zola

I've been considering reserving two or three nights for the end of this month at the Hotel Sant'Ercolano in the historical center of Perugia, Italy . Any experiences, responses or reviews about this hotel (particularly at this time of year) are very welcome!!!
Thanks, Z

sacc

I don't know the Sant'Ercolano itself, but the location is good, just below the historic centre and near the mini-metro....I always stay at the Hotel Fortuna, which isn't too expensive (it has a very wide range of rooms and prices)

Hope you enjoy Perugia, it's one of my favourite cities!

zola

sacc:

Thanks for the info. So, Sant'Ercolano is actually below the historic centre. That is interesting. I had the impression it was at the higher level (though when I now look at the directions the hotel provided it makes sense). Your comment is therefore very helpful. You used the mini-metro also? I've found that, for whatever reason, many travelers are not familiar with the service.

Thanks again. Z

sacc

Hi Zola,

Although the Sant'Ercolano is just below the city centre, it's really not far from the centre. I'm guessing here, but it's probably no more than a five-minute walk (almost straight up!) to reach, say, the mini-metro station and maybe a 10 minute stroll to the Duomo and Fontana Maggiore.

I think the mini-metro is brilliant, it makes it so easy to get down to the train station, for example, and it's only 1.50 euro. One disadvantage: it stops running at 9 p.m. I really had to hustle once to catch it from the train station after a long day trip.

It is strange that it doesn't generate more buzz, but there was recently a story in National Geographic about the service, in the context of energy saving systems.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...rgy-minimetro/

zola

sacc

I actually read the story in National Geographic before I saw it mentioned anywhere else, and was wondering myself why there was not more recognition or publicity. Of course I haven't yet experienced its operation, but, given what you've said and what I'm beginning to gather from the sources that exist, the line sounds like an efficient, inexpensive and convenient way to get from train station to centro and back. What else can a traveler desire?!? By the way, I found the Perugia mini-metro site in italiano, which indicates hours of service- but thanks for the heads up.

Can you ask you more?----> since you praise Perugia, got any suggestions for restaurants?
Z.

sacc

Hi Zola,

The minimetro is really helpful, as is the escalator system that takes you thru "underground Perugia" down to the bus station at the Piazza Partigiani. The escalators disappear under the Piazza Italia and are another efficient way of moving people between the historic centre at the top, and the more modern lower levels.

I have a few favourite restaurants, none too expensive, and almost all right in the historic centre. Extremely inexpensive, delicious and always busy is Pizzeria Mediterraneo (Piazza Piccinino.) Essentially, just past the Duomo as Corso Vannucci narrows. Really popular and crowded but worth the wait.

Il Cantinone, Via Ritorto 6, is tucked away down a side street near the Fontana Maggiore. Great food and not too expensive. Very nearby and a little more pricey, but right beside the Palazzo dei Priori and the Fontana Maggiore is Da Cesarino. Always seems filled with regulars, which is interesting to watch.

I've always heard great things about La Taverna, Via delle Streghe 8, but for some reason, haven't yet made it there. Cafe Perugia, just off Corso Vannucci, is good for snacks and light meals upstairs. And, obviously, un caffe!

A great restaurant that's a little out of the way from the historic centre, down the Corso Cavour towards San Pietro and away from the historic centre is Da Nana (202 Corso Cavour)

If you haven't visited Perugia before, its tourism office is actually quite helpful (which isn't always the case.) They're produced an excellent visitors guide, in English, that breaks the city down by its five main rioni, and describes the main sites in each neighborhood as well as suggesting a walking itinerary. You might not want to follow them all, but the information is quite detailed and the maps very helpful.

Have a wonderful time!

zola

sacc:
I very much appreciate the tips. Too often the restaurant suggestions from travelers are way out of my budget or merely mimic what is found in the Fodors recommendations. I am indebted to you for the helpful suggestions, specific to my needs, including the reference to the tourism office.
I'll try to remember to comment on my return.

Thanks again. Z

sacc

You're very welcome, Zola! I'd love to hear about your trip when you return, if you have time to post a few impressions.