Villa Cedro – Gardagate

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to Villa Cedro – Gardagate on Strada Cà Nova Toro, just south of Verona’s center, I was honestly a bit surprised – in a good way. I’d been weaving through those twisty back roads off the A4 highway, dodging the usual afternoon traffic from folks heading to the Veronafiere fairgrounds (which are like, five minutes away if you’re into trade shows or whatever), and suddenly there’s this charming villa tucked among olive groves and those tall cedars that give the place its name. The air smelled fresh, like pine and earth after a light rain – none of that city exhaust you get downtown near the Arena. It’s not smack in the historic heart, mind you, but that’s kind of the appeal; you’re about a 10-15 minute drive from Juliet’s balcony or the Ponte Pietra, so you can dip into the romance of Verona without the constant hum of tourists and Vespas. Parking was a breeze – they have a private lot right out front, no hunting for spots like in the centro storico – and check-in was this laid-back affair with the owner chatting about local spots, like grabbing a spritz at that little bar in nearby Borgo Roma.

What really stuck with me, though, was how the place feels like a proper escape, you know? The rooms are spacious, with these high ceilings and terracotta floors that stay cool even in July’s heat – I mean, Verona summers can be brutal, but here you’re shaded by those cedars, and there’s a pool that’s perfect for lazy afternoons (though it gets busy around weekends when locals pop in). Breakfast was solid – fresh croissants, cappuccinos made just right, and some homemade jams from the garden – but honestly, it’s nothing fancy; if you’re a foodie, you might wander to the market in Piazza Erbe for more variety. We stayed in one of the suites overlooking the hills, and at night, it’s so quiet you can hear crickets and maybe a distant train from the Verona-Mantova line, but it wasn’t disruptive – more like a gentle reminder you’re not totally isolated. Oh, and a small heads-up: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the farther rooms, especially during peak season when everyone’s streaming, but for unplugging, it’s sort of a blessing. The staff are genuinely helpful, too – one evening they pointed us to a hidden trail for a sunset walk toward the Adige River, which felt like insider knowledge you wouldn’t get from a chain hotel.

All in all, if you’re looking for that authentic Verona vibe without the chaos – maybe a romantic getaway or a family base to explore Lake Garda (it’s only a half-hour drive north) – Villa Cedro is worth it. It’s got that 4-star comfort with an 8.3 rating that feels earned, not overhyped, and at quieter times like early spring or fall, it’s even more magical when the crowds thin out. Just pack light; the stairs to some rooms might test you after a day of sightseeing.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $519. Five-Bedroom Villa with 3 × 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 10

Reviews

• Paolo from Italy – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  Villa stupenda
  
  What could be improved: Check in online migliorabile

• Michael from Germany – 5 August 2024 (9/10)

  Das Haus ist komplett neu renoviert. War in einem Top Zustand
  
  What could be improved: Es gibt nichts zu bemängeln

• Barthold from Netherlands – 19 July 2024 (10/10)

  Erg mooi huis met fijn zwembad

• Romina from Israel – 2 August 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities