trust me, I'm gonna give you the REAL deal, warts and all, so you can decide if your Italian dream is worth chasing here.
First Impressions (and a slightly panicked search for the Wi-Fi password)…
The name… Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16. Sounds grand, right? Makes you imagine a weathered brick facade dripping with history, and… well, it kind of delivers. Okay, the facade is actually pretty damn gorgeous, like something you'd see in a Fellini film. The location in Orvieto itself? Magical. Cobblestone streets, the Duomo looming like a majestic, striped giant, and the air… pure, intoxicating Italian air. Seriously.
But about that Wi-Fi… finding the actual password was a minor quest worthy of Indiana Jones. (Maybe they should add that adventure to the "Things to do" list?) And the Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Let’s just say I logged more hours staring into the void waiting for a page to load than I would have liked. Internet [LAN]? Never saw it. Internet services? Well, the lobby probably had them, but the connection was weaker than my grasp of Italian. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yeah, same deal. Blessedly, my phone did finally kick in and I was back to normal. But first impressions? Yeah, Wi-Fi could use a boost.
Accessibility and Safety: Stairs, Sanity, and Hand Sanitizer!
Now, for the important stuff. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm, that's a tricky one. While there's an elevator, the whole Orvieto thing means navigating some seriously charming (but definitely not flat) streets. Inside the Brick House, the elevator is a lifesaver, though. The rest feels relatively accessible, though I'm guessing the Facilities for disabled guests are probably pretty minimal since it's a historical building.
Safety-wise, they're trying! Lots of Hand sanitizer, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. First aid kit, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and a Security [24-hour] presence. Made me feel pretty safe. Doctor/nurse on call too. Good to know if you overindulge in that amazing local wine! Speaking of which…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Bellies and Bliss!
Okay, now we're talking! The food! The food! Oh. My. God. My waistline is still trying to recover.
Restaurant: Yes! And let me tell you, it's a MUST. A la carte in restaurant? Absolutely. Buffet in restaurant? Yep, and bursting with options. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Surprisingly, no. But who needs it when you've got authentic Italian? I'm talking pasta that melts in your mouth, and a salad in restaurant bursting with fresh, local produce. Vegetarian restaurant? Not explicitly, but they were super accommodating to my friend who doesn't eat meat. And the desserts in restaurant? Forget about it. Just… forget about trying to resist.
- My Anecdote: So, one night, I ordered the gnocchi. And I'm not exaggerating, it was the best gnocchi I've EVER had. Light, fluffy, bathed in a divine sauce… I actually almost cried. Right there at the table. I felt the shame of not taking out my phone and recording the moment. I went back every night after that. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was also spot on.
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, and a good one, with some Western breakfast and a Breakfast service. Breakfast in room is also an option.
Bar: Cheers! Drinks were well-made, the atmosphere was buzzing. Poolside bar? Wish I could have tried, sadly the time of year was not optimal.
Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite after a day of exploring.
Room service [24-hour]: Yes! (And they don't judge your midnight pasta cravings, which is a huge win.)
Cleanliness and COVID-ing
They were on top of their game here, which was a total relief. Rooms sanitized between stays, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services… felt super safe. Individually-wrapped food options too. My inner germaphobe was at peace. Safe dining setup was also a must.
"Things to do, Ways to Relax" – Spa Dreams and Fitness Fails!
Okay, here's where things get a little… complex. The Spa/sauna options sounded heavenly. Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. Foot bath. All promising utter relaxation. In reality, they were closed due to the time of year (again!). Massive bummer, because after all that pasta…
And the Fitness center? Let's just say it was… functional. Nothing to write home about, but there, for those who are so inclined (not me).
- Swimming pool? Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! And the Pool with view? AMAZING. The view from the pool area is worth the trip alone.
Rooms: My Cozy Little Orvieto Nest
My room was… charming. Non-smoking rooms (thank the heavens!), a comfy Bed, a Desk to try and catch up on some work (see Wi-Fi woes above), and a Private bathroom with… well, let's just say it had character. The Bathtub was perfect for soaking away the day's adventures, and those Bathrobes, oh, those bathrobes. Pure luxury. Air conditioning was a blessing. Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping in.
- My Imperfection: I’m a light sleeper so those Soundproof rooms were amazing.
- My Quirky Observation: I found the Additional toilet a nice addition with some unexpected benefits (shaving legs in solitude!), it's a unique feature.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the "Where's My Luggage?"
Services and Conveniences: They offer everything: A Concierge (super helpful!), Daily housekeeping, Laundry service… the works. Cash withdrawal (thank god!), Currency exchange, Luggage storage, all the usual suspects. Doorman.
Business facilities: Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, even Seminars!
For the kids: There's a Babysitting service (good to know if you're bringing the little ones). Family/child friendly.
Getting around: Airport transfer (definitely recommend!), Taxi service, and Car park [free of charge]! A massive plus. Valet parking is available for when you feel like really treating yourself.
Contactless check-in/out: They do that now, fantastic!
The Verdict: Should You Book? (The Brutally Honest Truth)
Look, Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16 isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi could use a serious upgrade. The spa? Closed. But, and this is a big BUT… the location, the food, the charm, the views… it all adds up to a truly special experience.
My Opinionated Take: If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury and Wi-Fi speeds that rival the speed of light, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a taste of authentic Italian life, a chance to explore a stunning town, and a place to create some truly unforgettable memories, then YES. Book it. Just pack your patience (and maybe a portable hotspot).
The Persuasive Offer: (Because I want you to go!)
Experience the Magic of Orvieto! Book your stay at Unbelievable Orvieto Brick House #16 and receive:
- Priority access to our secret wine cellar for a complimentary tasting
- Complimentary daily buffet breakfast
- A special discount on all spa treatments and massages
- Free car park
- Free Wi-Fi (fingers crossed it works this time)
**USE CODE: GOCRAZYITALY and get 10% off your booking! But
Escape to Paradise: Kingscliff's Luxury 2BR, 2BA Spa Haven w/ HUGE Balcony!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is me, winging it in Orvieto. And let me tell you, even a perfectly charming Italian town has its moments. Especially if you're me.
The Orvieto Brick House Blues (and Boons) – A Very Human Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & "Holy Cow, It's Steep!"
Morning (or Very Late Morning, Let's Be Real): Arrived in Rome, because, duh. The train to Orvieto was supposed to be "scenic." Scenic, meaning, I spent the entire time fighting my internal monologue, which was currently screaming about missing my flight connection. Managed to make it, however! Found the Brick House nr. 16. Glorious! The views were amazing, despite the "charming" (read: ancient) elevator that almost deposited me into the bowels of the earth.
Afternoon: The Hill from Hell (and it is a hill, folks). Seriously. I’m pretty sure my calves have aged a decade in the first five minutes. The entire city is just… uphill. Found a cute little cafe overlooking the valley (thank god for the view). Had the best panini of my life (prosciutto and mozzarella, naturally). Briefly considered hiring a donkey for the rest of the trip. Decided against it mostly because I wasn’t sure where to find one, let alone how to ride it.
Evening: First official dinner! Ate at a restaurant called Osteria al Moro. The food was divine. The service? Let’s just say the waiter seemed to have forgotten how to smile. Almost ordered a bottle of wine for myself, not to share, to soothe the existential dread of being alone in a charming Italian town. Didn't. But wow, the pasta was worth it! (Seriously, carbonara perfection. I may never be happy again.)
Day 2: The Cathedral, My Feet, and The Pursuit of Tiramisu (and sanity).
Morning: The Duomo! They weren’t kidding when they said it was beautiful. The mosaics? Mind-blowing. Spent a solid two hours staring at the ceiling, wondering if I'd ever be that talented. Took about a hundred photos. Realized I’d forgotten to charge my phone and my camera batteries were on their last legs, and then I nearly started weeping. Thankfully, found a cafe with an outlet. Saved!
