Giardino Giusti Home

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Giardino Giusti Home last summer, right after navigating those narrow Verona streets – you know, the ones where your GPS goes haywire because of all the one-ways around Veronetta. It’s tucked away on Via Giardino Giusti, just a stone’s throw from the actual Giardino Giusti gardens, which – honestly – are one of those underrated spots in Verona that locals rave about more than tourists do. I mean, the hotel itself feels like an extension of that Renaissance vibe; it’s this charming four-star place that’s been thoughtfully restored, with these high ceilings and terracotta floors that echo a bit when you wheel your suitcase in. Check-in was a breeze – the staff, this friendly mix of Italians who switch seamlessly between English and that lilting Veronese accent, handed over my key with a quick tip about the best gelato spot on Via Santa Maria in Chiavica, just a five-minute walk away. No fuss, no long lines, even though it was peak July when the city swells with opera crowds heading to the Arena.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends old-world charm with those little modern comforts that make a difference after a day of sightseeing. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard – well, quiet except for the occasional scooter buzzing by on the street outside, which is par for the course in Verona if you’re not in the pedestrian-only zones. The bed was plush, with these crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender (they must use some local detergent or something), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works – none of that weak trickle you get in some older buildings. Breakfast was a highlight: served in this sunlit atrium with fresh pastries, prosciutto from nearby farms, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake you up for an early stroll to Ponte Pietra. It’s not huge, but it’s intimate, and I appreciated how they source stuff locally – like the honey from the Veneto hills. Parking’s a bit of a hassle, mind you; there’s no on-site lot, so you’ll want to snag a spot in the public garage off Via San Nazaro (about 10 euros a day), but once you’re settled, you forget about the car. And in the evenings, the neighborhood quiets down nicely, especially after the garden closes at dusk – no late-night bar noise like you’d get closer to Piazza delle Erbe.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Verona rather than just visiting – maybe catching a show at the Teatro Romano across the river or wandering the less-touristy paths along the Adige – this place is a gem. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms, and during high season, you might hear the church bells from Santa Maria in Organo chiming a tad early. But honestly, that’s part of the authentic charm. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the gardens are blooming and the crowds are thinner. If Verona’s on your list, skip the big chains and give Giardino Giusti Home a shot – you’ll thank me when you’re sipping an Aperol on their terrace, watching the sunset over those cypress trees.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $291. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities