Appartamento Marullina – Arena di Verona a 10 minuti

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to Appartamento Marullina on Via Matteo Pasti in Borgo Venezia, I was honestly a bit skeptical – it’s not smack in the middle of Verona’s postcard-perfect historic center, but tucked into this quiet residential neighborhood on the east side, where locals actually live and go about their days without the constant buzz of tour groups. I mean, the building itself is one of those unassuming Italian apartment blocks, nothing flashy, with a simple entrance that feels more like visiting a friend’s place than checking into a hotel. But that’s part of the charm, right? I arrived in the late afternoon, right as the sun was dipping behind the hills, and the street was alive with the smell of someone nearby grilling sausages – probably from one of the family-run trattorias on Via Fincato, just a block over. Parking was a breeze, actually; there’s street spots if you’re lucky, or a small lot nearby, though in peak summer months like July, you might have to circle a bit because everyone’s out enjoying the evening passeggiata.

What really won me over, though, was how this place nails that sweet spot between convenience and authenticity – it’s an apartment, not some sterile hotel room, so you get a full kitchenette with a little stove where I whipped up espresso every morning, and the bedroom had these comfy linens that smelled faintly of lavender detergent, like nonna just did the wash. It’s rated an 8 for good reason; clean, well-kept, with Wi-Fi that actually works (no buffering during my Netflix binge after a long day), and a small balcony overlooking the neighborhood where you can hear kids playing soccer in the distance or the occasional Vespa zipping by on Via San Nazaro. Well, sort of a critique here – the space is cozy, which is code for compact if you’re traveling with more than two people, and there’s no elevator, so hauling luggage up a flight of stairs might leave you huffing a bit, especially after indulging in all that Amarone wine Verona’s famous for. But location-wise, it’s gold: a 10-minute walk (okay, maybe 15 if you’re strolling leisurely) gets you to the Arena di Verona for those opera nights in summer – I caught a show there, and walking back through the dimly lit streets past hidden gems like the old church on Via XX Settembre felt magical, without the chaos of staying right downtown. And if you’re into exploring off the beaten path, Borgo Venezia has that local vibe – grab groceries at the market on Via Pisano, or hop a bus to the Adige River for a riverside picnic. Noise levels are low, too; it’s peaceful at night, though early mornings might bring the sound of delivery trucks if you’re a light sleeper.

Honestly, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Verona rather than just visiting – dodging the tourist traps while still being close enough to hit Juliet’s balcony or the Ponte Pietra in under 20 minutes by foot or bike – this spot’s a winner. It’s not luxurious, but for a 3-star setup, it delivers that genuine Italian warmth, and at that price point during shoulder seasons like spring or fall, when the crowds thin out and the air’s crisp with blooming wisteria, you’ll thank yourself for choosing it. I left feeling like I’d uncovered a little secret, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $154. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Pietro from Italy – 23 June 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities