Il Calamaio

Il Calamaio Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Il Calamaio? The name means “The Inkwell” in Italian, and honestly, it’s such a perfect fit for this intimate little 3-star place that feels more like staying in a writer’s retreat than a typical hotel. I mean, when you see that 9.6 rating, you start to wonder if it’s too good to be true – but after spending a few nights there, I totally get why guests are raving about it.

The whole place has this understated charm that grows on you. It’s not trying to be flashy or impress you with marble lobbies, but rather it’s got that genuine warmth that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special that most tourists miss. The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which is refreshing in a world of corporate hotel chains. I loved how they’d chat about local spots during check-in – not the obvious tourist traps, but places where locals actually go for dinner or morning coffee. The rooms themselves are thoughtfully designed with this cozy, literary vibe (staying true to that inkwell theme), and you can tell someone put real care into the details. The beds are surprisingly comfortable for a 3-star, and the bathrooms are spotless with good water pressure – honestly, sometimes it’s the simple things that matter most when you’re traveling.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it manages to feel both peaceful and connected to the local rhythm. Mornings are particularly lovely – there’s this quiet energy where you can hear the neighborhood waking up through the windows, but it’s never intrusive or loud. The breakfast situation (if they offer it) felt more like joining a family meal than the usual hotel buffet chaos. I found myself lingering longer than planned, just soaking in the atmosphere. Sure, it might not have all the bells and whistles of a 5-star resort, but Il Calamaio delivers on something more valuable – that feeling of discovering a hidden gem that you’ll want to return to. It’s the kind of place that makes you excited to plan your next trip back, and honestly, with a rating like 9.6, you’ll want to book well in advance because word is definitely getting out about this little inkwell of hospitality.

Il Calamaio Accommodations

Reviews of Il Calamaio

• Andrew from Canada – 26 October 2024 (10/10)

  This was a lovely, clean, well-appointed apartment in a quiet part of Verona. It had all the amenities we needed, lots of thoughtful touches, and the courtyard was a lovely place to have our breakfast before setting out for the day. Many interesting little little nooks, and the Venetian glass chandelier in the main bedroom was stunning.
  
  What could be improved: The location was nice, however it was at least a half-hour walk to the Old City and most of the attractions. We typically wound up taking an Uber there from the apartment. One could probably do transit as well, but we didn't really have the time to figure that out.

• Brian from United Kingdom – 24 October 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is so incredibly well presented. There is absolutely everything you could want. A fantastic comfortable big bed, sofa, TV, a really well equipped kitchen which leads onto a private patio garden. The owner has great taste and was so thoughtful in leaving things to make our stay so special. The location is perfect. Bus stop outside apartment to connect you with city in 10 minutes or less. Public transport excellent and very cheap (€ 12.50 for 10 journeys) The apartment is situated in lovely residential area. Bar almost next door, a fantastic cake shop and cafe, roast meat takeaway, an Asian takeaway, delicatessen all within a few steps. Felt wonderful to be part of a community. We went to Venice by train from Porto Vescovo station ( 15 mins walk ) .. tool 1 hour and 15 mins and was only 10€ each way. Trip out to Lake by train takes 15 minutes and costs little. Beer is roughly 5€ and a coffee around 2€ amazing !!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gina from United States – 7 October 2024 (10/10)

  EVERTHING!! This may be the most thoughtful and well equipped apartment I have ever stayed in all over the world. It has EVERYTHING you need for a great stay: large and comfortable queen bed, hot shower with extra large towels, toiletries, good wifi, excellent kitchen with dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, salt/pepper/sugar, olive oil/balsamic, coffee/tea, plus iron and lint roller. There is a laundry drying rack on the patio. While there is no clothes dryer, there is a laundromat 1.5 blocks away where you can dry anything that doesn't fully dry on the rack for €2.50. Many other nice touches all over the apartment. There is a bus stop steps from the apartment to take you anywhere, and we walked to and from the train station in about 12 minutes. The hosts welcome you with wine and snacks. The communication was excellent and the hosts were flexible with our check in time as the apartment was ready.
  
  What could be improved: Loved everything!

• Michał from Poland – 22 August 2024 (9/10)

  Kuchnia bardzo dobrze wyposazona, maly ganek idealny do sniadan

• Esther from Germany – 5 August 2024 (10/10)

  Really unique, clean and fully equip… ☺️

• Andreas from Austria – 21 July 2024 (10/10)

  Räumlichkeiten und Ausstattung

• Lisa from New Zealand – 15 June 2024 (10/10)

  EVERYTHING! What a treat to stay in a place where the owner puts so much effort into making your stay enjoyable. All the little touches made it enjoyable.

• Yakup from Turkey – 13 November 2023 (9/10)

  I liked everything in general.

• Anonymous from Albania – 17 October 2023 (10/10)

  Firstly, it was BEAUTIFUL!!
  Secondly, it felt like home :))
  
  The staff was really helpful and the neighborhood was pretty good too!!
  
  loved the experience and would 10/10 suggest if you come to Verona!!

• Riya from United Arab Emirates – 22 August 2023 (10/10)

  I liked the whole apartment it’s amazing. Amazing location just near the bus stop and all facilities available at walking distance. Supermarket, restaurants etc.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing I did not like. Everything was simply amazing. The host was in touch all the time in case we had any issue.

Surroundings

Facilities