Albergo La Sfinge - Chiusi, Italy 

This is a gem of a hotel. Run by Robert and Laura who are charming and helpful. Chiusi is a wonderful Etruscan town, with an excellent restaurant, Zaira, great views, few tourists. Our room at the hotel was a nice size, well lit, and had a great balcony with stunning view.

Each room is distinctive. The double that has a big bathtub on the second floor has a great view of the green hillside across the valley. The triples on the third floor have big wooden beams and a rustic feel. Roberto is as accommodating as they come. He tells you how to catch the town bus that picks up right outside the entrance, then when morning comes, it's "So would you like a ride to the station?" (maybe he won't appreciate this post). We chose little known Chiusi as a four-night base for our day trips around Umbria and Tuscany. It's a small, quiet town with good eats and mostly locals milling about the ancient streets. The restaurant just next to the hotel is pricey but delicious. Cheaper places in the center of the old town (a short walk), and in the new town down by the station. I would avoid the 5euro breakfast and catch a roll and a cappuccino at the station bar or across the street from the station at the cafe (1Euro for capp.-standing) on your way to Orvieto, Siena, Assisi, etc. Friendly taxi drivers took us from station to hotel for 6Euro.