Both are quite adequate,, Duomo is more central but Piccolomini is a nicer property. For ease of arrival, the Duomo wins.

Bob, thanks. DH likes the price tag. Have you seen the rooms in either?

I am probably going to taxi from the train station (there are just so many forms of public transport I can do in one 24 hour period), so does that make a difference in choosing?

We (family of 4) stayed in the Piccolomini back in '01. It was a very nice hotel at that time (I assume it still is). Our room was a family suite, so I don't know what a double looks like.

The walk to the Duomo was only a few minutes if I remember correctly. The town itself, is small.

I have not stayed at the Duomo but did check out the lobby et al--it looks great and could hardly be closer to the centro. We have stayed twice at the Corso and been satisfied on both occasions. Its reasonably appointed, has a communal terrace, is in a convenient location and best of all is most affordable. There were no issues as to house cleaning or sanitation--actually very nice. Your call. Paul

It's easy to take the tram up the hill which is directly across the street from the station. The tram drops at PIazza Cahen which is at the intersection of via Corso Cavour. Your hotel shouldn't be far and you could walk, but that bit is uphill although not steep. Valentino would be the closest to the tram with Palazzo Piccolomini being the furthest. Everything within Orvieto is a short walk and you can also find a taxi at Piazza Cahen most of the time. Do any of the reviews for Hotel Duomo say anything about church bells?

kybourbon: one of them does mention church bells.

macanimals; every one of those hotels gets a couple dismal reviews. And some great ones. I am confused but really appreciate your first hand report. Corso is back in the running.

From the station you take the funicular up the tufa bluff to the real town. The Duomo and all of your hotels are across the town on the west side--also the only car access. However, a local bus meets the funicular and takes you to the Duomo area--included in the cost--very simple-- no neeed for taxi.
You will love Orvieto---good hotel or not.

Palazzo Piccolomini is a very nice hotel. I enjoyed my stay there (New Year's Eve, two years ago) and would stay again in a heartbeat. The town is small enough that it is all walkable.

There are two different local buses and they have different routes. I stayed on the far side of Orvieto and took the bus after the funicular (you have to buy a combo ticket, not just the funicular ticket). When I was leaving Orvieto I just walked across town with my luggage. Hotel Corso appears in the center from their map and says they are 300mt from Piazza Cahen.

When are you going? I was surprised how few tourists where there in mid-September.

Hotel Corso is a bit further from Duomo, not much going on in the evening, if you like to walk around the town in the night, Hotel Duomo will be a better choice. However, the bells from the tower does ring every 15 minutes, it could be a bit difficult for light sleeper from my experience 2 weeks ago.

Well, it gets harder and harder!

JudyC, I am a light sleeper. I always wear ear plugs, sometimes even at home.

kybourbon: We are going on April 22, just for a night. I had been in Orvieto once, not overnight, years ago. DD was a teen, got sick about when we hit town, and I spent most of the day finding her bathrooms.

I thought it would be a perfect overnight spot, and a good place to pick up and drop off a car that we will have for four nights before heading back to Rome.

Hotel Valentino looks very nice and the price is right.

I never been to Orvieto before and I am a little confused of how to reach that hotel.I will travel by train.

Is the Valentino on the West side of town? I need to take the Funicular and the bus to reach the Hotel?

PS.I finished reading the reviews about the Valentino.. They are Not very good.I am glad that I did not booked it.

Now I need to find a different hotel with moderate prices..

We stayed in the Duomo in 2007. The location was great and the rooms were clean and nice. If you are a light sleeper, yu should bring earplugs. We didn't hear the bells from the cathedral, but I'm sure it's possible as you can see the building from your window.

For dinner, I would very highly recommend Champagneria if it is still in town. I had read about it on one of the boards and my husband surprised me with a reservation. You don't order, the chef just brings out course after course of small plates until you say enough. We were stuffed and the food wwas amazing. When the bill arrived I think it was 25 Euros per person plus wine which was quite a bargain, in my opinion.

Enjoy Orvieto, it was a special place.

Eve

I've stayed once at the Duomo and twice at the Piccolomini. Either one will be just fine. Piccolomini is just a bit further away from the duomo area, and the walk can be a bit confusing, but it isn't that far. If you can get a map, you'll be fine. Both had rooms that were adequate, not what you would call large in any way... but fine for the several nights we were staying there. The largest one was at the Duomo, in all of those visits.

Enjoy Orvieto! It's a wonderful hilltop town.

I believe that my daughter and I, are going to enjoy Orvieto very much.

We will be coming from Assisi..I made a reservation with hotel Berti.

I was surprised to see this thread in the top 25. We did take our trip to Orvieto last April. We stayed 2 nights in a little apartment that was very inexpensive. Kismet, the owner didn't speak English but that wouldn't be a problem for you. This little place has two bedrooms and is very conveniently located.

If you are interested, post back and I'll get the landlady's name.

We chose the Duomo for our upcoming stay in June.