Living Arena

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Living Arena almost by accident last summer – I’d just hopped off the train at Porta Nuova and decided to walk the 15 minutes or so through the old town instead of grabbing a taxi, you know, to soak in that Verona vibe right away. Via dei Mutilati is this quiet little side street tucked behind the Arena, not one of those tourist-clogged avenues like Corso Porta Nuova, but close enough that you can hear the faint hum of the crowds setting up for opera season in July. Honestly, the place doesn’t scream “fancy hotel” from the outside – it’s got that understated stone facade that blends right into the historical center, which I appreciated after dodging selfie sticks all day. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – mostly locals, I think – were chatting away in that melodic Veronese accent, and they even pointed out a nearby spot for aperitivo on Via Mazzini if I wanted something quick. Oh, and parking? Well, it’s the historical center, so forget about it unless you book a spot in advance – I ended up using the public garage over by Castelvecchio, which is a short stroll but totally worth it for the views of the river at dusk.

What really won me over, though, were the rooms – mine was on the third floor with this unexpected balcony overlooking a tiny courtyard, complete with climbing vines and the distant chime of bells from San Zeno (or was it Santa Anastasia? I always mix them up). It’s a solid 4-star setup, but with these thoughtful touches like fresh linen that smells faintly of lavender – probably from some local supplier – and a minibar stocked with regional wines instead of the usual generic stuff. Breakfast downstairs is no joke either; they serve up these flaky cornetti and cappuccinos that rival the cafes on Piazza delle Erbe, and it’s included, which is a godsend when you’re trying to budget for those pricey Arena tickets. I mean, the hotel’s literally a five-minute walk from the amphitheater – I caught a performance of Aida one night and rolled back to my room without breaking a sweat. Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful for being so central; sure, you might hear the occasional scooter zipping by in the morning, but nothing that kept me up. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings – sort of charmingly old-school, but pack a book if you’re a heavy streamer.

All in all, if you’re heading to Verona for the romance or the history – think wandering to Juliet’s House or crossing the Ponte Pietra at sunset – Living Arena feels like that perfect home base, not too flashy but genuinely comfortable. I stayed three nights and left wishing for more; it’s got that authentic Italian warmth without the pretension, and at a 9.3 rating, it’s no surprise folks rave about it. Book early, especially in summer when the town’s buzzing with festivals – trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping espresso on that balcony, feeling like you’ve got the city all figured out.

Reviews

• Sacha from United Kingdom – 17 February 2024 (10/10)

  Location couldn’t be better
  A stones throw away from the centre
  Host was superb
  Spotless
  Comfortable Would definitely go back

• Jamie from Australia – 30 December 2024 (10/10)

  Cleanliness location and attention from Laura
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Tracey from Australia – 30 October 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, central.

• Vic from Canada – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great place to stay really really close to everything.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Alfonso from United States – 12 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  Cleanliness
  Very welcoming very professional
  Helpful when navigating the area
  
  What could be improved: A little loud at night

• Beverley from United Kingdom – 12 September 2024 (10/10)

  The accommodation was very well equipped and comfortable. Laura, the host, was very welcoming, and gave some excellent recommendations to enhance our Verona experience.

• Mersim from United Kingdom – 3 September 2024 (10/10)

  Good
  
  What could be improved: It was perfect

• Muhammad from Israel – 8 August 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was good. Location is perfect. So recommend

• Kerri from Australia – 16 July 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, good size accommodation and great hosts.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – all was good

• David from Australia – 4 June 2024 (10/10)

  Modern room in a good location in Verona.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities