San Giovanni in Valle – Italian Homing

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to San Giovanni in Valle – Italian Homing on a warm Verona afternoon last spring, dodging a few Vespas on that narrow cobblestone street in the Veronetta neighborhood. It’s tucked away on Via San Giovanni in Valle, just a stone’s throw from the Teatro Romano – you know, that ancient amphitheater where they still do summer plays under the stars. Honestly, I was beat from wandering around Piazza delle Erbe earlier, with all its market bustle and tourists snapping pics of Juliet’s balcony (which, side note, is totally overrated if you’re not into crowds). But stepping into this place felt like a sigh of relief – the entrance is unassuming, like walking into a friend’s old apartment building, with that faint scent of fresh laundry and espresso lingering in the air. Check-in was a breeze; the staff, a mix of locals who actually live nearby, chatted with me about the best gelato spot on Via Santa Maria in Organo – Gelateria Ballini, if you’re wondering, their pistachio is killer. No big lobby fuss, just a quick handover of keys and a tip about parking: it’s tricky here, with those tight spots on the side streets, so if you’re driving, snag a spot early or use the public lot over by Ponte Pietra, about a five-minute walk.

What really won me over, though, was how it nails that “Italian homing” vibe – it’s not some glossy chain hotel, more like staying in a restored townhouse with personality. My room on the second floor had these high ceilings with exposed beams, and the bed was one of those firm-but-cozy setups that make you sleep like a rock after a day of exploring. Well, sort of – there was a bit of street noise in the mornings from folks heading to the university nearby, but nothing earplugs couldn’t handle, and it added to the authentic feel, you know? The bathroom was spotless, with those thick cotton towels that smell like they’ve been line-dried in the sun, and the free Wi-Fi was surprisingly zippy for streaming a quick episode of whatever. Breakfast downstairs is simple but spot-on: fresh cornetti, cappuccino made right there (none of that machine stuff), and local cheeses from the Veneto region – I mean, pair that with a view of the courtyard garden, blooming with oleanders in season, and it’s the perfect lazy start before hitting the Arena, which is maybe a 15-minute stroll across the river. Oh, and if you’re here in July for the opera festival, book ahead; the place fills up fast, but it’s blissfully quieter than the spots right in the centro storico.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels lived-in and genuine, without skimping on the comforts – like air conditioning that actually works in Verona’s humid summers – this is it. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those evening walks along the Adige River, grabbing a spritz at a tiny bar on Via Sottoriva. Sure, it’s not the cheapest 4-star around, but for the rating it pulls (an 8.7 that feels earned), and that sense of being in the real Verona, away from the tour bus hordes, it’s worth every euro. Just pack light; the stairs can be a workout if you’re on an upper floor.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $121. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 – 1 guests

Reviews

• Анастасія from Ukraine – 14 September 2024 (9/10)

  IT was nice apartment, close to everything. Easy to check in and check out with instructions. Near is a small market and bus stop. Easy to get the main sightseeing. There was everything you need in kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: Sofa was a little bit hard it was a little bit uncomfortable to sleep and mattres was the same. But others things was good.

• Davis from United Kingdom – 9 November 2024 (9/10)

  A great little apartment in a great location. Very close to bus routes, and also walkable to the other side of the river. Shops and restaurants are close by. The apartment was well equipped in all rooms and we felt at home. The access was easy, and it felt very secure. It was a nice quiet area, apart from a little bit of traffic noise if the windows were open. I did contact the apartment team via WhatsApp and received a reply straight away. I really couldn't fault this accommodation at all. Verona was one of the best cities I've visited, and this was a perfect Base.

• An from Albania – 28 April 2024 (9/10)

  Comfortable space, access very easy to the center and the castle.
  Very nice to stay more than 2 nights.

• Matjaz from Slovenia – 1 May 2024 (9/10)

  At first I was a little skeptical about the way to enter the building itself. The door is unlocked when you press the button that you get via the whatsapp link. But it worked and we used this method of entry to the building all the time.
  The apartment is excellently furnished. The kitchen has all the dishes and utensils, even an electric espresso machine. Lavazza coffee and milk in the fridge were also waiting for us in the drawer! In the kitchen there were cloths, detergent, washing machine and dishwasher including detergents!
  The apartment is very close to the center. Several times a day we walked to the center of Verona.
  Giusti Garden is only a 3-minute walk from the apartment. Every morning I walked to the nearby hill with the dog where Castel San Pietro stands with an extraordinary view of Verona.
  We parked the car in a nearby parking garage, a 5-minute walk away.
  Host was very responsive to all our questions.

• Define from Italy – 19 November 2024 (9/10)

  Bellissimo appartamento, comodo con tutto vicino, zona tranquilla,facile gli spostamenti in centro. Lo consiglio.

• Michael from Switzerland – 2 October 2024 (9/10)

  Sehr gute Unterkunft, super Lage um die Stadt zu Fuss zu erkunden. Gerne wieder!

• Pascual from Argentina – 1 October 2024 (9/10)

  La ubicación
  
  What could be improved: Las camas y el ruido de la calle desde muy temprano…

• Catherine from France – 8 September 2024 (9/10)

  Appartement très bien rénové et tous les équipements sont qualitatifs.
  Localisation parfaite, à 15 minutes à pied des Arènes et à 35 minutes de la gare.
  Le jardin Guisti est à 5 minutes et offre une belle promenade.
  Parking souterrain sur la place juste en bas de la rue.
  Privilégier la petite supérette de quartier juste en bas de la rue car les supermarchés en ville ne proposent pas de produits de qualité
  
  What could be improved: Niente !

• Petr from Czech Republic – 20 July 2024 (9/10)

  Umístění bytu blízko centra, vybavení vším co je potřeba.
  
  What could be improved: Složita počáteční administrace s ubytováním, chybějící povlečení pro třetího hosta( po reklamaci bylo druhý den vyreseno).

• Stefan from Germany – 24 June 2024 (9/10)

  Geschmackvolle -neue- Einrichtung, zentrale und trotzdem ruhige Lage. Parkplatz (Parkhaus) wenige Minuten entfernt.

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