ApartmentsArena – Zini Studios

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon ApartmentsArena – Zini Studios kind of by accident last summer when I was chasing that classic Verona vibe – the one with all the Shakespeare romance and ancient stones whispering secrets. Tucked away in this tiny blind alley called Vicolo Cieco Zini, right in the historical heart of the city, it’s one of those spots that feels like a local secret, even though it’s just a stone’s throw from the madness of Piazza Bra. I mean, I arrived on foot from the train station – about a 20-minute walk dragging my suitcase over those uneven cobblestones that make your arms ache – and honestly, finding the entrance was a bit of a puzzle at first. It’s this unassuming door in a narrow lane that dead-ends, so no through traffic, which is a godsend in a place like Verona where scooters zip by everywhere else. Check-in was straightforward; the owner – this friendly guy named Marco, I think – met me with keys and a quick rundown in broken English, no fuss, no long lines like at those big hotels near the Arena. Oh, and parking? Forget it if you’re driving – the centre’s a nightmare for cars, but there’s a public lot over on Via San Nazaro that’s not too far, maybe a 10-minute hike.

What really won me over, though, was how these studios capture that authentic Italian apartment feel without trying too hard. Mine was on the second floor – up a creaky wooden staircase that adds to the charm, or maybe just tests your fitness after a day of sightseeing – and it opened into this cozy space with exposed brick walls and a little kitchenette stocked with basics like coffee pods and fresh linens that smelled faintly of lavender (probably from the nearby market on Via Stella). It’s not huge, sort of compact like most old buildings here, but the high ceilings and big windows overlooking the alley made it feel airy. I loved brewing my own espresso in the mornings while listening to the distant chime of bells from the Duomo – it’s only a five-minute stroll away, past that cute gelateria on Via Cappello where they do the best pistachio. And get this, you’re basically next door to Juliet’s House, but the alley’s so quiet at night that you don’t hear the tourist crowds; well, except maybe during opera season in July when the Arena amps up the energy till late. There’s no fancy gym or pool – it’s a 3-star setup, after all – but the Wi-Fi was solid for streaming, and the air con hummed just enough to beat the humid evenings without drowning out the street musicians below.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to live like a Veronese for a few days rather than just visit, this place nails it – that 9.1 rating isn’t hype. It’s got that lived-in warmth, with minor quirks like the occasional draft from the old windows (pack a sweater for cooler nights), but nothing that detracts from the magic. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like September when the crowds thin out and you can wander to Ponte Pietra for sunset views without elbowing anyone. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel connected to Verona’s soul, not just ticking off landmarks.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $74. Studio Apartment with One Double Bed with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $75. Studio Apartment with One Double Bed with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $83. Studio Apartment with One Double Bed with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Ingrid from Uruguay – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  Location perfect
  Nice decoration
  Washing machine!

• Superb – Jadranka from North Macedonia – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  Even if the stairs gave me a bit of a workout. Being in the centre is super convenient. Top location

• Staff disponibile e puntuale – Massimiliano from Italy – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Accogliente e funzionale come da foto

• ein nettes kleines Apartment, sehr ruhig und trotzdem sehr nahe an der Altstadt – Fred from Germany – 24 June 2025 (10/10)

  Das Zimmer ist groß und hat incl. Waschmaschine und Klimaanlage eigentlich alles, was man so braucht. Die Lage ist super, die Altstadt ist fußläufig in 2 Minuten zu erreichen. Die Unterkunft ist ruhig gelegen, das Bett ist sehr gut. Der Kontakt zu den Gastgebern hat gut geklappt, sie waren sehr bemüht und entgegenkommend. Das klappte auf englisch und auf deutsch gut.

• Super Lage – Luise from Germany – 5 May 2025 (8/10)

  Netter Willkommensgruß mit einer Flasche Wein aus der Region 🙂
  
  What could be improved: Die Fernbedienung für die Klimaanlage haben wir nicht gefunden, aber die Nächte sind Anfang Mai glücklicherweise noch kühl genug. Eine Grundausstattung an Gewürzen wäre schön gewesen.

• Exceptional – Marin from Moldova – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

• Superb – Sofia from Austria – 19 June 2025 (9/10)

• Very good – Carlotta from Italy – 8 May 2025 (8/10)

• Very good – Vincenzo from Italy – 9 April 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities