Ester44

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ester44 last spring when I was wandering through Verona’s historic center – you know, that maze of cobblestone streets where every corner feels like it’s straight out of a Shakespeare play. It’s tucked away on Via Sant’Egidio, just a stone’s throw from Piazza delle Erbe, which is honestly one of my favorite spots in the city for grabbing a morning espresso and people-watching. I mean, the hotel’s address is Via Sant’Egidio 3, right in the thick of things, but it’s not smack in the tourist chaos like some places near the Arena. Driving in was a bit of a hassle – parking in Verona’s old town is always a nightmare, with those narrow lanes and ZTL zones that fine you if you’re not careful – so I ended up ditching the car at a garage a few blocks away on Via Cappello (yeah, the one near Juliet’s House) and walking the rest. Check-in was a breeze, though; the staff were these warm locals who chatted about the best gelato spots without making it feel forced. The lobby has this cozy, understated vibe – think exposed brick walls that smell faintly of aged wood and fresh linen, with a little courtyard out back where you can sip wine under string lights. It’s a 4-star spot, rated around 8.3, which feels spot-on; not overly fancy, but comfortable in that authentic Italian way.

What really won me over was how Ester44 blends right into the neighborhood without trying too hard. My room overlooked a quiet alley – well, quiet during the day, anyway; evenings can get a tad noisy with folks spilling out from nearby trattorias on Via Mazzini, but nothing earplugs couldn’t handle. The bed was plush, with those crisp white sheets that make you want to sleep in, and the bathroom had this rainfall shower that was a godsend after hiking up to Castel San Pietro for those panoramic views of the Adige River (it’s about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, uphill but worth it for sunset). Honestly, the breakfast spread was a highlight – fresh croissants from a bakery just down the street, local cheeses, and cappuccinos that actually taste like they’re from Verona, not some chain. I appreciated the little touches, like the free bikes they offer for exploring – pedaled over to the Ponte Pietra one afternoon, dodging scooters and inhaling that mix of river air and blooming wisteria in April. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings (I mean, the building’s historic, so what do you expect?), and if you’re here in peak summer, book early because the place fills up with festival-goers for the opera season at the Arena.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that feels like a local’s secret in Verona’s heart – without the sterile hotel chain vibe – Ester44 is it. It’s the kind of place where you can step out your door and be at authentic osterias or the Duomo in minutes, yet retreat to something peaceful at night. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the crowds thin out and you can really soak in the city’s rhythm. Just pack comfortable shoes for all that walking – trust me, your feet will thank you later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $139. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Correcto y límpio. Bien situado – Eduardo from Spain – 25 June 2025 (8/10)

  Correcto, límpio y con aire acondicionado
  
  What could be improved: No me dejaron llevarme una plancha por motivos de seguridad, y el apartamento tenía una plancha, que por supuesto, No utilizamos.
  No lo entiendo.

• Superb – Po-cheng from Taiwan – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

• Very good – Luigi from Italy – 14 May 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities