Gran Guardia Home Verona

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled up to Gran Guardia Home Verona on Via dei Mutilati – that’s this quiet little side street right off Corso Porta Nuova, tucked into the heart of Verona’s old town – I was honestly a bit skeptical. I’d just come from a chaotic drive through the city center, dodging scooters and tourists spilling out from Piazza Bra, and finding parking was a nightmare (pro tip: there’s a public lot nearby on Via Pallone, but it fills up fast during opera season in summer). But stepping inside, well, it felt like slipping into a cozy, lived-in apartment rather than some sterile hotel lobby. The check-in was super laid-back – this older guy at the desk chatted about the best gelato spot around the corner (Gelateria Savoia, if you’re wondering, their pistachio is unreal) – and before I knew it, I was up in my room, which overlooked the narrow cobblestone alley below. The place has that classic Veronese vibe, with exposed brick walls and these chunky wooden beams that make you feel like you’re crashing in a renovated palazzo from the Renaissance era. Oh, and the bed? Those crisp white linens smelled faintly of lavender – probably from the local laundry service they use – and it was one of those sink-right-in mattresses that had me sleeping like a baby, even with the occasional hum of evening chatter drifting up from the streets.

What really sets Gran Guardia apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s wandered Verona more times than I can count – is how it’s basically your launchpad for everything without feeling touristy. You’re literally a five-minute stroll from the Arena di Verona, where I caught a sunset opera rehearsal once (tickets are cheaper if you snag them early in the day from the box office on Via Dietro Anfiteatro). Juliet’s House is just a quick jaunt across the Adige River – cross at Ponte Pietra for the views, trust me – and if you’re into food, there’s this tiny osteria on Via Sottoriva with the freshest tortellini in brodo. The rooms aren’t huge, sort of compact like most historic buildings here, but they’ve got these modern touches: a Nespresso machine that actually works (unlike some places I’ve stayed), and bathrooms with rainfall showers that steam up the whole space with that clean, citrusy soap scent. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful after 10 PM – Verona winds down early unless there’s a festival – but if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a back room away from the street. Breakfast was simple but solid: fresh croissants, local cheeses, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead, served in a little courtyard that catches the morning sun. Honestly, it’s not flashy, but that’s the charm – it feels authentic, like you’re part of the neighborhood rather than just passing through.

All in all, if you’re heading to Verona for a romantic weekend or to soak up the history (and let’s face it, who isn’t drawn to those Shakespeare vibes?), Gran Guardia is a solid pick. It’s got that 4-star polish without the pretension, and at an 8.7 rating, it’s clear others agree. I left feeling like I’d discovered a hidden gem – you know, the kind you tell friends about over wine. Just book ahead in July or August; the place gets snapped up quick when the arena’s buzzing. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $651. Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We had a great visit to Verona, really central but just away from the crowds, next to the arena – Hibbert from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, very clean, well laid out apartment,
  Nice air con
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent location and a comfortable stay – Elif from Switzerland – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  The checkin and checkout process was very smooth. Photos are accurate and the facility was well equipped.
  It was also very convienient to have the supermarket right under and its parking space that was used for parking (18 euros per night).

• Very nice. Comfortable. Nice to have a grocery store close by for coffee etc. easy walk to places and reasonable cost of – Ooi from United States – 7 February 2025 (8/10)

  Good size. Clean. Central. Quiet inside. Adequate
  
  What could be improved: Washing machine not working. Pillow were flat and inadequate. No salt or pepper. No cooking oils. No body soap for shower. Only a bottle of shampoo. No dish towel. No face cloth to wash our face. Italians may not be used to wash cloth.

• Fabulous ! – Valerie from Ireland – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Location was excellent, apartment was lovely clean and had all you could want. Host was very helpful and also very kind to respond to any of our questions. Highly recommend and would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all.

• Lovely stay, really enjoyed it – Kara from Australia – 29 December 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, just needed a couple of little things like tea towels and toaster etc

• Exceptional – Nadezhda from Cyprus – 17 November 2024 (10/10)

  We enjoied our stay here. Very cosy, you can find everything you need, including dishwasher and washing machine, in the city centre 1min walk to Arena. On the ground floor you can find Pam! Supermarket.

• Best apartment in the whole of Italy we've stayed in – Elmira from Philippines – 26 October 2024 (9/10)

  Self Check-in and out with clear instructions. The place looks better than the photos posted. It was clean and smells good. The shower worked well.The apartment is near all the tourist spots. Strategically located with a supermarket on the ground floor. We slept well at night. The entire unit is spacious. Highly recommended since the host responds immediately and clearly.
  
  What could be improved: More pillows would be better.

• Exceptional – Martin from Australia – 8 October 2024 (10/10)

  This was a lovely apartment, in a secure building with a supermarket downstairs. There was paid parking I n the building below the supermarket. The apartment was within a short walk of the old town of vrrona. We really enjoyed or stay in verona and the apartment.

• Perfect spot, great apartment! – Warren from Australia – 12 September 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic apartment! Very spacious, great bathroom & living area. Bedroom was quite large with lots of cupboard space. All amenities you’d need – washing machine, iron, dishwasher.
  Literally around the corner from the Arena, bars & restaurants.

• 5 star property – Vandana from India – 8 September 2024 (10/10)

  Neat and clean and very close to Opera and restaurants
  
  What could be improved: They can keep toothbrushes and paste/toiletries

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities