Italianflat – Arena by side, old town

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Verona’s old town on a balmy summer evening, the kind where the sun hangs low over the Adige River and everything feels a bit magical – you know, that classic Italian vibe. The Italianflat – Arena by side isn’t your typical hotel; it’s more like a collection of apartments tucked right on Via Anfiteatro, just steps from the massive Roman Arena. Check-in’s at their main spot on Piazzetta Scala 4, which is a quick five-minute stroll away through these narrow, winding alleys lined with gelato shops and those little boutiques selling leather goods that smell like they’ve been curing for centuries. Honestly, it was a bit of a hassle dragging my suitcase over the cobblestones – Verona’s historic center isn’t exactly built for wheels, and parking? Forget it unless you snag a spot in one of the garages outside the ZTL zones, like near Porta Nuova station. But once I got settled, man, the location hits you. You’re basically living next to the Arena, so during opera season (think July and August), you can hear faint echoes of rehearsals drifting through your window – it’s like getting a free soundtrack to your stay. The building itself has that old-world charm, with thick stone walls that keep things cool even when the piazza outside is buzzing with tourists snapping photos of Juliet’s balcony, which is just a short walk down Via Cappello.

What really sold me on this place was how it felt like a local’s hideaway in the heart of it all. The rooms – well, apartments, really – are spacious for a 4-star spot, with these high ceilings and wooden beams that make you feel like you’re in some Renaissance palazzo. Mine had a little kitchenette, which was a godsend for whipping up espresso from beans I grabbed at the market on Piazza delle Erbe (pro tip: go early mornings when the vendors are setting up, and the air smells like fresh bread and herbs). It’s rated an 8.2 for a reason – clean, comfortable beds that actually let you sleep despite the occasional street noise from late-night revelers heading to bars on Via Mazzini. I mean, it’s not soundproofed like some fancy chain hotels, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs, especially on weekends when the old town gets lively. But there’s something authentic about it; no sterile lobby or over-the-top amenities – just reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning that hums softly, and a bathroom with those classic Italian tiles that are cool underfoot. I spent afternoons wandering out to the nearby Osteria del Bugiardo for a spritz – it’s this tiny spot locals love, hidden just off Corso Porta Borsari – and coming back felt like returning home, not to a hotel.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Verona’s soul without breaking the bank, this is your spot. It’s not perfect – the decor’s a tad dated in places, like the furniture could use a refresh, and check-in might feel a bit disjointed if you’re jet-lagged – but for couples or solo travelers chasing that romantic, historical buzz, it’s spot-on. You’ll wake up to church bells from Santa Anastasia nearby, grab a cappuccino at a cafe on the piazza, and be at the Arena for a show before you know it. Just don’t expect a pool or spa; this is about immersing in the city, warts and all. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in shoulder season like September when the crowds thin out and the evenings turn crisp.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $160. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location for the arena – Tracey from United Kingdom – 4 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location was perfect
  
  What could be improved: A little tlc needed

• Very good – Alex from Greece – 19 March 2024 (8/10)

  Perfect location. Fair enough apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Cleaning needed to be upgraded. And the walls need to be renovated due to humidity.

• Very enjoyable and easy to access to everything – Kohl from South Africa – 4 September 2023 (8/10)

  Very close to the main Arena and tourists places. Everything was close by
  
  What could be improved: Not that clean – more some maintenance were needed but not unclean.

• Very good – Derek from United Kingdom – 20 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location fantastic, right next to the Arena, apartment was spacious and very quiet, and best shower ever. Some of the equipment was good quality – washing machine, dishwasher, cooker hob, .microwave.
  
  What could be improved: The bed was a bit uncomfortable, dips into the middle, electrical wiring and extension next to sink was dangerous!
  Insufficient plates, saucepans etc.

• Nice apartment. Very recommended. – Olga from United States – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  Location is perfect! 2 minutes from Arena and also from alley of restaurants. Very nice apartment, clean, comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: VERY HARD to find office to pick up a key!!! Map will help. It will be nice to have more plates. People who cook, buy and leave spices, oil, sugar, salt, please do not throw them away, leave some for the next guests, sometimes these little things helps a lot.

• Beautiful Verona – Edoardo from Italy – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  If you're looking for the perfect place to stay in Verona, this one-bedroom apartment is an excellent choice! Located just 50 meters from the Arena, it offers an unbeatable location for exploring the city's historic center.
  The apartment is surrounded by supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine or grab any essentials within a short walk.

• Exceptional – Abi from Albania – 16 March 2024 (10/10)

  The location was great, very close to the Arena and everything important.
  
  Very clean apartment with everything inside. Like a home.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Martin from Slovakia – 9 April 2023 (10/10)

  very spacey, 10 m from the coffe and 50 from the Arena

• Double charged, they ignored my requests for refund until booking.com intervened. – Ladybee from Australia – 6 October 2022 (4/10)

  Good location near to the Arena.
  
  What could be improved: Was double charged for the accommodation and it took a month of hassling and the intervention of booking.com to get my refund.
  Had trouble finding the right place to pick up they keys, had to telephone to get directions.

• Disappointing – Tea from Slovenia – 1 August 2023 (4/10)

  POSITION, next to Arena!
  
  What could be improved: A terrible smell of cigaretes (opening windows and AC didn´t help at all) and poor maintenance

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities