Atelier di Elena

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Atelier di Elena kind of by accident last spring when I was in Verona chasing that romantic vibe the city always promises – think Romeo and Juliet, but without the tragic ending. It’s tucked away on Lungadige Porta Vittoria, right along the Adige River, just a stone’s throw from Ponte della Vittoria bridge. Honestly, arriving there after dodging the tourist crowds around Piazza delle Erbe felt like a breath of fresh air. The building itself is this charming old structure with ivy creeping up the walls – not flashy, but it has that lived-in elegance you only get in Verona’s historical center. Check-in was a breeze; Elena herself (or at least someone who felt like the owner) greeted me with a warm smile and a quick espresso, chatting about the best gelato spot down Via Mazzini – Gelateria Ponte Pietra, if you’re wondering, it’s a local favorite and not overrun like the ones near the Arena. The rooms? Well, mine was on the second floor, overlooking the river – sort of compact, I mean, it’s a 3-star place after all, but the high ceilings and those quirky art pieces (true to the “atelier” name) made it feel way more special than your average budget stay. Oh, and the bed – plush linens that smelled faintly of lavender, which was a nice touch after a day of walking those cobblestone streets.

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it blends right into the neighborhood without trying too hard. You’re basically steps from the river path where locals jog in the mornings, and if you time it right – say, early May before the summer opera crowds hit the Arena – it’s blissfully quiet at night, just the gentle lapping of the water and maybe a distant church bell. Parking’s a bit of a hassle in this part of town (historical center rules, you know), so I ended up leaving my car at the public lot near Porta Nuova station and walking the 15 minutes – totally worth it for the views along the way. Breakfast was simple but spot-on: fresh croissants, local cheeses, and that strong Italian coffee that wakes you up properly. I even caught a whiff of baking bread from a nearby forno as I sipped it on the tiny terrace. Sure, the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, that’s your cue to unplug and wander over to Castelvecchio for sunset – it’s like a 10-minute stroll across the bridge. And the rating? That 9.3 isn’t hype; it’s from folks like me who appreciate the personal vibes over cookie-cutter luxury.

All in all, if you’re heading to Verona and want something authentic without breaking the bank, Atelier di Elena is a gem. It’s not perfect – the stairs might creak a bit if you’re a light sleeper – but it captures that old-world charm that makes you feel like you’re staying with a friend rather than in a hotel. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season when the city’s quieter and you can really soak it in. Trust me, pair it with a walk to Juliet’s House (just five minutes away) and you’ve got the makings of a memorable trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $172. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• The stay was good. – Rūta from Lithuania – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very beautiful, a lot of space, all necessary supplies are included, except corkscrew 😀
  
  What could be improved: Electricity disappears few times per day, fuse panel is outside the appartment on the ground floor.

• Groß & schön! Perfekt für Ausflüge. – Antonio from Germany – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  Wunderschöne Wohnung. Perfekt gelegen. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

• Superb – Elisa from Italy – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  Appartamento spazioso con bella vista

• Exceptional – Lucia from Czech Republic – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

• Superb – Silvia from Germany – 25 June 2025 (9/10)

• Superb – Elena from Italy – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities