Sina Brufani: Perugia’s Undisputed Grande Dame

| Mon, 04/29/2024 - 00:50

Deluxe suite at Sina Brufani

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

There are some fabulous hotels and agriturismi in the countryside surrounding Perugia, but the Sina Brufani is the undisputed grande dame of the historic city and this year it’s celebrating its 140th anniversary.

What to expect

While many historic hotels in Italy have been modernized, the Brufani has preserved its classic Old World charm. Staying here feels like stepping into a time capsule — though Sina updated the hotel, they kept the antiques, brocade wall coverings and even a vintage telephone booth. Some may find the decor a bit too old fashioned, but if you see the value in preserving the past, this is the place for you. It’s also on the accessible end for a five-star hotel, with room rates starting around €235.

Background

façade of Sina Brufani — *Façade of Sina Brufani*

Originally opened in 1884 by Giacomo Brufani, who was born into a farming family in Assisi but had a knack for tourism, it’s now a member of the family-run Sina Hotels group. Over the years, the hotel has hosted royalty and VIPs including the Queen Mother of England and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Location, location, location

The hotel is set right on Piazza Italia in the historic center of Perugia, where the Umbria Jazz Festival and the chocolate festival take place in July and October, respectively. Many rooms and suites have fantastic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops.

Where you’ll sleep

sina brufani — *Deluxe room at Sina Brufani*

Rooms and suites are replete with precious antiques and oil paintings. My spacious suite had parquet floors, a fireplace, a teal velvet sofa, red velvet armchair, a comfortable bed flanked by antique side tables, and paintings depicting dogs in the countryside. The marble bathroom could, perhaps, use an update and it would have been nice to have an espresso machine, but the wonderful views from the balcony made up for any shortcomings.

Dining & drinks

terrace at Sina Brufani — *Terrace at Sina Brufani*

Collins restaurant is a formal wood-paneled affair with elegant white tablecloths and crystal chandeliers. It serves traditional Umbrian specialties like strangozzi with truffle and international dishes like salmon with sesame and teriyaki sauce. Breakfast is served buffet-style in a larger room. I was there for the hotel’s 140th anniversary gala, so dinner was served in an event space and featured delicious dishes like tortelli with hazelnuts, guinea fowl, red radicchio and black truffle.

Service notes

The service is a bit more informal than what you might expect at a luxury five-star hotel, but the staff are eager to help.

Spa time

pool at the Sina Brufani — *Wellness pool at Sini Brufani*

One of the hotel’s selling points is the pool in the cellar, which has brick walls and arches overhead and glass panels on the floor that reveal the Etruscan ruins beneath. I loved having a swim there in the morning before breakfast, though I didn’t use the saunas.

Family perks

The hotel has connecting rooms and offers a 50% discount on the supplement for a third bed for children from 4 to 12 years old sharing their parents’ room. Babies and toddlers up to 3 years old stay for free, with breakfast included.

You should know...

Sina Brufani is the only hotel in Perugia's historic center with its own private garage and valet service, which costs €20 per car per day. A limited number of free parking spaces are also available in front of the hotel.