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
This new boutique hotel with just five suites is the most upscale hotel in Urbino but with a much more affordable price tag than luxury hotels in major cities like Rome and Florence.
What to expect
Set in a Renaissance palazzo in the historic center of Urbino, Palazzo Giusti combines sleek, modern design with the building’s original architectural details, resulting in the kind of stylish hotel you might expect to find in Milan. In this small city in Marche, where most accommodations are rather modest B&Bs, there’s nothing else quite like it. That said, if you’re expecting all the services and amenities you’d find at a luxury hotel in major cities, you might be a bit disappointed.
Background
The building dates back to the 1500s. It was purchased by the local family behind the Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo, a wine resort in the countryside between Urbino and Pesaro. After a five-year renovation, it opened in December 2023 with just five suites, a handful of apartments, and a spa.
Location, location, location
The hotel is located on the charming cobblestoned Via Veneto, a stone’s throw from Piazza della Repubblica (one of Urbino’s main squares) and about a five-minute stroll from Raphael’s house in one direction and the Palazzo Ducale, which houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, in the other.
Where you’ll sleep
The suites are very spacious, especially by urban standards. Named after influential figures from Urbino’s history, they cleverly combine original details with modern furniture and design elements. My room, the Federico Brandani Suite, had vaulted ceilings and an ornately decorated fireplace in the bedroom, an antique wardrobe concealing the minibar, a design sofa, Nespresso machine, and mirrored wall in the living room, and a minimalist bathroom with bath products by Dr. Vranjes.
Dining & drinks
During my stay, there was nowhere to dine on-site, so the hotel offered vouchers for breakfast at one of the bars on Piazza della Repubblica, but they have plans to open a café that will be open from breakfast through aperitivo.
Service notes
The staff are friendly and generally try to be helpful, but could have been a bit more accommodating. When my friend and I asked to see the spa, for example, we were told we couldn’t because it was closed and no one would let us take a peek.
Spa time
Even during normal operating hours, the spa is open only when guests book an entry slot and it’s not included in the room rate. Use of the sauna, steam room, infrared sauna, and hydromassage pool costs €55 on weekdays and €65 on weekends. There are a variety of massages and scrubs.
Family perks
Kids are welcome, but must be 16 and older to access the spa.
You should know...
If you’re driving, the hotel can arrange access to enter the ZTL to unload your luggage, but they advise you to park in a public parking garage about a third of a mile away. I wish we had taken them up on their offer because the streets connecting the hotel to the parking garage are very steep.
Accessibility
- The hotel has an elevator.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Free WiFi
- Spa
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Palazzo Giusti Suites and Spa
Via Vittorio Veneto Urbino 34, Urbino
Tel. +39 0722078023
Website
