ApartmentsArena – Suite Mercatorum – Piazza Erbe

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon ApartmentsArena – Suite Mercatorum – Piazza Erbe almost by accident last summer, when I was wandering through Verona’s old town after a long train ride from Milan. Tucked away on Vicolo Corte Spagnola – this narrow little alley off Piazza Erbe that’s all cobblestones and ancient stone walls – it’s the kind of spot that feels like you’ve stepped back in time, you know? I mean, Verona’s historical center is a maze of these hidden gems, but this one hits different because you’re literally steps from the bustling market square where locals haggle over fresh produce and tourists snap photos of the Madonna Verona fountain. Honestly, arriving there in the late afternoon, with the sun filtering through those arched doorways and the faint smell of espresso drifting from nearby cafes on Via Cappello, I felt like I’d scored a secret hideout. Check-in was a breeze – the host met me right at the door with a quick code for the keyless entry, no fuss, though fair warning, if you’re hauling heavy bags, those uneven steps up to the suite might make you huff a bit (no elevator, but hey, it’s a historic building, what do you expect?).

What really sold me on the place was how it blends that old-world charm with just enough modern comforts to make you forget you’re in a 4-star apartment suite rather than some stuffy hotel chain. My room – well, suite, actually – overlooked the piazza, with these tall windows that let in the morning light and the distant hum of street performers down below. It had a little kitchenette stocked with basics, which was a lifesaver for whipping up a quick pasta after exploring all day; I grabbed tomatoes and basil from the Erbe market and felt like a local. The bed was super comfy, king-sized with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender – sort of like my grandma’s house, but fancier – and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that make you linger. Noise-wise, it gets lively in the evenings with the aperitivo crowd spilling out from bars on Corso Porta Borsari, but by midnight it quiets down, especially mid-week when the tourists thin out. Oh, and parking? Forget it if you’re driving – the center’s pedestrian-only, so I left my rental at a garage near the Arena (about a 10-minute walk) and just strolled everywhere. It’s perfect for that, being so close to Juliet’s balcony (touristy but fun) or the Roman amphitheater for opera nights in July – I caught a show and walked back in under five minutes, no cab needed.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to immerse yourself in Verona without the isolation of some outskirts hotel, this is your spot. The 8.8 rating feels spot-on; it’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during peak hours, and summer heat can make the rooms stuffy without blasting the AC – but those minor gripes fade when you’re sipping coffee on your balcony, watching the world go by. I left feeling like I’d lived there, not just visited, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat for that authentic slice of Italian life. If you’re planning a trip, go in shoulder season like May or September to avoid the crowds – trust me, Piazza Erbe is magic then.

Reviews

• Katerina from Australia – 29 January 2025 (9/10)

  It was very pleasant and comfortable stay. Best location in charming old Verona. This is modern, freshly renovated apartment in historical building right on the central square. You can see Torre die Lamberti through the window.
  Generous size modern kitchen, washing machine and dryer, temperature control in each room, excellent beds, lots of space. Highly recommended.

• Kenneth from United States – 23 October 2024 (9/10)

  Very enjoyable stay, great location; no breakfast but did leave a bottle of wine to welcome us. Had a washing machine for travelers to use.
  
  What could be improved: This is a great place for a family to stay.

• Sujeong from South Korea – 4 August 2024 (9/10)

  Location and cleaness of the facility
  
  What could be improved: The digital doorlock on the biuilding did not work properly on the second day.

• Steven from United Kingdom – 17 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location excellent – good size apartment – ideal for 4 people. It was clean on arrival and the communication leading up to entry of the apartment was very good.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Mark from United Kingdom – 11 July 2024 (9/10)

  Central location, spacious apartment, well fitted out and that it had two bathrooms, which was perfect for two couples. You could have cooked anything in the kitchen if you wanted to do so and also had a washing machine / tumble dryer if needed.
  
  What could be improved: Small issue – the bedrooms had control panels for the aircon, but didn't appear to be aircon in the bedrooms. The aircon in the hall was very good.

• Lorraine from United States – 28 May 2024 (9/10)

  Fabulous location on piazza Erbe
  Lovely apartment
  Communication was good
  
  What could be improved: Didn’t really like the Vikey entry system, always a little worried our phones wouldn’t have enough battery or wifi to get in

• Stephen from United Kingdom – 18 May 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was spacious and comfortable

• Jones from United States – 9 May 2024 (8/10)

  Lots of room. Excellent location overlooking the market
  
  What could be improved: Mobile phone entry was not easy to acquire through apps. They needed so much ID to be sent. Worse than customs.
  No hair dryer
  Heat issues but were fixed after being notified

• Catherine from Ireland – 1 November 2023 (9/10)

  The location is perfect. The apartment was really comfortable and very clean. It has everything you need to have a comfortable stay.
  
  What could be improved: The heating was a little difficult to regulate.

• Elizabeth from United States – 31 August 2023 (9/10)

  Unbeatable location, beautiful apartment, cool and quiet!
  
  What could be improved: We stayed 8 nights and could have stayed longer!

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