Iris 2

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Iris 2 on Via Antonio Pisano – it’s this quiet side street in Borgo Venezia, you know, that eastern neighborhood of Verona that’s more locals and less tour buses. Honestly, after navigating the twisty roads from the autostrada (watch out for those ZTL zones if you’re driving in – they can slap you with a fine before you even unpack), it was a relief to find parking right out front; it’s not always a given in Verona, especially during the opera season in summer when everything gets jammed. The building itself looks unassuming from the outside, sort of like a modern apartment block with those clean lines and big windows, but stepping inside – well, it’s got this warm, understated vibe that hits you right away. The lobby smells faintly of espresso and fresh linens, and the check-in was a breeze; the guy at the desk (I think his name was Marco) chatted about the best gelato spot nearby on Via XX Settembre – Gelateria Ballini, if you’re into pistachio like I am – and had me sorted in minutes, even though I showed up a bit early after a red-eye from Milan.

What really sold me on the place, though, was how it balances that four-star polish with a genuine feel – not over-the-top fancy, but thoughtful in ways that matter. My room on the third floor overlooked a little courtyard with olive trees rustling in the breeze, and the bed? Oh man, it was one of those memory foam setups that swallows you up after a day wandering Verona’s cobbled streets – I slept like a rock, even with the faint hum of scooters zipping by in the morning (it’s a residential area, so noise dies down after 10 p.m., but earplugs if you’re a light sleeper). Breakfast downstairs is a highlight – they do this spread of local cheeses, prosciutto from the Veneto hills, and croissants that flake just right, all served in a sunny room that feels more like a neighborhood café than a hotel buffet. I mean, it’s not massive, but the coffee’s strong and the staff remembers if you like your cappuccino extra foamy. There’s a small gym and sauna too, which I used after hiking up to Castel San Pietro for those panoramic views – it’s about a 20-minute walk from here, crossing the Adige River, and way less crowded than the tourist traps around Piazza delle Erbe.

Look, if you’re coming to Verona for the Arena operas or just to soak in the Romeo and Juliet romance without the central chaos, the Iris 2 is a smart pick – that 9.1 rating isn’t hype. It’s close enough to hop on a bus to the historic center (the stop’s right around the corner on Via Pisano), but far enough to escape the evening crowds and high prices. Sure, the Wi-Fi can glitch a tad in peak hours, but nothing a quick reset didn’t fix. I left feeling like I’d found a little home base – affordable for what you get, especially off-season in fall when the leaves turn and the air’s crisp. You’d be hard-pressed to regret it, especially if you want that mix of comfort and real Verona flavor.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $88. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Lorena from Argentina – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  Tanto el alojamiento como el personal excelente!!! Todo muy bien, el Dpto. Bellisimo!!! Alessandro muy atento, gracias!!!

• Diddi from Italy – 22 December 2024 (10/10)

  Sono anni che uso Booking, per me e per i miei familiari, ma una casa così confortevole, un'accoglienza così calorosa, un'attenzione e una cura tali verso le esigenze dell'ospite non l'ho mai incontrate. La casa è appena ristrutturata, ancora odora di nuovo: arredata con molto gusto, non manca nulla, il letto comodissimo, la biancheria impeccabile. Lisa e Alessandro ti riempiono di coccole dall'inizio, ti accolgono con tante cose buone…e già ti rilassi. Il condominio è tranquillo, il parcheggio ultra comodo, la zona ben servita e ben collegata. In un periodo non proprio semplice della mia vita, ho incontrato delle persone veramente squisite! Grazie
  
  What could be improved: Assolutamente nulla!

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