Ai Cinque Archi

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ai Cinque Archi almost by accident last spring, wandering through Verona’s tangled web of medieval alleys after a long train ride from Milan. Tucked away on Vicolo Santa Cecilia – this tiny, cobblestoned lane off Via Cappello, you know, the one that leads right to Juliet’s House with all those love locks and tourists snapping selfies – it’s the kind of spot that feels like a secret even though it’s smack in the historical center. Honestly, finding parking was a nightmare; Verona’s old town is a no-go zone for cars unless you’ve got a permit, so I ended up ditching mine at that big lot near the Arena and hoofing it with my bag. But once I turned into the vicolo, the noise from the bustling Piazza delle Erbe faded away, replaced by the faint echo of church bells from Santa Anastasia nearby and the smell of espresso drifting from some hidden caffè. The hotel itself is in this charming old building with – get this – five actual arches framing the entrance, which I guess is where the name comes from. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Veronese guy named Marco, chatted with me about the best spots for aperitivo while handing over the key, no fuss, no long lines like at those chain places.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends that authentic Italian elegance with little thoughtful touches that make you feel like you’re staying with friends rather than in a hotel. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet courtyard – smallish, I mean, but with these exposed wooden beams and terracotta floors that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a centuries-old palazzo. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, piled with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender (they must use some local soap or something), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works without sputtering. Breakfast downstairs is included, and it’s not your typical buffet slop – fresh cornetti, prosciutto from the market, and cappuccinos made to order, all served in a sunny room with arched windows letting in the morning light. Well, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, and if you’re a light sleeper, you might hear the occasional scooter zipping by on nearby streets during rush hour. But honestly, that’s Verona for you – alive and a bit chaotic, especially in summer when the opera season packs the Arena just a 10-minute walk away. I loved popping out for gelato at that little place on Via Mazzini or crossing the Adige River to explore the less-touristy Castelvecchio side.

Look, if you’re heading to Verona for the romance or the history – and let’s face it, who isn’t? – Ai Cinque Archi is the sort of four-star gem that doesn’t try too hard but nails the essentials. It’s got that 9.3 rating for a reason: real value in a prime spot without the inflated prices of those riverside resorts. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in fall when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear yourself think while sipping Valpolicella on the tiny balcony. Just pack light – those stairs are no joke if you’ve got heavy luggage – and prepare to fall for the place like I did. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $126. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• An excellent two-bedroom apartment in central Verona. – David from United Kingdom – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Comfortable, clean, stylish flat in an excellent location fifteen minutes' walk from the Arena. One big bedroom and a second single bedroom. A fully equipped kitchen, table chairs and a sofa in front of the telly should you be all Verona-ed out. There's an aircon unit over the vestibule that the bedrooms lead from so cooling is possible. The flat is in the no-traffic zone so is wonderfully quiet. There's a tiny lift which makes a big difference.
  
  What could be improved: The lighting takes some getting used to.

• Superb – Imelda from Ireland – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location was excellent. The apartment had a real authentic Italian feel.
  
  What could be improved: The check in time was too late at 4pm

• PERFECT PROPERTY IN HISTORIC CENTRE – Ian from United Kingdom – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  First of all what a fantastic location,right in historic centre all the main sights within easy walking distance,the owner was there to greet us and orientated us plus showed us round the property
  The property was spotless,the bed was extremely comfortable,plenty of space,the lounge/dining room/kitchen was well equipped and very comfortable,it felt like a much loved property which made it very special
  We enjoy self catering and the kitchen had everything we needed plus there.was a Supermarket within 10 minutes walk and in terms of restaurants there was plenty of choice close by
  We arrived by train and the.historic centre is c30 minutes walk from the Station,there.are a number of buses from the bus station outside the train station,tickets can be bought at the bus station for 1.50 euros pp,we found everyone very helpful

• Superb – Paula from Poland – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet apartment in a great location. Close to restaurants. Comfortable bed.
  
  What could be improved: There was no cutlery

• Exceptional – Alicja from Poland – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  Very nice apartment in the heart of Verona.

• Thoroughly deserves its high Booking.com rating which I am happy to add to. – Murray from New Zealand – 25 August 2024 (10/10)

  This was a fabulous apartment on 2nd floor with (small 2 pax) lift access.
  Very spacious and very well appointed. Very safe location.
  Owner was very accommodating.
  Centrally located in old town 10-15min walk to the Arena for the Opera. Easily walkable to the big 4 Churches – Duoma, s Anastasia S Zeno and S fermo which were all very different.
  Plenty of eating choices within 5 minutes walk.
  
  What could be improved: Being very picky, the bed.

• Gabriel was a great host & very informative, had a lovely stay in a nice comfy apartment, thank you – Gary from United Kingdom – 7 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great position for walking to & around local sights
  
  What could be improved: Nice tucked away quiet location but well in touch with the town lots bars and restaurants just a stones throw away

• Exceptional – Beate from United States – 2 July 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, very congo

• Fully recommend this place – Mario from Austria – 21 May 2024 (10/10)

  Very central location, quiet nights, clean, complete equipment, lovely place, super friendly host.
  
  What could be improved: The master bed feels a bit shaky and unstable.

• Perfect location and comfortable apartment – Alannas from Ireland – 14 April 2024 (9/10)

  The location is perfect, right in the centre of Verona but no issues with noise from the street. The apartment is very big, the double bed very comfortable and big and has everything you need.
  
  What could be improved: The lift in the building is very very tiny, we could barely fit the travel pram in it, wasn't an issue really for us but just something to keep in mind as the apartment is on the 2nd floor.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities