Porta Antica

The room was clean, classy and spacious, with a large contemporary bathroom. On the wall was a simple but masterly outline drawing of the main square. Porta Antica sits on a main pedestrian street in Bergamo’s old town. It’s busy in the daytime and quiet at night, with double glazing helping us sleep. Opposite is Forno Fassi, a wonderful bakery that opens early. We ate around the corner at La Cucina, an old family-run restaurant Dan recommended. The local food was good, including polenta and tender “guancia ubriaca”, and the hosts were pleasant. We called at the last minute on a Friday evening in July while standing at the courtyard gate. Luckily, they had a room available, and it was booked and sorted online soon after. Dan was a friendly, attentive host, mostly by text. Reception is virtual and remote, much like ordering from Amazon, though it’s wise to have passport scans ready beforehand. Totally recommended.

The room was small but clean, and the staff were helpful. Still, it felt overpriced for a place in the city centre. Noise from the bar downstairs kept us from sleeping, the air conditioning didn't work, and the water was cold.

I had such a comfortable and pleasant stay at Porta Antica, probably the best accommodation I experienced in Bergamo. It's a relatively new property, and everything feels fresh and spotlessly clean. Staff were warm and attentive, even checking how I was doing just after check-in, and they replied quickly to messages. The upper town location is ideal, just a two-minute walk from the funicular stop. Charming local shops and a mini supermarket are nearby, and the area feels lively and safe. The sights are all walkable, so it was easy to return to the room for a break. I enjoyed running through the old town early in the morning, with stunning views along the city walls, then starting the day with coffee at the famous La Marianna café. Illy coffee in the room was a nice Italian touch, and I was surprised by how powerful the hairdryer was. For a Bergamo stay, I absolutely recommend Porta Antica. It was flawless from beginning to end.