Maison Porta Leoni

Hotel Description

You know, when I first stumbled upon Maison Porta Leoni tucked away on Vicolo Amanti – this tiny, cobblestone alley right in the heart of Verona’s old town – I thought I’d accidentally wandered into some hidden Renaissance courtyard. It’s literally steps from the ancient Porta Leoni gate, that Roman ruin that’s been standing there since forever, and honestly, the whole vibe feels like you’ve time-traveled. I mean, Verona’s historical center is all about those narrow streets winding between frescoed buildings, and this place fits right in without trying too hard. Checking in was a breeze – the owner, this friendly local guy named Marco (I think?), handed over the keys with a quick chat about where to grab the best spritz nearby, like at that little bar on Via Mazzini just around the corner. No fancy lobby or anything, just a welcoming doorway that opens into a cozy reception area smelling faintly of old stone and fresh linen. And parking? Well, forget it if you’re driving – the centro storico is mostly pedestrian-only, so I ended up leaving my car at the public lot near Piazza Bra and walking the five minutes over, which wasn’t a big deal but something to plan for, especially if you’ve got luggage.

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel balances that old-world charm with stuff that actually makes your stay comfortable. The rooms are on the smaller side – typical for these converted historic buildings, you know? – but mine had this exposed brick wall and a balcony overlooking the vicolo, where I could hear the distant hum of tourists heading to Juliet’s House (it’s like two blocks away, super close for that romantic photo op). The bed was surprisingly plush for a 3-star spot, and breakfast? Oh man, they serve it in this sunny little courtyard – fresh cornetti, cappuccino that tastes like it came from a proper Italian nonna, and even some prosciutto if you’re feeling savory. I stayed during the summer opera season at the Arena, and it was perfect; you’d step out and be right in the mix without the noise bleeding in too much at night – though fair warning, church bells from Santa Anastasia nearby do chime early, which sort of adds to the atmosphere if you’re not a light sleeper. It’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms, and there’s no elevator, so stairs might be a huff for some – but those quirks make it feel authentic, not some sterile chain hotel.

All in all, if you’re heading to Verona for the romance or the history – maybe catching a show at the Arena or just wandering to Piazza delle Erbe for market day – Maison Porta Leoni is the kind of place that sticks with you. It’s got that high 9 rating for a reason; it’s unpretentious, super central without being overwhelming, and leaves you with stories to tell. I left feeling like I’d lived a little piece of Verona life, you know? Definitely worth booking if you want more than just a bed – especially in shoulder season like spring, when the crowds thin out and the wisteria on the walls starts blooming.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location for a short break – Morna from United Kingdom – 23 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location

• Brilliant host and great accommodation in hart of Verona. – Malgorzata from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very good experience

• Exceptional – Ivonne from United States – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location is great! apartment is beautiful and clean.

• Exceptional – Nora from Switzerland – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  The location was unbeatable. We went in summer and this accommodation was much cooler on the inside due to it being in an old building. We had everything we needed, it was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was great!

• Really at the heart of the city – Oleksandra from Germany – 7 October 2023 (9/10)

  Everything apart there was not enough daylight. Very quite, easy check in, centre located
  
  What could be improved: Lack of daylight because of fixed curtains in a bedroom

• Fab location – Yvette from United Kingdom – 19 August 2023 (8/10)

  Great location, comfy bed, good shower, perfect for short stays. We stayed as family of four which was right but perfectly fine.
  
  What could be improved: The place needed another fan because if you use the sofa bed that person has no cooling and can’t sleep.

• Lovely place, very central and pleasant stay – Kate from United Kingdom – 11 June 2023 (10/10)

  Really lovely place , very central

• The Apartment was very well located for a short stay in Verona. – Suzanne from Australia – 15 May 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment was located just a short distance from the Bus 11, 12 & 13 stop from the Porta Nuova Station which was perfect and easy to find. The apartment was roomy and provided us with everything we needed for our stay in Verona. The owners allowed us early access to the apartment which was well appreciated. The apartment is extremely well located just near the old town and the Piazza Delle Erbe and a perfect spot to explore Verona.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to fault

• Exceptional – Vjosa from Kosovo – 11 April 2023 (10/10)

  The place was clean and very comfortable, it was only 300 m from Juliette's house.

• Exceptional – Lina from Ireland – 21 October 2022 (10/10)

  All was so good for that price..

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities