VERONA CENTRO MARIA’s HOUSE

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Verona Centro Maria’s House kind of by accident last spring – I was in Verona for that opera festival at the Arena, and my original booking fell through. Tucked away on Via Franco Faccio, just a stone’s throw from the Adige River, it’s not smack in the middle of the tourist frenzy like those spots around Piazza Bra, but honestly, that’s what makes it a gem. I mean, you can walk to Castelvecchio in about five minutes, cross that gorgeous Ponte Scaligero bridge with its medieval vibes, and suddenly you’re dipping into the historic center without dealing with the constant buzz of tour groups. The building itself looks like one of those understated Italian townhouses, with faded ochre walls and wrought-iron balconies – nothing flashy, but it feels lived-in, you know? When I checked in, Maria herself (or at least someone who seemed like the namesake) greeted me with this warm, no-fuss smile and a quick espresso, which was a lifesaver after hauling my bag from the train station at Porta Nuova, about a 15-minute stroll away. Parking’s a bit of a hassle here – streets are narrow, like most of Verona’s centro storico – so if you’re driving, scout out the spots near the river or that underground lot by the Arsenale; otherwise, it’s public transport all the way, which isn’t bad with buses zipping by every few minutes.

What really stuck with me, though, was how the place balances that cozy, homey feel with some solid comforts – it’s rated 9.1 for a reason, after all. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a quiet courtyard where you could hear birds chirping in the morning instead of car horns, and the bed? Oh man, plush linens that smelled faintly of lavender, like they’d been line-dried in the sun. Breakfast is simple but spot-on: fresh croissants, local cheeses from the Veneto region, and this homemade jam that tasted like it came straight from a nearby farm – none of that generic buffet slop. I appreciated the little touches, like the free Wi-Fi that actually worked without dropping (a rarity in older buildings here), and the air conditioning that hummed softly during those humid May afternoons. Well, sort of a minor gripe – the bathroom was compact, you know, with one of those European-style showers that can feel a tad cramped if you’re tall like me, but it was spotless and had decent water pressure. Evenings were peaceful; the neighborhood quiets down after 10 PM, except maybe during peak summer when folks spill out from the nearby trattorias on Via Sottoriva, but it’s more charming than annoying – think distant laughter and the occasional scooter whizzing by.

All in all, if you’re heading to Verona and want something authentic without the chain-hotel sterility, this is your spot. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who dig exploring on foot – you’re close enough to Juliet’s House (yeah, the touristy one with the balcony) for a quick visit, but far enough to escape the crowds and actually relax. I left feeling like I’d stayed with a friend rather than in a hotel, and that’s saying something in a city as romantic as this. Just book ahead, especially around opera season; it fills up fast. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $134. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very convenient location, clean and exactly what we needed for our city break – Phillipa from United Kingdom – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

  The house is about a 15min walk from the station set back from a main road and at the back of the block so very quiet. It was about another 20 – 30min walk into the main square by the Arena. The facilities were good and clean with a well equipped kitchen. We felt very safe and enjoyed our stay. Maria was very helpful and communicated well with us before and during our stay
  
  What could be improved: The only negative point was our UK plug adapters didn’t fit directly into the sockets. There were 2 plug specific adapters provided which worked but not enough with a family trying to charge our phones. It was adapter plus adapter plus plug so seemed rather excessive to use in a socket and wouldn’t fit all sockets so if more could be provided then that would be helpful.

• Very good – Tracey from United States – 1 July 2025 (8/10)

  The sleeping areas were spacious and had a/c, which was great since it was incredibly hot. Maria was great to communicate with and made sure we understood everything which is a always appreciated. Overall, it is a nice place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: There was no a/c in the kitchen area, and unfortunately, it was super hot when trying to cook our dinner. The oven wasn't working, which was probably okay since it was so hot.

• Exceptional – Leslie from Australia – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  Loved the location, the proximity to the Verona sights and the central station for an early morning departure. Would have liked to stay longer. Great communication with Maria. Would certainly stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Would recommend – Erika from Australia – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Maria was very kind and friendly. The apartment was very clean and had everything you needed. I would recommend.
  
  What could be improved: I wish the surrounding streets had better pedestrian crossings. It was sometimes dangerous to cross the street. That is not Maria's fault though.

• Clean and comfortable – Stephanie from Australia – 13 September 2024 (8/10)

  So clean! The cleanest place I’ve ever stayed at. The location was great if you need easy access to the train station. Great WiFi. Hosts are lovely.
  
  What could be improved: The electricity is limited. This was difficult in a heatwave when we had to have the air conditioning on. The surrounding area is very dark at night and does not feel overly safe, especially for women, particularly near the station. No grocery stores nearby.

• very happy and would be pleased to refer others – Craig from New Zealand – 29 June 2024 (9/10)

  spacious and well appointed, very pleasant and helpful host
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Spacious, clean and safe – Kelsey from Australia – 14 June 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was safe, close to public transport and very clean.
  It was about a 10 minute walk to the train station and roughly 20 minute walk into the centre of town.
  Maria was fantastic. Very informative and had precise instructions for check in, making it super easy. She was also very responsive with any queries I had. Would definitely recommend this place to others
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Exceptional – Adam from Czech Republic – 1 October 2023 (10/10)

  Very good location – about 5-10 mins from the railway/bus station, 20-30 mins walking to the city center. The apartment was clean and spacious , and it was really comfortable even for four people! There are two balconies which are appropriate for a calm breakfast. The kitchen is big and you can cook there anything you like. All the stay was very pleasant and if I decide to come back to Verona, i’d definitely revisit this accommodation!😇

• Super clean, lovely spacious apartment with a beautiful Host. – Judy from Australia – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Absolutely wonderful Host. Lovely super clean apartment, with well equipped kitchen, very comfy beds and nice bathroom. Loved having a washing machine and drying rack and patio. Good security we felt very safe. Within walking distance to train station, supermarket and central Verona.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great but would have loved a couple of comfy chairs in which to sit and relax.

• Perfect verblijft gehad in gekoeld appartement tijdens de hittegolf. – Jacob from Netherlands – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Goed contact met de verhuurder, duidelijke instructies en alles was brandschoon

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities