Hotel Marco Polo

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Hotel Marco Polo on a drizzly afternoon last spring—Verona’s historical center can be a maze of narrow streets, you know? The address is Via di Sant’Antonio, 21, but check-in’s actually at number 6 just down the way, which threw me off at first (pro tip: look for the little brass plaque or you’ll end up circling like I did). It’s tucked right in the heart of things, steps from the Adige River and that charming stretch of Via Leoni where locals grab their morning cornetto. Honestly, parking’s a nightmare here—historical zones mean no cars allowed without a permit, so I ditched mine at the public lot near Castelvecchio and walked the five minutes over cobblestones that click-clack under your shoes. But once you’re in, it feels like stepping into one of those old Italian palazzos, with exposed brick walls and that faint, comforting smell of aged wood and fresh laundry drifting through the halls. As a 3-star spot with an 8.1 rating, it’s not trying to be fancy—more like your aunt’s cozy guesthouse in the city, well-kept but unpretentious.

What really won me over was how it balances that authentic Verona vibe without skimping on the basics. My room was on the smaller side—sort of compact, like most places in these old buildings—but it had this huge window overlooking a quiet courtyard, filtering in the soft hum of church bells from nearby San Zeno (yeah, the basilica’s just a 10-minute stroll away, perfect for catching evensong if you’re into that). The bed was firm and comfy, with crisp white sheets that smelled like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and the bathroom, while basic, had hot water that didn’t quit and those little complimentary soaps that actually lather up nicely. Breakfast downstairs is a simple spread—fresh pastries, yogurt, and cappuccino strong enough to wake the dead—but it’s included, and you can linger at the communal tables chatting with other travelers about their day trips to Lake Garda. I mean, it’s not a five-star buffet, but in busy seasons like summer when the opera festival packs the Arena (which is literally a 15-minute walk from here), it’s a godsend to have that easy start without venturing out into the crowds right away. Oh, and noise-wise, the streets quiet down after 10 p.m., though you might hear the occasional scooter zipping by—earplugs helped me, but it’s part of the charm, right?

All in all, if you’re hitting Verona for its romance—think Juliet’s balcony on Via Cappello or wandering Piazza delle Erbe with its market stalls selling prosciutto and Amarone wine—this place is a solid pick for folks who want to feel immersed without breaking the bank. It’s got that lived-in warmth, you know, where the staff remembers your name and points you to hidden gems like the tiny osteria on Via Sottoriva for authentic risotto. Sure, it could use a bit more closet space for longer stays, but for a few nights exploring the city’s layers— from Roman ruins to those gelato spots that stay open late—it’s more than worth it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the fog rolls in off the river and everything feels a tad more magical.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $103. Economy Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $112. Standard Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $129. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent hotel showing a fae signs of age, but don’t let that stop you booking. Hotel in great location in great, sma – Gary from United Kingdom – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  Clean, comfy bed and easy registration
  
  What could be improved: The shower needs an upgrade

• Superb – Hongjae from South Korea – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great breakfast, friendly staff, and a comfortable bed. .
  
  What could be improved: .However, private parking was a bit difficult

• Well located to visit Verona on foot – Irene from Romania – 30 June 2025 (8/10)

  City center Proximity
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast

• Verona stay – Helen from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (7/10)

  Excellent location for station and historic centre. Room clean and tidy. Huge comfy bed. Mini bar prices reasonable. Lovely breakfast and very good coffee. Luggage storage
  
  What could be improved: Room compact for a "superior" rating- v good photography! No water glasses. Room in separate building to main hotel but probably quieter. Luggage storage not particularly secure but probably fine.

• Excellent authentic Italian stay – loved it ! – Sonia from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location !
  
  What could be improved: Not enough bed sheets! Felt cold!

• Nice! – Pamela from Poland – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  This hotel was a pleasant place to stay! The room and bathroom were nice and had enough space, making for a comfortable experience. Staying only one night felt a bit short, as the visit was enjoyable.
  Breakfast was good, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. The option to store luggage was convenient.
  The location is practical—close to the historical center and not too far from the train station, making it a suitable choice for travelers (walkable if you do not carry big luggage).
  
  What could be improved: One potential downside is that the hotel is divided into two buildings, which can be slightly confusing. The reception and breakfast area were in a different building than the room, located about 30 meters apart. To get between them, guests need to cross a quiet street. However, to be fair, all necessary instructions were provided before check-in. Also, the air conditioning didn’t seem to work very well

• Great option for a short stay – Julia from United Kingdom – 1 February 2025 (7/10)

  Good location between train station and city. Quiet street

• Good stay – Дарья from Russia – 29 January 2025 (8/10)

  Spacious room, very comfortable bed
  
  What could be improved: One reception for two buildings, breakfast was also in the other hotel. Not a disaster, but nevertheless

• Enjoyed our stay in Marco Polo. Excellent location, great breakfast and clean room. – Willem from Ireland – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location and great breakfast!
  
  What could be improved: No coffee and tea in the room.

• Nice hotel – Anita – 2 October 2024 (9/10)

  The location was great, so close to the centre. Staff were lovely and very attentive. Breakfast was good.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately our room, whilst very clean and tidy had a few issues. The air conditioning was poor which although annoying wasn't a huge problem as temperatures weren't too high. The bed was broken which we had to suffer with on the first night until we could report it for repair. It was repaired very quickly. It was just bad luck and I don't think a reflection on the hotel as a whole. In fact it's a positive how the staff reacted.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities