PAO Apartment – Veronetta 2

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to PAO Apartment – Veronetta 2 on Via San Vitale last summer, right after navigating those narrow Verona streets that always seem to surprise you with a sudden one-way turn – you know, the kind where your GPS freaks out and you’re left circling the block. It’s tucked into the Veronetta neighborhood, which honestly feels like the cooler, less touristy side of town compared to the bustling centro storico across the Adige River. I mean, it’s just a quick stroll over Ponte Pietra to get to the Arena or Juliet’s House, but staying here, you’re surrounded by actual locals grabbing espresso at spots like the little cafe on Via XX Settembre, where the aroma of fresh cornetti hits you first thing in the morning. The building itself is one of those understated Italian apartments with a modern twist – think clean lines, big windows letting in that golden Verona light, and a buzzer system that’s straightforward once you figure out the code (pro tip: double-check it with the host via WhatsApp, as I fumbled it on my first try after a long drive from Milan).

What really won me over was how lived-in and practical the place felt, like it was designed for travelers who actually want to settle in rather than just crash. My unit – well, it was more of a spacious one-bedroom with a kitchenette that had everything from a proper espresso machine to those quirky Italian gadgets for making pasta al dente. The bed was super comfy, with crisp linens that smelled faintly of lavender (maybe from the nearby Giardino Giusti gardens? It’s just a 10-minute walk east, and honestly, wandering those manicured hedges in the evening is a must if you’re into that Renaissance vibe). Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet for a city spot; you might hear the occasional scooter zipping by on San Vitale in the mornings, but by nightfall, it’s serene – especially in shoulder season like May or September when the student crowd from the university thins out. Parking’s a bit of a hassle if you’re driving – I ended up using a paid lot a couple blocks away on Via Cantarane, which wasn’t ideal but doable. Oh, and the check-in was seamless; the owner met me with a bottle of local Valpolicella wine and some tips on avoiding the tourist traps, like skipping the overpriced gelato near the river and heading to a hidden spot in Borgo Venezia instead. There’s even a small balcony where I sipped coffee watching the neighborhood wake up – sort of a personal ritual that made the stay feel authentic, you know?

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to experience Verona beyond the postcards – maybe exploring the indie bookstores on Via Cappello or catching a sunset from Castel San Pietro just up the hill – this place is a gem. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during peak hours, but nothing a quick reset couldn’t fix. At a solid 4-star with that 9 rating, it punches above its weight for value, especially for couples or solo travelers craving space without the hotel fuss. I’d go back in a heartbeat – actually, I already have plans to, come fall when the leaves turn and the air gets that crisp, wine-harvest edge.

Reviews

• Pasquale from Italy – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  Buona posizione, l'appartamento è ben arredato, pulito, comodo e offre i comfort necessari. Il bagno è pratico e la doccia è comoda. Gradita la presenza di una bottiglia di acqua fresca nel frigo e la possibilità di farsi un caffè con capsule messe a disposizione dall'host che si è dimostrato gentile e disponibile.
  
  What could be improved: Le camere sono su due livelli, collegati da una scala interna, sul piano di sopra c'è l'unico bagno.

• Trisevgeni from Italy – 22 February 2025 (9/10)

• Giulia from Italy – 9 September 2024 (8/10)

• Florian from Italy – 21 April 2024 (7/10)

• Guilherme from Brazil – 29 June 2024 (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

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