attico ARENA,200mq[NETFLIX-WIFI-AIR CONDITIONING]

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon attico ARENA after a long train ride into Verona – you know, pulling into Porta Nuova station and thinking, great, now how do I navigate these winding streets with my luggage? It’s tucked away at 18 Via Carlo Cattaneo, right in the historical center, on the third floor (piano 3, porta 6, as they say here), and honestly, there’s no elevator, so be prepared for a bit of a workout hauling bags up those stairs. But once you push open that door – wow. This place is a massive 200-square-meter attic apartment, feeling more like a stylish loft than your typical hotel room. I mean, the exposed wooden beams and high ceilings give it this cozy yet airy vibe, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver during that sweltering July heatwave when the whole city feels like it’s baking under the sun. The check-in was super casual; the host met me downstairs with keys and a quick rundown – no fuss, just a friendly chat about where to grab the best gelato nearby on Via Mazzini.

What really sold me was how it blends that old Verona charm with modern perks – like, there’s Netflix streaming on a big flat-screen, which was perfect for unwinding after a day exploring, and the WiFi is rock-solid, no frustrating dropouts even when I was video-calling home. The kitchen’s fully equipped (well, sort of – it’s got the basics for whipping up pasta, but don’t expect a gourmet setup), and the bedrooms are spacious enough that my group didn’t feel crammed in. From the windows, you get these glimpses of the rooftops and, if you crane your neck, a tease of the Arena di Verona just a five-minute stroll away. I loved wandering out in the evenings; the street below buzzes with locals heading to trattorias on Corso Porta Borsari, and there’s this faint scent of espresso and fresh bread drifting up from the cafes. It’s not dead quiet at night – you might hear some chatter or scooters zipping by, especially during opera season when the Arena packs in crowds – but earplugs sorted that out for me. Parking’s a nightmare in the center, though; I ditched the car at a lot near the station and walked everywhere, which actually made discovering hidden spots like the Giardino Giusti gardens even more fun.

All in all, if you’re after something that feels authentic to Verona without the stuffy hotel vibe, this place nails it – rated an 8.3 for good reason, I’d say. It’s not flawless; the bathroom’s a tad dated, with that classic Italian tile that’s seen better days, and if you’re traveling light, the space might feel overwhelmingly big. But for families or groups wanting room to spread out, plus easy access to Juliet’s House or Piazza delle Erbe (just a 10-minute amble), it’s a gem. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Veronese life, you know? Book it for spring or fall to dodge the tourist hordes – summer’s magical with the festivals, but man, it gets crowded.

Facilities