San Matteo Maison

San Matteo Maison Overview

You know, I stumbled upon San Matteo Maison almost by accident last summer while wandering through Verona’s tangled backstreets – I was trying to escape the throngs around Juliet’s balcony on Via Cappello, and honestly, turning down Vicolo del Guasto felt like stepping into a quieter, more authentic slice of the city. It’s this unassuming little spot tucked right in the historical center, just a stone’s throw from Piazza delle Erbe where the market buzzes with fresh fruit smells in the mornings and that earthy scent of truffle oil from the vendors. The building itself is one of those classic Veronese townhouses, all faded ochre walls and wrought-iron balconies that creak a bit in the wind – nothing flashy, but it has that lived-in charm that makes you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s place rather than checking into a hotel. Check-in was a breeze; the owner, this warm guy named Matteo (fitting, right?), handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby gelateria – Gelateria Savoia on Via Roma, if you’re wondering – and warned me about the cobblestones outside, which can be a nightmare for rolling suitcases, especially after a rain when they get all slick and puddly.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends old-world vibes with just enough modern comforts to keep things practical. My room was on the second floor – no elevator, mind you, so pack light if stairs aren’t your thing – and it opened up to this cozy space with exposed wooden beams overhead and these soft, linen sheets that smelled faintly of lavender, like they’d been line-dried in the Italian sun. It wasn’t huge, I mean, the bathroom was a tad cramped with that quirky pedestal sink, but the rainfall shower made up for it, blasting away the day’s sweat from trekking to the Arena di Verona (which is literally a 10-minute walk away, perfect for catching an opera if you’re there in July or August when the festival turns the whole amphitheater into a magical echo chamber of arias and applause). Breakfast was a highlight too – served in this sunny courtyard where pigeons coo softly and the air carries hints of espresso and fresh cornetti from the bakery next door. They do a simple spread: local cheeses, prosciutto from the hills around Lake Garda (about a half-hour drive if you rent a car, but parking in the center is a hassle – better to use the public garages on Via della Costa), and these homemade jams that tasted like summer bottled up. Oh, and the Wi-Fi was surprisingly zippy for such an old building, which saved me when I needed to book last-minute tickets to Castelvecchio.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Verona without the tourist trap feel – think quiet evenings sipping Valpolicella on your balcony while the bells from Santa Anastasia church toll nearby – San Matteo is a gem. It’s not perfect; the street can get a bit noisy on weekend nights with folks spilling out from the osterias on Corso Porta Borsari, but earplugs sorted that out for me. Rated an 8.6 for good reason, I’d say – solid value for a 4-star in the heart of it all, especially off-season in spring when the wisteria blooms and the crowds thin out. Go for it if you crave that intimate, insider’s Verona experience; you’ll leave feeling like you’ve uncovered a secret.

San Matteo Maison Accommodations

Reviews of San Matteo Maison

• Lea from Slovenia – 23 December 2024 (9/10)

  It was very clean and the location was perfect – close to everything!

• Rabindra from Norway – 26 October 2024 (9/10)

  Very centrally located in the historical center. Spacious, clean and well appointed.

• Lauren from Australia – 24 October 2024 (9/10)

  Plenty of space in apartment, small basic kitchen okay for a few days. Location is perfect, bus from station stops nearby and only a short walk to everything. Excellent security with the whole building
  
  What could be improved: Be prepared for a LOT of stairs from the front entry of the building to the apartment

• Min from United States – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  staff is friendly and helpful. allowed us to store our luggage before we couldn check in hotel
  there's a resturant on site so easy to get dinner and convenient.
  has washer and dryer so it's very helpful especially after travelled more than a week to get dirty clothes cleaned
  
  What could be improved: taxi is not easy to request from the location. it took us 30 min or so eventually walked to the city plaza to get a uber, almost coun't catch up with the train

• Sara from North Macedonia – 21 July 2024 (9/10)

  The best apartment that i have stayed in my life.
  So clean, so new and the location was the perfect side of this hotel.
  
  The kitchen is that kitchen that we all want in our life. You have everything, coffee, drinks, poker, cards and everything to chill.
  
  The hoster was so kind and the restaurant that they have is so nice and have good pizzas.

• Henrik from Sweden – 19 July 2024 (9/10)

  I really enjoyed this flat that we booked when attending the open air opera in Verona. The staff was super and gave us a good tour and instructions on appliances and WiFi. Best thing with the accommodation was the location , smack in the middle of old Verona, really nice alleys and buildings .
  
  What could be improved: It was a bit hard to access the final 200m with car, since it was in a nocar zone the hours when we arrived. The sign was easy to miss, so park your car and walk the last few meters and you will be fine.

• Carolina from Italy – 28 April 2024 (9/10)

  Really spacious place….really clean and super close to the city center

• Guy from Netherlands – 30 October 2023 (9/10)

  The location is perfect, right inside the Porta Borsari and next to the San Matteo Church restaurant. The apartment is rather new and modern. It has everything you need. The bunk beds are spacious, very clever to include these. The kitchen is equipped with all necessities.
  
  What could be improved: The place is rather dark, no daylight. But that is the only thing.

• Olga from Latvia – 25 August 2023 (9/10)

  Exceptional location, can't be better. Just in the center of everything, Close to Arena, which was very convenient for late Opera event. Very good WiFi and air conditioner. Was very nice to get welcome water and wine.
  
  What could be improved: Would be good to have some more tableware like plates, forks and knives.

• Oliwia from Norway – 17 August 2023 (9/10)

  Very big and clean and perfect
  
  What could be improved: It was a creepy door with stairs in the apartment, it was open

Surroundings

Facilities