La Tana del Riccio

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon La Tana del Riccio almost by accident last spring, wandering those narrow cobblestone alleys in Verona’s historical center after a long day dodging tourists around the Arena. It’s tucked away on Via Fratta, just a stone’s throw from Piazza delle Erbe – that bustling square with the old market stalls and the Madonna Verona fountain, where locals grab their morning espresso and chat about nothing in particular. The address says “3 1 piano,” which basically means it’s on the first floor of this charming old building, no elevator, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing. Honestly, my first impression was pure delight – pushing open that heavy wooden door felt like stepping into a cozy hedgehog’s den (riccio means hedgehog in Italian, after all), with exposed brick walls that smell faintly of aged stone and fresh linens. The check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm Veronese guy named Marco, greeted me with a glass of local Valpolicella wine and a quick rundown of the best nearby spots – like that hidden gelateria on Via Cappello, just around the corner from Juliet’s House, where the pistachio is to die for.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I mean, I’ve stayed in a few spots around Verona – is how it balances that old-world charm with just enough modern comforts without feeling gimmicky. The rooms are spacious for a 4-star in the centro storico, with these big windows overlooking the quiet Via Fratta (well, quiet except for the occasional Vespa zipping by in the evenings). I loved the textured linens on the bed, soft as anything, and the bathroom had this rainfall shower that was a godsend after trekking up to Castelvecchio – that’s the medieval castle bridge over the Adige River, about a 10-minute walk away. Breakfast is served in this little sunlit courtyard – think fresh croissants, prosciutto from nearby Veneto farms, and coffee that actually tastes like Italy, not some watered-down tourist trap version. Parking’s a nightmare in this part of town, as you’d expect; I ended up leaving my rental at the public lot near Porta Borsari and walking the five minutes over, but it’s worth it for the immersion. Oh, and a minor heads-up: during high season in summer, when the opera festival packs the Arena, you might hear faint echoes of arias drifting in at night – sort of romantic, actually, unless you’re a light sleeper.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic slice of Verona life rather than some sterile chain hotel, La Tana del Riccio is where it’s at. It’s got that 9-out-of-10 rating for a reason – personal touches, spotless everything, and a location that puts you right in the heart of things without the overwhelming crowds of bigger places. I left feeling like I’d made a friend in Marco, and honestly, I’d book it again in a heartbeat for a romantic weekend or even just to escape the bustle. Just remember to wander down to the river at sunset; the views from Ponte Pietra are unbeatable, and it’s only a short stroll from the hotel. You won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $1,890. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Perfect place to stay in Verona! – Snezana from Montenegro – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  The best place to stay when in Verona. Two minutes to arena, close to bus station. Super clean, new- in one word perfect! 100/10 recomendation!

• Very good – Edith from Germany – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities