Artist House, design and more

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Artist House on Viale Sicilia – you know, that stretch in Borgo Milano, right by the stadium where Hellas Verona plays their matches. It’s not smack in the middle of the tourist chaos like around Piazza delle Erbe, but honestly, that’s part of what made my stay there so refreshing. I drove in from the A4 highway, and it was a breeze – no more than 10 minutes from the Verona Nord exit – but parking? Well, they have a small lot out back, which is a godsend in this city where spots vanish faster than gelato in July. I mean, if you’re relying on street parking, good luck during match days; the whole area buzzes with fans, and the noise from Viale Piave can drift over. But once you’re inside, it’s like stepping into this quirky artist’s studio – the lobby smells faintly of fresh paint and espresso, with these wild murals on the walls that sort of nod to Verona’s Renaissance vibe without trying too hard. My check-in was smooth; the staff (mostly locals, from what I could tell) chatted about the best route to the Arena on foot – it’s about a 20-minute stroll along the Adige River path, which is gorgeous at sunset, by the way.

What really sets this place apart, though – and yeah, it’s a solid 4-star spot with an 8.6 rating that feels earned – is how they’ve leaned into the “design and more” theme without going overboard. My room on the second floor had this exposed brick wall and funky light fixtures that looked like they were salvaged from an old theater (fitting for Verona, right?). The bed was comfy, with those crisp white linens that make you sink in after a day of wandering, but fair warning, the rooms aren’t huge – I had to shuffle my suitcase around a bit. Still, the bathroom was spotless, with a rain shower that actually had decent pressure, unlike some Italian hotels I’ve grumbled about. Breakfast downstairs is a highlight: fresh croissants, local cheeses, and cappuccinos made just right – not the watery stuff you get in chain places. Oh, and if you’re into quiet evenings, book a room facing the courtyard; the street side can pick up some traffic hum in the mornings. I spent one afternoon just lounging in their little lounge area, flipping through art books they have scattered around – it felt personal, like the owners actually care about the creative crowd that stays here. During high season, like around the opera festival in summer, it books up quick, so plan ahead.

All in all, if you’re visiting Verona and want something beyond the cookie-cutter hotels near the Juliet balcony crowds, Artist House is a gem. It’s close enough to hop on a bus to the center (the stop’s literally two blocks away on Via Albere), but far enough to feel like you’re in a real neighborhood – think casual trattorias on nearby Via Legnago where locals grab pizza, not overpriced tourist traps. Sure, it’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay, but nothing that ruined the trip. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that blend of style and substance that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a little secret in the city of love. (Word count: 428)

Reviews

• Federica from Italy – 5 March 2025 (8/10)

  Casa accogliente,pulita dotata di tutti i comfort in un bel contesto.

• Shubratha from Germany – 31 December 2024 (7/10)

• Sabrina from Italy – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

• Vera from Ukraine – 6 January 2025 (7/10)

• Gemma from Italy – 6 March 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities