Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open year-round?
No, we typically close in the winter months (December, January and February), but not always. Please inquire.
Do you offer seasonal rates?
No. The rates listed are the same regardless of season.
How do I secure my reservation?
First, send us an e-mail, elmarsam@yahoo.com, and inquire about availability. Be specific in stating your needs. Please indicate the type of room and whether you need twin beds or a double bed. If you are traveling with children, please let us know their ages and their gender so that we can help you select the most comfortable sleeping arrangement for them. Any additional information (age, mobility and/or health issues) that will help us see to your comfort is valued and kept strictly confidential.
We will respond immediately and let you know what is available. To secure your reservation, you will fill out a reservation form and mail it to the address as indicated, along with your reservation deposit; the amount will be the equivalent of your first night’s stay. For U.S. guests, this may be paid by personal check. For those guests making a reservation from a country other than the United States, please let us know and we will send instructions on how to proceed. Upon receipt of this, we will send you a confirmation by e-mail.
How do I pay my bill? Do I pay in euros or can it be paid in U.S. dollars?
Your bill is to be paid in cash in euros or U.S. dollar equivalent at check-out. If you wish to pay in U.S. currency, the exchange rate of the day of transaction will be used, plus a 10 € service charge to cover bank conversion fees. If you would like an idea of your total bill in advance, we will be happy to provide it so that you will know how much cash to have on hand.
Can I pay my bill in advance?
Yes, you can pay your total bill in advance by arranging with us ahead of time.
Are there ATM machines?
Yes, there are several ATM machines in town.
Is Internet available?
There are three internet points in town (2 Kms. from El Marsam) where you can check e-mail and surf the net for a very reasonable hourly fee. Our home computer is reserved for our personal and business use and is not available to guests, other than for emergency communications.
Can I make long-distance calls from El Marsam?
Yes, as long as you have your own long-distance calling card.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Because we are a small B&B, we can be somewhat flexible about check-in and out times. Check-ins are scheduled between noon and 6 p.m. and if possible, we would like to know an approximate arrival time in advance. On the day of your departure, there is no hurry to vacate your rooms, unless we have another guest arrival, in which case, we ask that you vacate your room by 10:00 a.m. You are still most welcome to spend time at El Marsam in the garden.
Are there many restaurants in the area?
There are many restaurants to choose from – informal pizzerias, lovely rustic trattorie, and other fine restaurants serving Umbrian specialties. There are also vineyards nearby that offer a tour with wine tasting and a dinner.
Do you offer cooking classes?
No, we do not offer formal cooking classes, but can arrange for you to attend a cooking class in the area if there are openings on the day you wish to attend. Otherwise, you might be able to talk Ginda into an informal pasta-making session right here at El Marsam. Inquire.
How close is El Marsam to Tuscany?
Tuscany is about a 45-minute drive from here. It is possible and quite enjoyable to day-trip to Anghiari, Arezzo, Cortona, Pienza and Montepulciano from here. We have prepared a guest book of day-trip itineraries to assist you with your daily excursions. A day trip to Florence is also possible. Please refer to our web page under this subject.
Do I need a car to reach El Marsam?
It is the ideal way to reach El Marsam and truly enjoy visiting the Umbrian countryside, but for some the ideal way may be not to have to drive at all. We have driving directions to El Marsam from the major airports as well as driving directions included in our daytrip itinerary pages. Or, you can come by train, taking advantage of our special offer to accommodate guests who do not wish to drive in Italy. Check out our UMBRIA WITHOUT A CAR page and contact us for details.
Are private drivers available for hire?
Yes, a private driver can be arranged, but it is costly.
Do you allow pets?
NO
Do you allow smoking?
Smoking is only allowed outdoors.
Do you welcome children?
Yes, we allow children over the age of five. Sometimes, we can allow infants and smaller children IF the parents travel with their own portable crib, and if we feel that everyone (children, parents and other guests) will be comfortable. Inquire.
Do any of the rooms have a kitchen?
No
How many days is recommended to visit the area?
Ideally, a stay of three or four days gives you enough time to see the immediate area. A longer stay will give you time to see Umbria and Tuscany more fully and have some leisure time as well.