Afternoon: Okay, my feet are screaming. Seriously, someone needs to invent shoes specifically designed for cobblestone streets. Shoe shopping is on the agenda. Found a cute little shop selling ceramics. Bought a tiny, ridiculously adorable ceramic cat. I may or may not have named it Mr. Fluffernutter. No regrets. Followed by a (failed) quest for the "best tiramisu in Orvieto." Apparently, every place claims to have it. Tried four different places. None lived up to the hype. Commence slight tiramisu related meltdown. Then, back to the Brick House for a nap.
Evening: The most delicious pizza I have ever eaten. I'm pretty sure the dough was magical. Took my ceramic cat, Mr. Fluffernutter. and back to the Brick House.
Day 3: Wine, Wineries, and Existential Grape-Induced Musings
Morning: Wine tour! Because, you know. Visited a local winery. The wine was delicious, but what was really amazing was the land. The vineyards, the rolling hills, the medieval buildings… it felt like stepping into a painting. I spent most of my time thinking about how I could buy a vineyard and just… stay there forever. The tour guide, bless his heart, tried to explain the complex process of winemaking. I mostly just nodded and smiled and daydreamed about a future filled with grapes and happiness (and wine). The wine tasting was epic. I bought too much wine. I'm considering buying a separate suitcase to carry the wine.
Afternoon: Stumbled upon a hidden garden while roaming the streets of Orvieto. Turns out, it was an actual secret garden, a small, serene oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I'd have stayed there all day. Then, back to the Brick House for siesta.
Evening: This is where things get a little… fuzzy. More wine. More pizza. Some questionable karaoke. Definitely not the best idea to try to sing Italian opera after a few glasses of Sagrantino. Regrets? Maybe. Funny story, though!
Day 4: The Well and Goodbye (For Now, Orvieto, You Magnificent Bastard)
Morning: Finally made it to the Pozzo di San Patrizio ("St. Patrick's Well"). It's… a well. A giant, impressive, spiraling well. Apparently, it was built to give the town water in case of siege. I'm still not sure why they needed it to be so deep (200 feet!), but it's quite the engineering marvel. The walk down (and up) was intense, though. I feel like I just did an entire workout at the gym.
Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found the most beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl. Spent way too much money. Worth it.
Evening: Farewell dinner. Tried one last restaurant. The service was terrible, food mediocre, but the company was worth it.
Night: Back to Rome. Sad about leaving. Already planning my return. Farewell, Orvieto, you beautiful, uphill, slightly-mad town. You were… memorable. And my legs will never forget you.
Observations & Rambles:
- The Cobblestones: They're beautiful. They're also the enemy of any foot that isn't made of stone. Bring good shoes. And maybe a chiropractor.
- The Views: Seriously, the views from the Brick House, and from just about everywhere in Orvieto, are worth the price of admission. Breathtaking. Instagrammable. Makes you want to write poetry (even if you're as bad at poetry as I am).
- The Food: Pasta. Pizza. Wine. Repeat. I didn't eat a single bad meal. Every day was the best meal I had in my life.
- The Italians: Charming. Passionate. Frustrating (at times). But ultimately, the people of Orvieto made the trip.
- The Stairs: There are a lot of them. Be prepared. And maybe consider investing in a personal sherpa.
- The Pace: Slow down. Relax. Forget about the to-do list. Just wander. Get lost. Embrace the chaos.
So, there you have it. My slightly-disorganized, often-opinionated, and brutally honest chronicle of Orvieto. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was very human. And it was absolutely wonderful. Now, where's that next bottle of wine… ?
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Wanjiale's Changsha Oasis!
Okay, first things first: Is it *really* "Unbelievable"? Because I've been burned before...
The photos show a pretty epic view. Does it *actually* have that view, or is it just a cleverly angled lens?
Let's get practical. Is the kitchen actually functional? I hate staying in places with a glorified microwave.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because I need to work (booo, I know).
What about the bugs?! Italy and bugs...a romance I'm not sure I’m ready for.
Okay, let's talk about the bed. Is the mattress comfortable? Because a bad mattress can ruin a whole vacation.
Is there parking? Because driving in Italy…eeesh.
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.
