By Guilherme Caleffi Spindola
Staying at La Bracceschina is a unique experience! As soon as you enter the medieval palace, you are greeted by the fresh scent of the well-furnished rooms, setting the tone for a relaxing and welcoming stay. The comfort of the soft beds and the nighttime silence guarantee a restful night, while the gentle morning light filters through the windows, revealing a breathtaking view of the majestic Spoleto Cathedral and the imposing Rocca Albornoziana. As the sun rises, the peaceful sound of birds chirping welcomes you to another day of peace and beauty in this charming corner of Umbria.
La Bracceschina, a charming accommodation, is more than just a place to stay: it’s a testament to the fusion of history, personal passion, and an authentic Italian experience. Nestled in a medieval palace that has belonged to Elena’s family for over 30 years, La Bracceschina is a project born from tradition and the desire for innovation. The building belonged to Elena’s maternal grandmother and was rented long-term during her lifetime. However, after returning to Italy from an overseas career, Elena decided to breathe new life into the property, transforming it into a unique guesthouse.
Elena’s journey to La Bracceschina is truly interesting. After spending seven years in Germany working as a mechanical engineer for a multinational aerospace company, and before that in Turin with Fiat, she realized she was ready for something entirely different. Despite her success in the engineering world, she felt unfulfilled and began yearning for a new adventure that would allow her to apply the experiences she had gained during her numerous travels and exposure to international cultures.
This led her to create La Bracceschina, a venture that, though very different from her previous work, allows her to draw upon her life experiences. Through her travels, she observed that the success of establishments like hers depends not only on the beauty of the property or the services offered but also on the warmth and flexibility of the management. For her, it’s the personal touch that makes the difference. Elena is a book lover, so she has added some books in various languages as part of the decoration, and of course, they are available for guests to read during their stay. She believes that her sunny and kind nature is the secret ingredient to her success. It’s important to note that she doesn’t delegate the main responsibilities of managing La Bracceschina, ensuring that guests receive a personal and attentive experience from start to finish.
One undeniable strength of La Bracceschina is its location. Situated in a historic palace, it offers guests an authentic taste of Italy’s medieval past. However, Elena insists that it’s not just the location that makes La Bracceschina stand out: cleanliness is also one of her top priorities. The rooms provide guests with a comfortable and straightforward experience that makes them feel at home.
What has surprised Elena most in this new adventure is how friendly and open-minded tourists tend to be. Considering that she fluently speaks English and German, she has had the pleasure of forming real friendships with many of her guests, further strengthening her belief that hospitality is about creating personal connections rather than simply providing a place to sleep. This warmth and personal commitment have helped La Bracceschina stand out in the competitive world of hospitality, in a region where many establishments vie for attention.
Although Elena’s approach to management is personal and hands-on, she also understands the importance of a modern and comprehensive marketing strategy. She collaborates with Martina, a young and talented social media expert, who handles all her online presence. Interestingly, Elena doesn’t have personal social media profiles, but she relies on Martina to strategically and effectively spread the word about La Bracceschina. Together, they have worked on an extensive outreach campaign that has yielded great results. Their goal goes beyond simply filling the rooms: they aim to engage the entire community and attract more tourists to the area.
Elena is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. She is convinced that, by working together, local businesses and accommodations can all thrive rather than view each other as competitors. This philosophy of cooperation aligns with her vision of La Bracceschina as a welcoming, community-oriented space where both guests and locals can feel connected.
In the end, La Bracceschina is a symbol of personal reinvention and a love for both tradition and modernity. With its ideal location, comfortable rooms, and a proprietor who puts her heart into every aspect of the business, it’s no wonder La Bracceschina has become a beloved destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience in Italy. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the hospitality, or simply for a peaceful getaway, La Bracceschina promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Spoleto.
Info: Via Bracceschi, 3, 06049 Spoleto PG / (+39) 347 827 7391 / @la_bracceschina