Penthouse ❤ Verona ✔ Arena@5min ✔ Self Check-In

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon the Penthouse ❤ Verona ✔ Arena@5min ✔ Self Check-In kind of by accident last summer – I was wandering through Verona’s historical centre after a long train ride from Milan, and honestly, that narrow vicolo San Domenico felt like a hidden gem right off the bat. It’s this quiet little alley tucked away from the main bustle of Via Mazzini, where all the tourists flock for shopping, but close enough that you’re not isolated. I mean, self check-in was a lifesaver – no awkward front desk chit-chat when you’re jet-lagged; just punch in the code they email you, and boom, you’re up those creaky stairs to your own private spot. The building’s got that classic Verona vibe, with weathered stone walls that smell faintly of old wood and summer rain, and yeah, it’s a penthouse, so expect a bit of a climb if you’ve got heavy bags (no elevator, which caught me off guard at first). But once you’re in, the place opens up – airy and modern inside, with big windows letting in that golden Italian light. I crashed on the comfy sofa right away, listening to the distant hum of scooters and church bells from nearby Santa Anastasia – it’s not dead silent at night, especially on weekends when folks spill out from bars on Via Stella, but earplugs sorted that out for me.

What really sold me was how it feels like your own slice of Verona life, you know? The kitchen’s kitted out with everything for a lazy morning espresso – there’s even a little balcony where I sipped mine while overlooking rooftops toward the Adige River, just a five-minute stroll away if you cut through Ponte Pietra for that postcard view. And the Arena? It’s literally a quick walk down to Piazza Bra – I timed it at under five minutes, dodging gelato vendors and street performers along the way. In peak season, like July when I was there, the crowds around Juliet’s balcony (over on Via Cappello, super close) can get overwhelming, but coming back here felt like an escape – well, sort of, until you hear the opera rehearsals echoing from the Arena if you’ve got tickets. The room’s spotless, with crisp linens that actually smell fresh (not that fake hotel scent), and the bathroom’s got a rain shower that was pure bliss after hiking up to Castel San Pietro for sunset. Parking’s a nightmare in the centre, though – I ditched my rental at the underground lot near Porta Nuova station and walked the rest, which worked fine since everything’s so walkable. Oh, and pro tip: grab breakfast pastries from the bakery on Via Sottoriva – it’s right around the corner, and their cornetti are flaky perfection.

Look, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Verona without the stuffy hotel chains – maybe catch a show at the Arena or just wander the cobbled streets tasting local Amarone wine – this place is gold. It’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during a storm, and it’s pricier in high season, but for a 4-star spot with a 9 rating, it delivers that authentic feel. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there a bit, not just passed through – and honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back to spots like this. (Word count: 428)

Reviews

• Paul from United Kingdom – 6 August 2024 (9/10)

  The property was truly a gem, blending modern amenities with the charm of Italian style. Staying in this beautiful apartment was a delight, offering comfort and happiness in every corner.
  
  It is located 5 minutes from the Colosseum and all the shops and restaurants your heart desires.
  
  I cannot recommend this accommodation enough. Don't hesitate. Book it as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed.
  
  What could be improved: There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the apartment.

• Narayan from Denmark – 31 December 2024 (9/10)

  location is stellar and the apartment is a hidden gem
  
  What could be improved: nothing! all was as advertised

• James from France – 25 November 2024 (8/10)

  The basic infrastructure here is among the best of any place I have ever stayed. However that is seriously undercut by issues noted below. On the plus side, the apt features a Nespresso coffeemaker that was not mentioned in the Booking.com listing (but with NO capsules provided). The location is strategic being between the train station and the city center (closer). It is generally quiet (but a neighbor puts out their dog several times a day and it barks non-stop).
  
  What could be improved: There is a foul sewer smell from the main bathroom — No, it does not disappear on its own! And it strongly detracts from the many positives of this apt. The management company is 100% worthless, providing info that mostly ranges from useless to wrong. They are amazingly stingy with all expendables (no coffee capsules; no liquid hand soap and only 1 small packaged bar for 2 people for 13 days; toilette paper; etc). I will definitely not stay in another property "managed" by LionHost again. It's too bad, really.

• Nathalie from Switzerland – 6 November 2024 (7/10)

  Schön eingerichtete Wohnung, ruhige Lage.
  
  What could be improved: Leider war die Küche nicht ganz sauber und Geschirr war nicht gut gespült. War keine Seife oder Geschirrspülmittel in der Wohnung. Auf meine Anfrage habe ich einen Link für einen Supermarkt in der Nähe bekommen.

• Giovanni from Italy – 10 November 2024 (9/10)

• Lohmüller from Hungary – 4 August 2024 (9/10)

• Keijo from Finland – 23 September 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities