Majestic Toscanelli

The location is very handy, close to Piazza Della erbe and lots of shops and restaurants, and about a 15-minute walk from Giardina dell Arena. It’s an older hotel that’s been fully renovated, with a lot of charm. Our room was clean and the bed comfortable, though the room itself was very small. Breakfast on the mezzanine was excellent, with everything you’d want.

The Jewish Ghetto is within walking distance of most local attractions, so the hotel makes an easy and safe base for exploring Padua. It’s also a lively area, with students gathering in the narrow streets outside late into the night. The noise can be loud, and locals are trying to restrict these late activities. We could be disturbed until midnight, and the hotel provides earplugs. The hotel’s look is appealing, and guests are greeted enthusiastically. Our junior suite was comfortable for a couple, and breakfast had a refreshing range of delicious foods. Italo’s restaurant is no longer available, unfortunately, but you can enjoy food from the restaurant next door in your room, the hotel bar, or outside among the old ghetto streets, which feel like a theater set. The hotel is in the traditional Jewish ghetto. Its history begins with Italo Morosi 11/3/1910, who learned the restaurant trade in Padua from his cousins. After years of changes and the end of WWII, Italo made the decision that led to Trattoria Toscanini in 1946. The cuisine drew famous actors and important people, and the business did well enough for him to pursue buying Hotel Majestic in Via dell’ Arco in 1958. After surviving the 1964 earthquake, Hotel Majestic Toscanelli opened its doors and fulfilled Italo’s dream.

There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and the hotel is right in the middle of the city. The staff were lovely, friendly, and helpful, and our room had a good bed. Breakfast cost 15 E per person and was good. We did have two drawbacks: the shower was small, and bars opposite our window were noisy. The hotel provides earplugs.

Breakfast was my favorite part. I enjoyed starting the day slowly with a cappuccino and fresh, nutritious food. Our guestroom had air conditioning, which many Americans will appreciate. The hotel is within walking distance of all sorts of enriching places and activities, on weekdays and weekends. The staff were friendly, and in my experience they were happy to let an American try or practice speaking Italian. Salve, Gina!